OAK HARBOR, WA—On Saturday, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) wrapped up his sixth Veterans Forum of October – events he has held in San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. These forums were opportunities for veterans to receive updates on legislation affecting them and get answers to questions about reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs, health care, job training and housing.

“A better deal for our veterans starts with listening – and that is exactly what I had a chance to do this week,” said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “A big thanks to veterans across the 2^nd District who showed up to share ideas, concerns, and experiences directly with me – feedback that will strengthen my fight in Congress to get veterans a better deal.”

Find photos from Larsen’s Veterans Forums HERE.

Larsen held Veterans Forums in Friday Harbor, Lynnwood, Arlington, Sedro-Woolley, Bellingham and Oak Harbor. Including this week’s events, Larsen has held 63 Veterans Forums since 2001. Additionally, since 2015 Larsen’s office has helped 326 veterans resolve problems with federal agencies and receive over $260,000 in benefits.

Larsen’s Fight for Veterans

Larsen has long pushed to improve the well-being of the more than 56,000 veterans in the 2^nd District. Highlights of his accomplishments include:

• Leading an effort to renew a transportation program that veterans rely on to get to and from health care appointments.

• Spearheading a provision to allow wounded veterans to access in vitro fertilization through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Pushing for resources to assist veterans experiencing homelessness through the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program.

• Helping organizations that serve veterans in all five of the counties of the Second District receive federal funding to help more veterans get permanent housing.

• Improving access to care for veterans in Northwest Washington who face geographical barriers including veterans living in South and Central Whidbey Island who must drive across Deception Pass to Mount Vernon or take a ferry to Seattle before they reach a VA doctor.

• Establishing a Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Mount Vernon, which now provides primary and specialty care, including mental health services, to veterans in Skagit County.

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