November 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

October kept us busy on Capitol Hill! After over three weeks without a Speaker, the House elected Representative Mike Johnson to fill the top spot. With Speaker Johnson now in place, we will continue our important work on legislation for our veterans. Please read below for more information about the latest in this arena. 

Veterans Day is coming up on Saturday, November 11. To all veterans and veteran families, I hope that this day serves as a reminder of how grateful we are to you for all you've done to serve our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifices; we would not be the nation we are without you. 

Finally, nominations for our 2023 Veteran of the Year are open now through Saturday, November 18. We are so proud of our veterans in Florida's Third Congressional District and look forward to recognizing an outstanding veteran for his or her contributions to our communities. You can learn more on our website here.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you'd like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans' Services tab. And as always, if you’re a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For Freedom,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Recognizing Veterans Day

Next Saturday, November 11 is Veterans Day. On this important day each year, we take a moment to appreciate the men and women who have so bravely served our nation and continue to make sacrifices in service after their time in the military has formally concluded. 

Florida's Third is home to thousands of veterans and we are grateful for them each day. Thank you for your service. 

2023 Veteran Of The Year

Nominations are now open for our 2023 Veteran of the Year! The deadline for nominations is coming up on Saturday, November 18, with the winner announced after Thanksgiving. 

If you know an outstanding veteran deserving of this recognition, let us know by nominating them! Learn more on our website here. 

How A Bill Becomes Law

As your elected official in the House of Representatives, I need to hear your voice and the voices of your neighbors to write and vote in favor of policy that directly benefits our community. 

If you're interested in learning more about the legislative process, and how bills become law, take a look below. 

Transportation For Veterans

Transportation is one of the largest barriers veterans face when accessing the health care they need. Transportation challenges range from not having a car to relying on a caregiver with a conflicting schedule to needing a long-distance drive to their nearest VA clinic.

Following a successful pilot at 10 VA medical centers in 2022, the VHA-Uber Health Connect (VUHC) Initiative is now expanding to 60 new VAMCs to continue addressing this challenge. Eligible Veterans in 18 states and Puerto Rico will have access to supplemental transportation to and from their medical care, expanding access to the soonest and best care.

How The COMPACT Act Can Help YOU

I want all veterans and former servicemembers to know that they can get free, emergency suicide care when they need it no matter where they are. 

What it is:

• Any veteran – whether enrolled with the VA or not – can go to a VA or non-VA emergency room for emergent suicidal care.
• We strongly recommend for veterans in a suicidal crisis to call 911, or visit their nearest emergency room for expedited care.
• VA will provide the treatment or cover the costs for treatment including transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days.

Regardless of VA enrollment status, COMPACT-eligible individuals are:

• Former members of the armed forces who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

For more information please click here.

The VA's Urgent Care Program

VA offers urgent care services to eligible veterans at VA medical facilities or at in‑network urgent care clinics. Use VA’s urgent care benefit to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections.

To make sure you have a smooth experience, please click the button below to understand the requirements and limitations associated with this benefit.

Veterans' Services Tab On Rep. Cammack's Website

The Veterans' Services tab of Rep. Cammack's website has information on a wide variety of topics, including news from the VA, resources for veterans, and more. These pages are consistently updated so our FL-03 veterans have the most updated information. Additionally, should you need assistance with the VA, our team can help you by opening a case and contacting the VA on your behalf.