Veterans
Supporting our Nation's Veterans
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.
Click here for information on the
Veterans History Project
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. If you have a question regarding veterans benefits please call 860-278-8888.
Military Medals
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.
More on Veterans
A shining memorial to Connecticut men and women who died in wars spanning 2½ centuries arrived at Goodwin College Thursday.
The Connecticut Fallen Star Memorial honors approximately 30,000 fighters from the state who were killed in battles from Bunker Hill to Fallujah. A dedication ceremony — to be attended by 20 of the state’s Gold Star mothers — is set for Nov. 9.
EAST HARTFORD — A massive new memorial honoring more than 30,000 men and women who have died in military service will be installed next week on the Goodwin College campus.
The Connecticut Fallen Star Memorial depicts a half-buried, 20-foot-tall star that is surrounded by benches and three bronze life-sized statues of an old man, a young woman, and small boy. The star pays tribute to fallen soldiers and sailors, while the statues placed strategically around it honors Gold Star families, so named because they’ve lost a family member on a battlefield.
Bristol, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) presented Bristol resident and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Gary Wycko with his service medals. Wycko served during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. Larson presented Wycko with his Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service medal with one Bronze Campaign Star and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color with palm and frame) ribbon bar.
Enfield, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) presented the family of the late-Korean War Veteran, Luther Cuffee, with his service medals. His grandson, Jacob Cipriano accepted the medals on his grandfather’s behalf. Cuffee’s daughter Soncerae Cipriano and her husband Christopher were also in attendance.