FollowDuring a speech delivered in North Carolina, Obama promised veterans that two crucial aspects of their lives will be improved. The quality of veterans’ lives is more precarious than we would like to admit. The horrors of war take their toll and veterans face problems upon returning as they attempt to readjust. Besides, administrative misconduct can easily add up to the situation.
The American Legion held a convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The president used the occasion to touch two problems. One is related to the veterans’ access to healthcare and the second to their home loan issues. After the president’s discourse, the White House announced a total number of 19 policy changes aiming to improve veterans’ lives.
Obama will take executive action to ensure that veterans and their families will benefit from lower interest rates. “We’re going to help more of our military troops and their families own their own home without a crushing debt,” the president said. The action will involve cooperation with banks such as Wells Fargo & Co and Bank of America. Mortgage servicers will approach veterans to offer them more advantageous refinancing offers, Reuters reports.
Major purchases, such as houses, are an issue at the moment for many Americans. A recent FED consumer survey revealed that although economic indicators show a recovery, the signs of recession are still visible.
Obama promised veterans that mental health care will be improved
The second issue addressed by the president is related to healthcare. The Department of Veterans Affairs was recently involved in a scandal when it was revealed that healthcare for veterans was delayed. The head of the department, Eric Shinseki, was ousted as it was discovered that the delays were covered up.
“Misconduct we’ve seen at too many facilities with long wait times and folks cooking the books is outrageous and inexcusable,” Obama said. “What I want you to know directly from me, is we are going to get to the bottom of these problems, we are going to fix what is wrong, we are going to do right by your families.” Obama promised veterans that healthcare will be improved as the new VA secretary, Robert McDonald, “is instituting a new culture of accountability. Bob doesn’t play,” Washington Post reports.
Suicide rates are high among veterans. The National Institute of Health and the Pentagon will perform a study on early detection of suicide risks and post-traumatic stress disorder. In the meantime, the Department of Veteran Affairs will conduct a national clinical trial on suicide prevention. VA will invest $34.4 million and 1.800 veterans will be included in the trial that will take place in 29 hospitals.
