|
November 11, 2021
Dear Friend,
This Veterans Day, we reflect on the sacrifices our veterans have made on behalf of our nation. As your Congressman, it is one of my greatest honors to serve on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and work to expand economic opportunities and access to care and services for North Texas veterans and their families.
I believe we have a sacred commitment to ensure each and every one of our veterans gets the support, services and care they need when they return back to civilian life. That’s why I fought to pass my bill, the Major Medical Facility Authorization Act, which President Biden signed into law this year, that will bring a new Spinal Cord Injury Center to Dallas. The new center will expand the long-term care wing at the North Texas VA and treat veterans living with spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.
|
Do you feel we’re doing enough to support veterans?
 
By participating in the survey, you agree to receive periodic communications from Rep. Allred.
|
Albert Patterson, a Vietnam veteran who’s had multiple surgeries on his spine told the Dallas Morning News that the facility would be a godsend for veterans. I am so glad we got this done, and look forward to working with the VA to continue to make progress on this facility. Construction of the new Spinal Cord Injury Center builds on the success of my efforts to secure the Garland VA Medical Center, which is open now and serving veterans across North Texas.
This fall, I also helped to pass out of the House the annual defense funding bill which will take steps to improve the quality of life for our military families by increasing allowable parental leave, expanding mental health care and giving our current servicemembers a well-deserved pay raise. The bill also reiterates our commitment to safely relocating our Afghan allies who served with United States troops.
 |
| Rep. Allred helped to pass the Major Medical Facility Authorization Act, which President Biden signed into law this year, that will bring a new Spinal Cord Injury Center to Dallas. |
|
I am continuing to work with both parties to pass legislation that benefits our veterans, like the bipartisan Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act, which will help the VA provide care for veterans facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, or the bipartisan Informing Veterans on Education for Transitioning Servicemembers Act, which will help veterans with disabilities get an education and a good job.
I am also here to help veterans facing issues with the VA. Earlier this year, I was contacted by Ed Malouf’s family from Dallas. Mr. Malouf was a Purple Heart recipient who served in both World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Malouf was owed medical care benefits from the VA, but even with the help of attorneys, and after nineteen months of back and forth with the VA, was unable to claim the benefits. When the Malouf family contacted me, I immediately put in an inquiry with the VA. The issue was resolved shortly after and Mr. Malouf was able to access 100% of the benefits he was owed.
If you or a veteran you know need assistance dealing with the VA, I can help. Give my Richardson office a call at (972) 972-7949 or visit my website allred.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.
Happy Veterans Day to all who have served. Today and every day, we honor your sacrifice and service to our nation. Please know that I will continue working to pass meaningful legislation that improves the lives of veterans and servicemembers. It is an honor to serve you, and to represent North Texas, where I was born and raised.
Sincerely,
Colin Allred
Member of Congress
Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter
|
