Sen. Brown (D) and Rep. Space (D) to Hold Historic Joint VA Affairs Hearing in Ohio

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon) and Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) announced last night that they will hold the first ever joint field hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs in Ohio next Tuesday. The hearing will focus on issues affecting veterans in Ohio and across Appalachia, with testimony about access to care, claims processing, information dissemination, and veterans service improvements.

"We have a duty and moral obligation to ensure our nation's veterans receive the care and support they need," said Brown in a press release. "As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I take this task very seriously and look forward to hearing from those in the field on how we can better serve Ohio veterans."

"Veterans in rural Appalachia unfortunately often receive a lower level of care due to transportation and access issues," adds Space. "That is simply unacceptable. I look forward to discussing these issues with experts in the field and working with Senator Brown to find solutions so our heroes get the care they deserve."

Attendees at the hearing will include Frank Anderson, Government Relations Director of the Buckeye Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America; Robert Bertschy, Senior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Ohio; Tom Burke, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council; Larry Moore, State Legislative Director of the Ohio Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; George Ondick, Executive Director of AMVETS, Department of Ohio; Donald Lanthorn, Department Service Director of the Department of Ohio of The American Legion; and Terry Carson, Chief Executive Officer of the Harrison Community Hospital.

The Veterans in Appalachia Joint Field Hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 29th, at 10:00 am on the Kent State University - Tuscarawas campus, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio.