Rep. Derek Kilmer to meet with Tacoma veterans about health care

By Northwest Military News Team on June 2, 2014

This just in from Rep. Derek Kilmer's office. ...

Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will join local veterans at a Tacoma VFW post to listen to their experiences with the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system in the wake of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's resignation last Friday. The listening session is part of Rep. Kilmer's ongoing dialogue with veterans in the region.  

The meeting will take place at VFW 10018 Narrow Bridge Post on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Kilmer was invited by Post Commander Mike Hopper to hear from veterans about issues they face getting the care they need.

Last week, the VA Office of Inspector General released a report detailing the manipulation of wait lists for veterans seeking medical care. Among its main findings was that 226 veterans trying to use the Phoenix VA waited an average of 115 days for their first primary care appointment.   

Washington state's 6th District is home to more than 25,000 active duty and reserve service members, along with more than 50,000 veterans and their families.

Before Secretary Shinseki made his announcement last week, Reps. Kilmer and Suzan DelBene called for him to step down.