Veterans Deserve Better: Why We Must Oppose VA Cuts

Alvin C. York VA Hospital

Veterans deserve dignity, not downsizing

On this Veterans Day we honor the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in our nation’s armed forces, protecting our freedom and way of life. It's a time to reflect on the strength, dedication, and unity that define the American spirit. By remembering our veterans, we reaffirm our gratitude and commitment to the values of liberty and justice they so bravely defended, and we recommit ourselves to keeping the promise we made them.

Nonetheless, the Department of Veterans Affairs is quietly eliminating nearly 30,000 staff positions by the end of Fiscal Year 2025. At the same time, discretionary funding is being slashed by $8.9 billion. This isn’t just a staffing issue. It’s a service crisis.

Frontline nurses are being pulled into administrative roles. Union contracts have been canceled. And many of the employees being pushed out are veterans themselves! Veterans are at risk of losing health care and mental health support. Disability claims and survivor benefits will be disrupted. As one VA nurse says, "We’re being asked to do more with less — and veterans will pay the price.” This administration is failing to keep America's promise to our veterans and this Congress is letting them get away with it.

Why This Matters to Rural Communities

Roughly 50,000 veterans live in Tennessee's 6th congressional district. In rural America, VA facilities are often the only source of the specialized care many veterans desperately need. Cuts to staff and services hit harder here, where options are fewer and distances are greater. We must ensure that veterans in every ZIP code receive the respect they've earned, and the health care they deserve.

 What You Can Do

This is a moment for collective action. Here’s how you can help:

• Share this post with your networks

• Call your representatives and demand Congressional oversight of VA restructuring

• Join rallies or virtual town halls organized by veteran advocacy groups

• Support unions and organizations fighting for VA workers and veteran care

As a Naval veteran myself I care deeply for those who stepped up and answered the call, and I'm concerned about the cavalier attitude this administration shows toward those who served.

I'm asking you to elect me as your representative to Washington, and I will fight to build and maintain the highest standard of care in your VA facilities.

We deserve better choices. We deserve a brighter future.

If you agree, join the team: https://forms.gle/KyoQBJynwDvN19Ni6

With gratitude,

Mike Croley, Candidate for Congress