By The Star Staff
At-large Sen. Keren Riquelme Cabrera, along with the action committee led by military and veteran organizations, “Puerto Rico Veterans-Friendly Island,” presented several proposals earlier this week to address the needs of veterans in Puerto Rico, including specialized rooms in hospitals and the creation of a Veterans Hall of Fame.
The event was attended by, among others, Veterans’ Advocate Agustín Montañez; Jorge Pedroza, the president of the Vietnam Veterans, Puerto Rico chapter; Martin Santiago, president of the Military Officers Association of America; José Cruz, commander of Disabled American Veterans; Rubén Sierra, president of Paralyzed Veterans of America; Catalino Medina, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars; former Veterans’ Advocate Jorge Mas; and Víctor Pérez, national commander of the Military Order of the World Wars.
“The men and women who have served our nation deserve our deepest respect, and that respect must translate into concrete actions to support their well-being,” the senator said.
Among the initiatives are amending Act 51-2011 to use volunteer interagency coordinators to serve veterans’ needs, assisted by student interns at the agencies, with funding from federal grants, as well as educating public servants from the counter clerk to the agency secretary about veterans’ rights.
In the health area, Riquelme said they are working to create public policy to ensure that hospitals have a specific section to deal with health emergencies for veterans, including mental health, providing immediate stabilization before their transfer to the Veterans Hospital. In addition, they are supporting municipalities in the creation of transportation programs, training personnel who will help transport men and women who served in the military to their medical appointments.
“In terms of services and benefits, we are committed to creating a culture of appreciation for our veterans,” the senator said. “This includes initiatives such as the creation of youth support groups by region in collaboration with the Department of Education and ODSEC [Office for Socioeconomic and Community Development], as well as the development of a curriculum that teaches our youth to value the sacrifice of veterans.”
According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are some 81,275 veterans in Puerto Rico.
The group also proposed to establish a veterans resource bank, to recertify veterans in their areas of expertise so they can assist in disaster situations, and to streamline protocols at the Institute of Forensic Sciences to ensure a dignified interment for those who have passed away.
“With these and other initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to honor, protect and support those who have served our country and show our commitment to honor those who have given so much for us,” Riquelme said.
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