Veterans Action Now, a newly established advocacy organization dedicated to supporting veterans, is calling on President Donald Trump to take three critical actions to safeguard the health and well-being of veterans across the country. The organization will host a bipartisan press conference on January 21, 2025, at the Manhattan VA Medical Center to demand that the incoming president prioritize veteran services, protect the PACT Act, and resist any efforts to privatize the VA.
Veteran Advocate Kevin C. Meggett Calls for Action
The event’s organizer, Kevin C. Meggett, is the founder and CEO of Veterans Action Now and a proud veteran himself. Meggett served in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1994 and has spent the last 12 years working directly with homeless veterans, meeting their needs through the Homeless Veteran Integration Program. He’s also worked with organizations such as Black Veterans for Social Justice.
As a native of the Bronx, Meggett is a fierce advocate for veterans who feel their needs are being overlooked by city and state governments. “I’m not here to advocate for the interests of any city or state. I’m here to advocate for the veterans, who are not getting what they deserve,” he says.
The organization’s mission is clear: “We’re here to fight for veterans, not based on political interests, but on what’s right for those who have served our country,” Meggett adds. Through feeding programs, public forums, and a range of community efforts, Veterans Action Now is working to raise awareness and address critical issues facing veterans, including homelessness and inadequate healthcare.
Three Key Requests for President Trump
At the upcoming January event, Meggett and other veterans will call on President Trump to take decisive action on three key issues:
- Stop Cuts to Veteran Services
Veterans are calling for the protection of their healthcare and benefits, which have been under threat for years. Meggett and others are asking President Trump not to reduce the services that veterans depend on. - Resist Privatization of the VA
Meggett is particularly concerned about efforts to privatize the VA, which he believes would undermine the quality and accessibility of care for veterans. While he acknowledges, the challenges faced by veterans living in remote areas, where VA facilities may be far away, he argues that privatization is not the solution. “Privatization is not the answer,” he stresses. “When I took my oath, I took it with the federal government. I didn’t take it with Amazon or McDonald’s. We need to honor our commitment to veterans through the VA.” - Protect the PACT Act
The PACT Act, which provides benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits, has already helped over 700,000 veterans. Meggett is urging the president to uphold and expand the PACT Act, not to dismantle it. “Veterans exposed to toxic burn pits are facing real issues,” he says. “This law has saved lives, and it’s something we need to protect, not undo.”
The Urgency of Veteran Advocacy
The press conference will also address the broader issue of veterans’ rights, which Meggett believes are often sidelined by political and bureaucratic interests. “Veterans are suffering from benign neglect,” Meggett explains. “We’re facing recruitment challenges because young people don’t want to join the military when they see how veterans are treated when they come home. The system is broken, and we need to fix it.”
He points out that the leadership of veteran organizations, such as the city’s Department of Veterans’ Services, often comes from individuals who have not served in the military themselves. “How can someone who has never served understand what veterans need?” he asks. “It’s essential that we have veterans in positions of power who truly understand our issues.”
Join the Rally: January 21, 2025
Meggett is urging all veterans, their families, and supporters to attend the January 21 rally and press conference. “We are not Democrats or Republicans. We are veterans, and we must put aside political affiliations for the greater good of our community. This is a time to come together,” he says.
The event will start with a gathering at 12:00 PM and speeches will begin at 1:00 PM. The Manhattan VA’s location is symbolic to Meggett, who remembers the fight to keep the facility open when President Trump was in office the first time. He fears that privatization efforts could lead to closures of more VA centers and bases, ultimately harming veterans who rely on these services.
“We have bases closing, VA hospitals being downsized, and veterans are left out in the cold,” Meggett says. “It’s time to take action and demand that our government honor the promises it made to us.”
A Call for Unity
Veterans, their families, and allies are encouraged to participate in this important event. Meggett’s vision for the future is clear: “I want to see veterans running for office. I want us to have a seat at the table, where decisions are made. We need to take control of our own destiny as veterans.”
In a time of political division, Meggett’s message is one of unity. “Veterans are like super citizens,” he concludes. “We’ve earned our benefits. It’s time for our voices to be heard.”
Event Details
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: Gathering begins at 12:00 PM, speeches start at 1:00 PM
Location: Manhattan VA, 423 E. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
For more information, contact:
Kevin C. Meggett
Phone: 614-775-5413
Email: [email protected]
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