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-Editorial
Local Imperial Valley veterans gathered Dec. 8 at Hidalgo Hall for a Veterans University event hosted by Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., where federal, state, and local agencies provided information on benefits, health care, and support services available to service members and their families.
The event offers sessions on health care, disability benefits, burn pit exposure, mental health, women veteran issues, homeownership, senior services, and employment resources. Presenters provide overviews and detailed guidance on how to access each benefit, along with contact information for additional assistance. The event also features a resource expo with local organizations and agencies that serve veterans.
Ruiz said the program continues to draw strong participation from veterans seeking guidance on benefits and community resources. “I’ve been getting great feedback from veterans who really appreciate building community through these Veterans Universities,” he said. “We’ve had individuals come out of curiosity and walk out with a plan to apply for benefits they never knew they had earned.”
He cited examples of veterans recovering medals, accessing financial assistance, or connecting with mental health professionals. Ruiz described one case in which a veteran who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan sought help after being in isolation and was later linked with a peer support specialist who helped him begin treatment for PTSD.
The congressman said Veterans University has helped thousands of veterans secure benefits and has brought “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in owed assistance.
“It’s those personal stories that mean the most,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz also addressed federal policy concerns, including proposed cuts in legislation known as the “big, beautiful bill,” which he said could affect veterans who rely on SNAP, local physicians, community hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
“Many veterans, especially seniors and those facing hunger, may be jeopardized in receiving,” he said.
He pointed to what he described as an injustice affecting veterans with combat-related disabilities who served fewer than 20 years and are barred from receiving retirement pay while also receiving disability compensation.
Ruiz said he has introduced the Major Richard Star Act, alongside Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., to allow eligible veterans to access both benefits. He said the change would affect more than 50,000 veterans nationwide.
He also highlighted the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ruiz said the law, portions of which were modeled after his previous legislation, now allows veterans to qualify for health care and benefits related to more than 300 conditions linked to toxic exposure.
Agustín Saldana, a retired Navy veteran, said events like Veterans University help connect local service members with resources they have long requested. “We let the congressman know our concerns firsthand,” Saldana said.
“We’re growing, and so are our problems. We need more help out here, and this event shows someone is listening.”
Saldana, who serves in multiple local veterans organizations, said he has already seen progress, including the arrival of Veteran Village from San Diego to support Imperial Valley veterans. “It’s their first year here, and that was one of the things we were asking for,” he said. “I’m blessed with what I have, and it wasn’t easy. I just want to keep sharing my experiences and support for my brothers and sisters who still need help.”
