During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the urgent need for improved healthcare access and benefits for veterans residing in the Pacific Islands, particularly Palau and the Marshall Islands. Ambassadors from both nations expressed their concerns regarding the challenges faced by veterans, including limited access to health services and the high costs associated with traveling to Guam or Hawaii for care.

Ambassador Paul of the Marshall Islands emphasized the readiness of his government to move forward with initiatives aimed at supporting veterans, highlighting the commitment of local leadership, including the foreign minister, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran. He underscored the importance of expediting discussions with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

Ambassador Soo from Palau echoed these sentiments, noting that the remoteness of their islands exacerbates the difficulties veterans encounter in accessing necessary healthcare. He called for a collaborative approach to address these issues, particularly as the VA develops a plan to enhance service delivery.

The meeting also touched on the implementation of the Compact of Free Association (COFA), with representatives expressing a desire for faster progress. Chairman Westerman acknowledged the challenges faced by veterans in American Samoa and suggested that investing in local healthcare facilities could alleviate some of the burdens associated with travel for medical services.

In addition to healthcare, the ambassadors discussed various priorities for their nations, including the construction of a new hospital in a safer location in Palau and the need for clear guidelines from the Social Security Administration regarding access to benefits for citizens of the freely associated states.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a collective urgency among Pacific Island leaders to address the pressing needs of their veterans and ensure that the benefits promised under COFA are delivered efficiently and effectively.