WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) convened the first meeting of his Veterans Advisory Council (VAC). A Navy and Iraq War veteran himself and member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, this wider group of Western Pennsylvanian veterans will advise Congressman Deluzio on issues relating to veterans’ policy, veterans’ services, and veterans’ care.
“I am thrilled to announce my Veterans Advisory Council and am thankful for their service—past and present,” said Rep. Deluzio. “These VAC members represent a wide range of communities across PA-17, military branches, and experiences in and out of uniform. I am grateful for their willingness to step up once again for our community and advise me in the best ways to support our fellow veterans.”
The Veterans Advisory Council will meet quarterly and is staffed by Congressman Deluzio’s Constituent Services Representative Ken Aquiline, a Marine Corps veteran himself.
The Mission Statement of Congressman Deluzio’s Veterans Advisory Council is as follows:
The Council will advise the Congressman on relevant policy and promote awareness of veterans’ issues within the Seventeenth District community. Additionally, the council will work together to address challenges and opportunities facing our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. It will also help preserve the honor due to all veterans and actively recognize distinguished veterans and advocates on behalf of the Congressman.
The members of the VAC include the following:
- Chris Anderson, United States Navy
- Megan Andros, United States Army
- Brigette Bethea, United States Army
- Dwight Boddorf, United States Marine Corps
- Chris Cieslak, United States Army Reserves
- Carl Curtis, United States Marines
- Bart Farzati, United States Air Force
- Tammy Garcia, United States Air Force
- Jessica King, United States Marine Corps
- Kenneth Nagel, United States Navy
- Craig Romanovich, United States Army veteran
- Lee Wagner, United States Marine Corps
- Bart Womack, United States Army