Springfield, Ill. – At a veterans’ advisory council meeting on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D‑Springfield) voiced strong concerns about the current climate within the U.S. military. She said the tone set by Secretary of the Army Christine Hegseth is “unsafe” and that recent punitive actions toward women officers and people of color foster fear and intimidation.
Calls for improved veteran support
Budzinski emphasized the need for more specialized training to help veterans who have experienced sexual trauma. “If someone is not properly trained to work with that veteran, it can be retraumatizing,” she warned, urging the Department of Defense to expand education for service providers.
Local veterans share health challenges
John Lawson, supervisor of the Veterans’ Assistance Commission of St. Clair County, highlighted the evolving health issues faced by veterans of different eras. Vietnam‑era veterans continue to suffer from Agent Orange‑related cardiovascular problems, while those who served from Desert Storm onward are confronting a rise in respiratory illnesses and a growing number of cancers.
Lawson also noted that mental‑health concerns are increasingly prominent among newer veterans, attributing the rise to changing forms of warfare.
What this means for Springfield veterans
The meeting underscored the importance of local advocacy in ensuring that federal policies address the real‑world needs of veterans. Budzinski pledged to work with congressional colleagues to push for better training standards and to hold military leadership accountable for creating a safe, supportive environment for all service members.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
