Every year, over 15,000 servicemembers transition out of the Armed Forces in San Diego and about half stay here as they return to civilian life. San Diego is also home to one of the nation’s largest populations of homeless veterans. We owe it to them, and to every veteran, to ensure they have an affordable place to live, and access to the care and benefits they earned through their service. Scott helped craft and pass the Forever GI Bill, which gave veterans flexibility to access the educational benefits they earned when they need them and included his bill that gives Purple Heart recipients their full education benefits. Scott has also fought to reduce the stigma surrounding veteran mental health and ensure veteran families have the resources they need to support veterans when they return home. Our country must keep our promises to the men and women who volunteered to fight for our freedom and security just as they served us.
Successful Transition to Civilian Life
The transition to civilian life represents a time of anticipation, stress, and hope for veterans and their families. We must ensure veterans and their families can access the benefits they have earned, employment and housing opportunities, and support from the local community whether in San Diego or elsewhere in the country.
Housing for Our Heroes
Men and women who courageously risk their lives to protect and defend our nation should be able to do so with full confidence that we will provide them with steadfast support once they finish their service. With San Diego’s homeless veteran population among the largest in the country, more must be done to ensure that America’s veterans have safe, stable places to return to following their service.
Providing Quality, Accessible Healthcare
Our San Diego veterans often sacrifice their mental and physical health to serve and defend our country. We must protect and improve the VA healthcare system, so veterans have unimpeded access to the care they need. Throughout Scott’s public service, he has fiercely advocated for providing veterans with the high-quality medical care they deserve.