AFTER a year of communicating virtually, Willie Peterson III of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will visit Rota today, Thursday, to meet with the veterans there.
“It is good to have him back after one fiscal year of continuous online communications. Now our veterans will be able to voice out their concerns in person,” Rota Mayor’s Office special assistant Ignacio “Ike” Mendiola told Variety.
Mendiola is coordinating the meeting between Peterson and the veterans on Rota.
Mendiola said there are 126 registered veterans on Rota, but most of them are off-island and only about 20 are residing on Rota.
“This is an opportunity for our veterans to be heard,” he said, referring to Peterson’s visit. “We need to give our veterans the attention they need in terms of addressing their concerns. They have sacrificed their lives and time for our freedom and democracy.”
Mendiola said Peterson started making monthly visits to Rota in the early part of 2021. His last visit was on Sept. 22, 2022. Today, Thursday, marks his first monthly visit in fiscal year 2023. “Veterans can also call him directly,” Mendiola said.
Peterson is a legal administrative specialist for the Veterans Benefits Administration under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Based on Saipan, he addresses veterans concerns in the CNMI.
Mendiola said Rota veterans need assistance in claiming benefits and healthcare, among other issues.
He is inviting all veterans on Rota to attend the meeting with Peterson at the Rota Mayor’s Office Conference Hall today from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, call Ike Mendiola at (670) 286-6618.
Ignacio “Ike” Mendiola
