Veterans and Lawmakers Discuss Healthcare and Military Policies at Reno Campaign Event
In Reno, Nevada, a discussion on military healthcare and policy unfolded as several veterans and former lawmakers voiced their concerns over President Trump’s military decisions and the handling of veterans’ affairs. The centerpiece of the event was Democratic Congressional candidate Teresa Benitez-Thompson, who addressed these issues alongside former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Retired U.S. Air Force Captain Dr. Vance Alm offered a contrasting perspective, highlighting the benefits he received through TRICARE, the military insurance plan. Alm advocated for a broader application of this model, stating, “They responded to my question about health care and how important it is, and they went back to some old ideas that the VA is really not that good of a system. It is a tremendous system now, and if we could emulate that for the entire country, we would do so much better.”
Addressing Alm’s comments, Benitez-Thompson shared her experience as a former social worker for veterans, emphasizing the need to streamline the process of accessing care. She noted, “It can’t be a path that is designed to keep you from accessing your benefits. When there’s referrals to community care, they value that referral. It can take six to eight weeks. Why does it take so long?”
Buttigieg, who has a background as a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, also drew attention from the audience. A disabled veteran commended him for efforts to improve airline regulations regarding wheelchair handling — improvements that have been delayed by the Trump administration, as reported by Disability Scoop. Although some attendees expressed their hope for Buttigieg’s future presidential candidacy, he remained focused on the present, saying, “I’m here for 2026. We gotta focus on the elections that are actually happening.”
During his visit to Nevada, Buttigieg also participated in a fireside chat with Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Sandra Jauregui, who is campaigning against Republican incumbent Stavros Anthony.
In Nevada’s Congressional District 2, which has never been won by a Democrat, Benitez-Thompson faces David Flippo, a combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force, in the upcoming election. Voters like Alm emphasized the importance of candidates’ commitments to addressing the needs of the people over their backgrounds.
