Congressman visits Greenville, talks about veterans resources with local, state leaders
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – Congressman Don Davis is learning more from local veterans and people who work with them. He held a roundtable discussion on Monday with some of those people from the state and local levels.
People around the table voiced their challenges with getting veterans the services they need, especially in parts of rural Eastern North Carolina.
“We have a hard time getting the resources that the other counties have,” said Nicole Jenkins, the veteran service officer for Jones County. “We also have issues with transportation. In our county specifically, we share transportation with Craven County and Pamlico County. By doing so it really limits us on the transportation we can provide to the veterans.”
That’s where Congressman Don Davis’ office said they’re here to help. They handle casework to make sure veterans have what they need.
“We’re looking at how to streamline access to benefits,” Davis said. “Whether it’s dealing with disability, education or health care. Right now what is important is to make sure we’re taking care of our veterans and our families who have fought so hard for us.”
Jenkins said she’s also hopeful Davis can push forward certain legislation with several new bills working their way through Congress.
“When I knew I was coming to this meeting, I did my research on these bills,” Jenkins said. “One of the specifics had to do with spouse housing grants and how to assist them. The two other grants were transportation related. It gives a chance for the people who work with the veterans to bring everything to the table and bring it to the people who are going to take it to the top and make the changes that need to be made. It takes someone like Congressman Davis to take what we voice to him.”
With the positive feedback from Monday’s meeting, Davis said he plans to have these meetings on a regular basis to hear more about some of these concerns and to help find more resolutions.
In the meantime, if you are a veteran who needs help, you can reach out to Davis’ office. Their local number is (252) 999-7600. They have a district location on Arlington Boulevard in Greenville.