SENATOR MEETS WITH HEAD OF PURPLE HEART ORGANIZATION

SENATOR MEETS WITH HEAD OF PURPLE HEART ORGANIZATION – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill met this week with Southwest Missouri Chapter Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paul Starchman of Joplin to discuss the importance of ensuring veterans receive the honor, recognition and access to benefits and services they deserve.

“I will never stop fighting to ensure our veterans receive not only the benefits and services, but the recognition and honor they rightfully deserve after putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. “I’m proud to stand with Missouri veterans to highlight these heroic stories.”

Improving care for veterans and honoring their service has been a priority for McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. McCaskill has continually succeeded in securing long-overdue medals and recognitions for Missouri veterans, including those from Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II.

Additionally,  McCaskill honored the late legendary musician and Montford Point Marine Johnnie Johnson with a Congressional Gold Medal at the National Blues Museum in St. Louis last November. McCaskill cosponsored and helped pass legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to all Montford Point Marines who trained for duty at the segregated Montford Point facility at Camp Lejeune, N.C. during World War II.

The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program—an initiative from McCaskill—has allowed veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey’s recent results found that Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia region hospitals saw increases across-the-board in every category. Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit.