Congressman Mike Rogers met today with his Third District Veterans Advisory Council in Sylacauga. This group of volunteers comprised of Veterans from across the thirteen counties in the Third District meets regularly with Rogers to help advise him on issues important to Veterans and their families.

Amid the current scandal with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Rogers used the meeting to hear from the Veterans on issues and problems they have had with their local VA.  Rogers also wanted any unique insights from the group on the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, based in Montgomery, which has been under intense scrutiny recently after cases of misconduct – some confirmed and others unconfirmed – have been brought to light.

“It seems not a day goes by without another terrible report about the VA’s appalling mismanagement or mistreatment of our Veterans.  The information this committee shares with me and my staff ultimately could help bring greater accountability and improved care for our Veterans at VA facilities,” Rogers said.

                Rogers thanked the Veterans able to attend the meeting. “I appreciate these proud Veterans taking their time to be a part of this group to help advise me on issues and concerns important to our Veterans. I thank them for their brave service to our great Nation.”

                Rogers also asked the committee to bring to his attention any specific information they had on how the VA is treating Veterans across the district.  Rogers plans to continue to connect personally with other Veterans across East Alabama to hear their concerns. “The current scandal plaguing the VA is appalling. We must make sure the VA is providing the highest quality of care for our Veterans. Anything less than that is unacceptable, and if folks know something that should be reported I strongly encourage them to bring these issues to my or my staff’s attention so we can alert the proper oversight authorities.”

Rogers serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee and is a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Homeland Security Committees.

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