U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Donald M. Remy is due to arrive in the CNMI today, Aug. 23.
In an interview, CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs acting-in-charge Ramon S. Basa said Remy’s visit is coordinated with the federal government.
Remy was on Guam earlier this week, where he spoke with Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero about addressing the needs of the jurisdiction’s veterans, including access to healthcare.
In the CNMI, he is expected to meet with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, the local Veterans Affairs Office, veterans, and clinicians.
CNMI OVA Executive Director Stanley T. Iakopo is still on military leave.
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan earlier said that Remy had informed the lawmaker about the U.S. official’s plan to visit the Marianas this month, “and that they are actively working on the successful rollout of the caregivers program in our islands.”
Kilili said he congratulated Deputy Secretary Remy “on the passage of the PACT Act, as this marks a major victory for veterans across the country. I look forward to hosting Deputy Secretary Remy during his visit and continuing to work with him to serve our veterans.”
The PACT Act expanded VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pit and other toxic substances.
Kilili said the bill’s passage also ensures that veterans who were once denied access to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC, will be contacted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information on the PACT Act, visit https://www.va.gov/res…/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Donald Remy
