Congressman Clay Higgins, a veteran himself, understands the unique challenges that veterans face when navigating the complex federal system to access their benefits. For the past eight years, his office has hosted Veterans Affairs Outreach Clinics every 60 to 90 days across the 11 parishes he serves, with the goal of bringing veteran services directly to the communities that need them.
“The idea is to bring access to veteran services to the communities of the veterans, as opposed to them having to go to a VA office or Congressional office to ask questions,” Congressman Higgins explained during a recent visit in Morgan City. “By bringing ourselves and our experienced staff directly to the veterans in their own communities, we allow them to have a direct line of communication to address grievances. As a constitutionalist, it’s one of my sworn duties to stand in front of the people I serve, and this is one of the means by which we accomplish that.”
The clinics offer a wide range of services to support veterans in accessing their benefits. Congressman Higgins and his staff help veterans navigate the federal system, overcome obstacles such as locating missing records or properly submitting applications, and provide letters of congressional support. They also take the time to listen to veterans’ concerns and help them understand the benefits available to them.
“We work with the veterans and their families on a multitude of things,” Congressman Higgins said. “It’s like Veterans Central right here, wherever we have one of these clinics.”
In addition to the services provided by the Congressman’s office, the clinics also bring in representatives from the State Veterans Association and veteran organizations like the VFW, giving veterans access to a comprehensive range of resources.
Congressman Higgins emphasized the importance of these clinics in ensuring that veterans can easily access the support they need. “This is about standing in front of the people I serve,” he said. “These clinics are one of the means by which we accomplish that.”
Veterans, their families, and anyone in need of veteran services are welcome to attend the clinics. With food and beverages provided, the events also offer a chance for veterans to fellowship with one another.
The Third Congressional District Veterans Affairs Outreach Clinic will be held at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13. Veterans are encouraged to come out and take advantage of the services available.
Congressman Higgins also shared that his office will be releasing a preliminary investigative report on the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump in the coming hours. As a member of the congressional oversight committee and part of the task force investigating the attempt, Congressman Higgins was on the ground in Pennsylvania and has compiled a significant amount of evidence. He promises that America will be very interested in the report’s findings.