President Biden visited the George E. Wahlen Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City on August 10 to discuss the impact of the PACT Act on veterans. The PACT Act, or the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, was signed into law one year ago and aims to provide benefits and services to veterans who may have been exposed to toxins during their service.
During the visit, President Biden met with Terry Schow, a service officer with the American Legion, who described meeting and shaking the president’s hand as an honor. Schow praised the PACT Act as one of the most significant pieces of veteran legislation he has seen in his life. He also shared that the deadline to file a PACT Act claim has been extended from August 9 to August 14, which is beneficial for veterans and their families.
To ensure that veterans can take advantage of the extended deadline, Schow encouraged them to call the number 1-800-827-1000 and express their intent to file a VA claim. This step is important because it gives veterans a year to actually submit their claim. Schow acknowledged that navigating the VA system can be confusing and complex, but he is happy to assist veterans and their families with the application process.
Another attendee, Representative Angela Romero, the incoming president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, also had the opportunity to speak with President Biden. She highlighted the importance of the Latino vote and inclusivity in her conversation with the president’s campaign manager, Julie Chávez RodrÃguez, who is the granddaughter of civil rights activist César Chávez. Romero emphasized that President Biden’s willingness to engage with people was powerful and unifying.
Both Schow and Romero expressed their gratitude for President Biden’s speech on the PACT Act, considering their personal connections to military service. They highlighted the significance of having a seat at the table and hearing the president address issues that are important to everyone.
This visit by President Biden demonstrates his commitment to supporting veterans and addressing the impacts of toxic exposures during service. The PACT Act provides an avenue for veterans to access timely benefits and services, ensuring that their sacrifices are acknowledged and their well-being is prioritized. By extending the deadline for filing PACT Act claims, more veterans and their families are given the opportunity to seek the support they deserve. The presence of individuals like Terry Schow and Angela Romero at the event signals the diverse perspectives and voices that are being considered in these discussions.
Overall, President Biden’s visit to the VA Medical Center serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of veterans and provide them with the care they need. The PACT Act stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by veterans who may have been exposed to toxins during their service.
