‘We’re going to vote you out’: Bend veterans speak out on consequences if their concerns aren’t addressed at Chavez-DeRemer meeting

(Update: Video added, commentary from veterans, Rep. Chavez-Deremer, challenger Janelle Bynum)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer of Oregon was in Bend Tuesday speaking to veterans about the issues they face and what they want and need from the federal government.

Chavez-DeRemer hosted a veterans policy forum at the Bend Elks Lodge and brought staff from the House Veterans Affairs Committee to meet with area veterans.

Veterans had the opportunity to voice their concerns to the Department of Veterans Affairs and ask questions of the Congresswoman and committee staff. The goal was to bridge a communication gap and address veterans’ concerns.

Chavez-DeRemer noted that she recently sponsored legislation to increase funding for the VA and passed the HOME Act to assist homeless veterans.

But the veterans’ frustration was obvious.

Vietnam veteran James “Bill” Gabriel said: “We need to be heard in the community – and a lot of people are talking in circles.” J

James Russell Carmean said: “We seek efficiency, we seek continuity, and we need responsiveness.”

Chavez-DeRemer heard from veterans who were dissatisfied with their health insurance benefits, lack of providers and long wait times.

“This is a veterans issue that belongs to all Americans who have served their country. As congressional leaders, we as legislators must ensure that appropriate measures are implemented,” she said.

According to Chavez-DeRemer, one of the biggest problems veterans face is a familiar one: government bureaucratic hurdles. She wants to make everything less complicated so that veterans’ quality of life can improve.

“It’s red tape, red tape, red tape,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I want to make sure we cut that down – the less red tape, the less restrictive regulatory framework there is for it.”

Many veterans were grateful that Chavez-DeRemer took the time to listen to them, saying they hope it can lead to real change.

Carmean said, “The most important thing about an event like this is the personal contact with your congressman because it gives you the opportunity to talk to them and feel like you are really being listened to.”

Democrat Janelle Bynum, Chavez-DeRemer’s opponent in a November election that will be closely watched nationally, dismissed the event for the veterans, telling NewsChannel 21 it was essentially a campaign stunt.

“What she’s doing is nonsense, bullshit, window dressing,” Bynum said. “She’s trying to make up for the fact that she knows I’m on her tail and that our office has always been known for serving the constituents.”

Bynum said she wants to provide our soldiers with more opportunities when they return home.

“I have been committed to ensuring that we have housing, that we have educational opportunities for returning veterans and that we make it as easy as possible for them to return to civilian life,” Bynum said.

Veterans told NewsChannel 21 that they were suffering from politicians’ false promises and were not afraid to express their frustration at the ballot box.

Gabriel said, “I told Lori, ‘If you don’t fix our problems, we’re going to vote you out – everyone. Republican, Democrat, independent – it doesn’t matter. If we find out you’re hurting veterans, you can say goodbye to your office.'”

About 10 of the 25 people in attendance spoke about the issues that concern them. Chavez-DeRemer’s goal is to bring the Oregon veterans’ message to Washington.