Congressman Don Davis hosted roundtable event for veterans

Eastern North Carolina — Veterans across Eastern North Carolina gathered in Greenville to ask questions and give suggestions at a roundtable event hosted by Congressman Don Davis. News 12 was at the meeting where Congressman Davis spoke with veterans about the concerns they brought up.

Over 50 veterans and military family members came here to voice their concerns and ideas. Veterans from every branch came together, to share their thoughts on everything from VA healthcare to how their military records are handled.

"These meetings right here help us a lot in educating us on what's going on, as far as medical care and things of that nature," says Veteran Ed Harris. 

"The VA is messing up...first of all, they got the doctors approving repairs on equipment...they don't need to do that," says Veteran Al Rice. 

Between healthcare and benefits the most talked about topic at the meeting had to do with military archives and veteran records. That topic was something First District Congressman Don Davis who hosted the meeting wasn't expecting but one he says he will look into. 

"One of the takeaways for me today was looking archives and how we can help get records more expeditiously to our veterans that are needing them for various reasons including their claims," says Congressman Don Davis.    

Davis laid out plans to help the veterans of North Carolina during the hour and a half long meeting.

"It is important to hear from them, to hear their stories and to share those stories in Washington DC, helping to streamline services so that we can connect veterans to the benefits they've earned," says Congressman Don Davis. 

News 12 reached out to First District Republican Candidate Laurie Buckhout to hear her ideas on assisting veterans in North Carolina, but we have not heard back yet.