U.S. House panel comes to La Crosse, studying veterans’ needs in transitioning to home life

La Crosse was the site of a Congressional hearing on veterans affairs Friday morning.

The Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, chaired by US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien), came to UW-La Crosse on Saturday, hearing testimony from veterans and others about the difficulties of transitioning from military service to civilian life — and also included increasing veteran suicide rates and prevention, success on campus and the G.I. Bill.

One of those difficulties, according to Van Orden, is requiring a masters degree for intake counselors at a veterans’ center.

“To me,” Van Orden, a former Navy Seal, said, “(that) is absolutely foolish. So that is a barrier for our veterans to be able to get the education benefits that they’ve earn. And that is statutory. And that means we can change that.”

Also attending the hearing Saturday was Democratic Rep. Mike Levin of California and Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman, from Wiscon

Levin told the audience he’s hoping that new assistance for vets will pass soon.

“We’re making great progress,” Levin said, “and I’m really hopeful that working with the chairman and working with my colleagues that the staff will continue to work in a very collaborative way, as well.”

Witnesses at the hearing supported making counseling available to veterans who need it, citing concern death rate from suicide or other causes.

They also spoke of helping veterans receive higher education and job opportunities.