One Group Wants to Hear from Triad Veterans

A High Point event will focus on the backlog of veterans claims.

Concerned Veterans for America is a non-profit organization based in Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to make sure veterans receive all of the benefits they are entitled to receive. This evening, the group will host a roundtable discussion at High Point Public Library. Field representative and Marine Veteran John Byrnes says they will focus on the backlog of claims overwhelming Veterans Administration offices nationwide. "Nationally, the Veterans Administration spent $25 billion dollars and almost five years to reform the pen and ink culture into an automated claim system," explains Byrnes. "In the meantime, there are still 498,000 veterans who have been waiting more than 125 days for their claims to be processed. Getting the system automated is good but there is still a long way to go," he says. Tonight at the roundtable, area veterans will be encouraged to share their experiences of going through the VA system to get their claims approved.

Also, Byrnes says veterans are battling another problem, their cultural disconnect with civilians in the community. Something he believes both sides can rectify.  "It's on veterans and military people to explain their experiences to people in their community," says Byrnes. "It's also important for civilians to reach out to veterans and to appreciate the personal sacrifices soldiers have made." Byrnes believes people in the community can provide a strong support network for veterans. Tonight's event is at 6 p.m. in the Morgan Community Room on the first floor.