Swampscott Disabled Veterans Press For More Support On Capitol Hill

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Members of the E.F. Gilmore Chapter of Disabled American Veterans representing Swampscott and Lynn pressed for improvements in benefits equity, mental health services and a full spectrum of long-term care options for service-disabled and aging veterans during a recent trip to Washington D.C. to attend the DAV National Mid-Winter Conference.

The local contingent met with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) and outlined their priorities, including the implementation of the PACT Act to support veterans exposed to toxic agents during their service, ensuring equity in VA care, services and benefits for women, LGBTQ+ and minority veterans, and bolstering mental health resources to ensure continued progress in reducing veteran suicide.

The keynote speaker at the annual conference was U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, who told the contingent that the VA was committed to more care, more benefits and more programs for women veterans.

Meeting with Moulton was Bob Lennon, Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Adjutant, Jeffrey Blonder, Commander, E. F. Gilmore DAV, Robert Kinsman, Sr. Vice Commander, Department of Massachusetts, DAV, and Cindy Blonder.

The DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

The DAV assists veterans and their families in accessing the full range of benefits available to them and seeks to educate the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

North Shore veterans in need of assistance in determining eligibility for claims and filing for them are encouraged to contact Commander Jeffrey Blonder at the E.F. Gilmore Chapter at 617-967-6892 or E_F_Gilmore_DAV_chapter64@yahoo.com.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)