MINNEAPOLIS, April 21, 2008—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center Monday for a roundtable discussion with Minnesota veterans.

The event, hosted by U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Mankato, examined issues faced by veterans across the state.

Vets from wars as far apart as World War II and Iraq informed Pelosi that the care at the Minneapolis VA has been good, and that the National Guard deserved credit for ensuring that veterans get their benefits.

The Minnesota Medical Association has been encouraging physicians to make broader use of Tricare Health Insurance. In addition, the MMA has created a panel of physicians who are advising on ways to improve the care of military personnel returning from active duty.

Veterans did tell Pelosi, however, that servicemen from other military branches are not all getting the treatment they are entitled to. They also spoke of the need for financial aid for veterans from Greater Minnesota travel to the VA. Walz noted that his district doesn't have a VA medical center, and most veterans from there are treated in Minneapolis.

The panel included a range of veterans from the Iraq War to World War II. Pelosi said she will take concerns raised in the discussion back to Washington.