Veterans
Roughly one in ten Mainers is a veteran, and Jared is one of them — part of the state’s long, proud tradition of military service. Jared understands the sacrifices veterans and their families have made for our country and he’s working hard to make sure they receive the benefits they’ve earned.
In Congress, Jared is focused on improving the health care veterans receive at the VA, helping them transition from active duty to civilian life, and connecting them with resources they can use to get a good job, receive an education, or start a business.
Jared enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, leaving his studies at the University of Maine in Farmington to serve his country. After tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he returned home and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. He was lucky: he had a support system and was able to get the care he needed. Jared knows that for many veterans with mental health challenges, that isn’t the case. He’s strongly committed to strengthening mental health care for all veterans in Maine, and after a decade of intense advocacy dating back to his very first meeting as a state legislator, was able to finally celebrate the groundbreaking of a new substance use disorder treatment facility at the Togus VA Medical Center in summer 2024.
Some of the most important work Jared and his staff do is to help Maine veterans and their families solve problems with the VA and other federal agencies. He and his staff have helped dozens of Maine veterans resolve claims and access education, health, and other federal benefits. Jared knows that the VA isn’t without significant problems, but he believes that those problems are best solved by conducting effective oversight and providing the agency with necessary resources.
Jared has supported expanding the financial support offered to Veterans’ Homes in Maine, in addition to engaging personally with the VA to ensure that every dollar meant for Maine veterans is spent without waste or inefficiency. He also publicly pushed for improved services by the VA, from providing WiFi at clinics and safe gun storage to travel reimbursements for veterans who need assistance at clinics far from their homes. Jared will continue to hold the VA accountable and ensure Maine veterans receive the high quality care they’ve earned.
If you or a loved one needs help dealing with the VA or accessing other veterans’ benefits, contact one of our offices here.