Minority Affairs Committee Update May/June 2023
BY GUMERSINDO GOMEZ, CHAIR
It has been two long, busy years for the committee since our last Convention, and we are still going strong. My hope is for the committee to remain as enthusiastic as we were two years ago. After the upcoming Convention we will continue to support minority veterans’ issues, not only here at VVA, but also in Congress and at the VA.
In 2021, we worked to open a new VA Clinic in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria swept the old clinic away in 2017. I visited the clinic in February, and I can report that it is among the most beautiful medical facilities I have ever seen. The front view is spectacular, with the Atlantic Ocean spread in front of you and the smell of fresh sea water and tropical breezes greeting you. The clinic is housed on the first floor of a three-story building, with plenty of space to accommodate all veterans’ medical needs.
In 2022, we dealt with another issue in Puerto Rico: A hospital was trying to stop the construction of a new PTSD Clinic in Hato Rey. This came before the Supreme Court, which allowed construction to continue and the door opening last October.
We have been continually working on the proposed Korean American VALOR Act. We must insure that Korean American Vietnam veterans receive VA medical services. They served alongside us in the war and were affected by Agent Orange, PTSD, and other health issues just as all of us were. A new bill has been introduced in Congress by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), to continue the effort to get the law enacted.
During the past two years we’ve also looked at Native American veterans’ issues. The Committee brought in well-informed VA personnel to bring us up to date on the many challenges Native American veterans face. We will continue our work on these issues.
I hope to see you at the Convention in Orlando in August. Remember to register and get your hotel rooms and flights done on time. August will be here before we know it. If you have an issue that has to do with minority veterans affairs, do not hesitate to email me at sgtgomez@aol.com or call 413-883-4508.
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