What do you think are the largest issues facing the Veteran community?

The greatest threat to service members today is their elected leaders. Those who would co-opt us for a photo while failing to support us after we leave the service are the worst kind of hypocrite. But, on the other hand, those who demonize us and call us crazy or a danger to society simply because we signed up to do a job feels equally dangerous. I don't know any veteran who leaves the service and feels that the system takes care of them. I appreciate that our government is big and complicated, and the DoD does its best to teach and train service members what life outside the military can be like: but I think that in the end the danger is really that we lose access to those whom we can relate to most. I don't know of any service members in my area much less any who would gather together to talk about anything more than their anger at the VA or larger system. I think it's unfortunate as it's given so many cause to give up, to take more drastic and dangerous paths than they otherwise would've. Our system is failing so many, and our leaders are either unable or unwilling to resolve those issues and until they do, I think we will continue to see these harms growing.

They need to get doctors that they can understand. Need more timely appointments. When they need to go to the ER on a weekend they should be able to treat them. Not just send them home with go see your primary. They need to take care of their claims in a timely manner. The vets should not have to wait a year or more to get their money. If a person has served they should be able to go to any VA hospital without questions. Vets should not have to wait hours for their meds. They should not have to jump through hoops to get what they need to have a better life.

Being called a danger to democracy by members of congress.

Taking an oath to the constitution and watching as our government and fellow Americans walk all over claiming individual rights and not respecting that we all have those same rights.

120,000 veterans having committed suicide since 9/11. Military members stand together. Veterans fall alone. More outreach and understanding for our fellow veterans who need help.

Deling with the VA.

Lawmakers not being able to agree and taking too long to make things happen in a timely manner.