Federal cuts are hitting veterans hard.

The goal is to cut 83,000 jobs from the Veterans Affairs at a time when veterans health care needs are greater than ever.

There were more than 26 million living veterans according to November 2023 figures from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The breakdown is:

WWII: 389,000 average age 99

Korean War: 1.2 million average age 88

Vietnam War: 6.3 million average age 74

Desert Shield/Desert Storm: 1.7 million

Global War of Terror: 16.8 million

Last year, the VA served over 9 million enrollees and made 127.5 million health care appointments. Between 2023-2024 over 400,000 vets were added to the benefits system.

Now when calling the VA you talk to a person. With cuts and an automated system for appointments, it will be impossible for some older veterans to access the system.

Severe staffing shortages were reported in 137 of the 139 health centers nationwide. Before job cuts, the VA was working to fill 66,000 vacancies.

Cuts were made to the Veterans Crisis Line even though there are an average 17.6 veteran suicides per day and 60,000 calls per month. Ending remote work options caused layoffs as most crisis-line workers have always worked from home.

Our veterans deserve better.

Sue Mraz, Slippery Rock