MANCHESTER, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, announced the formation of a Veterans Advisory Committee and its initial members – representing each branch of the military from throughout the First District.

The board includes:

Kevin Grady, Hooksett, Retired Colonel, USAF

Dave Kenney, Hooksett, Retired Navy Commander, Chairman Emeritus of NH State Veteran Advisory Committee

Andy Patterson, Candia, Retired First Sergeant, US Army, Current Department Commander NH DAV

Maura Sullivan, Portsmouth, Retired Captain USMC, Former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Kurt Virkaitis, Brentwood, Retired Captain, Former Director Of Communications, U.S. Coast Guard New England

Pappas’s Veterans Advisory Committee will help provide a first-hand perspective from the New Hampshire veterans community as Congressman Pappas continues his work on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The members bring years of experience and knowledge, as well as deep connections within the Granite Staters veterans community. They will play an important role in conducting outreach and gathering feedback on legislation and other veterans’ initiatives led by Congressman Pappas.

“Working on behalf of New Hampshire’s veterans in Washington is something I am deeply honored to be able to do,” said Congressman Pappas. “As I begin my second term in Congress and continue my work on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’m excited to launch this Veterans Advisory Committee and work closely with its members to better serve veterans and military families in New Hampshire. Those who have worn the uniform of our country are owed a debt of gratitude by all of us, and I remain committed to working to ensure that all our veterans get the care and services they have earned.”

“It is a pleasure to be selected to be part of the Veteran Advisory Committee to Congressman Pappas,” Andy Patterson. “I look forward to working with the other Veteran Representatives and providing insight and suggestions on behalf of all NH Veterans.”

In 2021, Congressman Pappas was again named to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

He recently helped craft and worked to pass the American Rescue Act Plan, which includes $15 billion in support for veterans to improve care within VHA, address veteran unemployment, and reduce delays in claims appeals.

Earlier this year, former President Trump signed three Pappas-authored bills into law as part of the bipartisan Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Included in the package were his provisions to improve access to prosthetics for female veterans, reform VA debt collection processes, and the Reducing High Risk to Veterans Services Act which seeks to improve management and better the quality of care within the Veterans Health Administration.

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