Congressman Tim Walberg, R-Mich., visited campus Thursday, March 10 to have a brief chat with students in the Hillsdale Veterans Association to get their thoughts on the future of veteran healthcare.
President of the Hillsdale Veterans Association senior Michael Aavang coordinated with Walberg’s office and arranged for the congressman to meet with him as well as three other student veterans in A.J.’s Café.
During the meeting, Aavang gave Walberg a copy of a policy proposal, which he recently drafted during a legislative fellowship in Washington, D.C., Aavang said the proposal, which aims at reforming medical care provided through the Veterans Affairs Administration, was well-received by the congressman.
“My short chat about the proposal went very well,” Aavang said. “I was surprised to learn that he wanted to go even further with medical reform than what I proposed, which is great.”
Walberg said current VA programs are filled with mistakes and that privatization or consolidation of treatment could be a viable solution.
“Veterans need to be cared for,” Walberg said at the meeting. “The first and primary responsibility is to make sure that when they come home they receive what they expect. The VA needs to give them the best care, the best of what they need.”
Former Marine freshman Jamal Jackson joined Aavang and Walberg. He said he respected the congressman’s genuine care for veterans issues.
“He understands the needs of the veterans in his district,” Jackson said. “In my opinion, Tim Walberg’s service-oriented approach to his duties as a congressman are clearly reflected in his desire to help military veterans.”
Aavang said Walberg’s appearance on campus was more than publicity for the Veterans Association but also a positive reminder that there are politicians who understand the issues facing veterans.
“Having the congressman here to talk to us, and just us, is going to generate a lot of interest from veterans on campus,” Aavang said. “I like the attention it’s going to draw. To see a congressman concerned with a strong defense is a breath of fresh air.”
Walberg said he enjoys visiting the college primarily because he respects Hillsdale’s education. He said he likes it not just because it teaches students about the ideas behind America’s founding but also the practical responsibilities that come with defending it.
“Being a veteran is a fraternity unlike any other,” Walberg said. “Students at Hillsdale understand what veterans go through to earn our freedom. They know it’s not just talking high thoughts but also the practical defense that these men provide.”
