NewsLocal News

Actions

Veterans speak out about role of veterans affairs in midterm election

Posted at 11:05 AM, Nov 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-13 13:12:29-05

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Over the course of the 2018 midterm elections, veterans and veterans affairs were among the top issues for voters in Montana. 

Local veterans talked with MTN News about their thoughts on the election and what issues they want to see improved.

“They actually need to take the Veterans Administration off the political football field because they keep playing around with it and trying to make political statements with it instead of just working with veterans,” said Army Veteran Randy Kemp. 

“Legislation is in place to do what they need to do. Now the thing is, it has to get funded and they have to get staffed and those are not very easy to do. They are the important things to do,” said Vietnam Veteran John Kozicki. 

“I am going to the VA for my medical care,” said Vietnam Veteran Arlen Tofslie. “They have been very good to me. The only thing that I think needs to be improved on is the speed with which they make things happen.”

“I think the biggest thing is to reach out to the older vets that aren’t as aware as the newer vets of what is available and can be done for them,” said Air Force Veteran Patricia Baerga.

These vets say they believe Montana does more than most states for its veterans but also said that there is still work to be done.