The brave men and women who have fought for our freedom deserve our nation’s highest praise. While we will never be able to fully repay them for their service, it is imperative that we do all that we can to care for them. Today, Congressman Larson remains dedicated to providing our veteran’s with access to the highest level of service and care.

Too many veterans receive delayed or inadequate care from underfunded and mismanaged programs meant to support them. Previously Congress has acted to address these shortfalls, expanding and improving the Department of Veterans Affairs and recently looking at ways to address their claims backlog. In addition, the passage of the GI Bill for the 21st Century modernized the GI program to guarantee access to a four year education for those who have served our country. For more information for those who qualify, please visit their website or call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to determine eligibility for benefits.

Today our veteran community is forced to deal with the same economic issues our nation is experiencing. However, just as the military's promise’s to leave no soldier behind, each of us must always remember to leave no veteran behind. Regardless of our economic climate, our nation has a responsibility to honor their sacrifice. In Connecticut, Congressman Larson maintains an active Veteran and Military Advisory Council who he regularly meets with to gain feedback on issues and questions from our veteran community. Congressman Larson also has veterans on his staff who understand the challenges that exist for our soldiers at home. As always, feel free to reach out to his district office at 860-278-8888 with any questions or concerns related to VA benefits and healthcare.

Military families have also sacrificed so much for our freedom and deserve nothing less than our full commitment to them. That's why Congressman Larson has worked tirelessly to provide greater access to behavioral health treatment for military children with autism. In a partial victory for military families, the most recent defense budget includes a modified version of a provision authored by Congressman John B. Larson which would require TRICARE – the military healthcare program – to provide greater access to this treatment for military kids with autism as part of a one-year pilot program. Congressman Larson remains committed to pursuing a permanent fix and will be monitoring this program closely.

To view frequently asked questions related to veteran benefits click here.

Recent Media:

Military Families Press For Increased Coverage Of Autism Treatment (Hartford Courant)

Congressional Delegation Seeks Details Of VA Audit In State (CBS)

Military Medals

Larson presenting military medals to WWII Veteran Joseph Luszczak

In the First District, Congressman Larson also works to ensure our veterans have received the medals they earned defending our freedom. From WWII veterans to those who have returned from the Operation Iraqi Freedom, Larson and his staff are available to help service members and their families find and receive military medals. If you have a question regarding military medals please call 860-278-8888.

Follow the links below to view clips of Congressman Larson’s latest medal presentations:

Larson awards local chief warrant officer with Legion of Merit (Bristol Press)

Larson, Ward Present Korean War Veteran with Military Medals in Bristol

PHOTOS: Military Medal Presented to Wife of South Windsor Veteran (Journal Inquirer)

Congressman John B. Larson Presents 96-Year Old Vet With Medals (Wethersfield Patch)

Wethersfield Man, Iraq Veteran, Receives Medal Friday (Hartford Courant)