VA Staff Reduction and Impacts to Cherry Point VA

Senators, Mayors, and Commissioners,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) plan to cut more than 80,000 jobs nationwide, as reported by the Associated Press. As a Marine Corps veteran, spouse of an active-duty Marine, and lifelong advocate for veterans living near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, I have seen firsthand how vital VA services are to our veterans and their families.

Since the passage of the PACT Act in August 2022, more than 796,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care—a nearly 37% increase over the previous equivalent period.  This substantial growth underscores the escalating demand for VA services.

While efficiency in government operations is important, I worry that such a drastic reduction in personnel—aiming to return to 2019 staffing levels—fails to account for the increased demand for VA healthcare and benefits services in the years since. Administrative personnel, including schedulers, patient advocates, and benefits processors, play an essential role in ensuring timely access to care. Their work is just as critical as that of medical professionals because, without them, veterans struggle to get appointments, navigate the system, and receive the care they have earned.

I am particularly concerned about how these cuts will affect the new VA Clinic opening at the Naval Health Clinic aboard MCAS Cherry Point. Expanding care options for veterans in eastern North Carolina is a long-overdue step in the right direction, but that progress will be undermined if the VA does not have enough staff to manage appointments, process claims, and assist veterans in navigating their benefits.

The men and women who served this nation deserve a VA that is fully staffed and equipped to meet their needs—not one that is stretched thin due to sweeping personnel reductions. I urge you to take a stand against these cuts and advocate for a balanced approach that ensures efficiency without sacrificing access to care.

Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to serving those who have served. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.

Sincerely and Semper Fidelis,

Liz