Concerns over veterans care continue to mount in the wake of recent news. As details emerge over delays at V.A. hospitals, other government programs and VSOs will play a larger role in caring for veterans. Film Financier Elliott Broidy has voiced support to improve veteran's services. In a May 26 news release1, he stressed that America owes men and women who serve their country the finest in care.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a national VSO adopting the local model that Elliott Broidy advocates. WWP has unveiled local and regional programs with support from private donors such as Broidy. The Independence Program (IP) is an example of how VSOs are reinventing veterans care.

IP delivers local support for wounded warriors who require a caregiver. Neuromuscular injuries often require around the clock care. In response, IP offers respite care, adaptive sports and emotional support to families caring for severely wounded soldiers. A focus on improving quality of life beyond medical recovery is how more VSOs envision veterans care in the future.

Private support will also fund job training and education that enables veterans to be self-sufficient beyond V.A. benefits. Founded with support from Elliott Broidy, the Los Angeles office of Hounds for Heroes helps veterans be more independent. The local VSO matches wounded soldiers with guide, hearing and service dogs at no cost. Assistance dogs help with mobility and also offer comfort for PTSD or other anxieties.

New policies reflect how debate is sparking changes to veterans care. Policymakers struck a deal that allows veterans to use V.A. benefits at Medicare doctors and through other programs.2

Local VSOs are poised to deliver efficient care for the physical and mental toll that war takes on veterans. Hailing from a military family; Elliott Broidy is committed to helping VSOs make this transition.