04.30.16

Hoeven Outlines Work to Give Veterans Better Access to Health Care Services at Disabled American Veterans Convention

Senator Presents Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal to Long-Serving Veterans Service Officer Warren Tobin

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today addressed the 96th annual North Dakota Disabled American Veterans Convention and outlined his efforts to provide veterans with the health care services they need. The senator also presented the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal to Warren Tobin in recognition of his service to the United States Air Force and our nation’s veterans.

“The Disabled American Veterans is one of the hardest working organizations in our state, leading the way on important issues to veterans and their dependents,” Hoeven said. “The success of the North Dakota Disabled American Veterans serves as a testament to its members’ commitment to help meet the needs of those who have been wounded or disabled as a result of military service, and this organization has made a real impact on the lives of countless individuals. Warren Tobin is a wonderful example of someone who has dedicated his life to state and country, and it is an honor to recognize his service.”

During the convention, Hoeven summarized his legislative work to:

• Resolve scheduling issues with third party administrators. Earlier this month, the senator hosted a roundtable in Fargo with officials from the VA and Health Net, which resulted in an agreement to develop and start to implement a pilot project over the following 30 days at the Fargo VA Medical Center.
• Facilitate greater health care services for veterans in both rural and urban communities by allowing the VA to enter into provider agreements with qualified hospital, medical and extended care providers.

At the convention, the senator also honored Warren Tobin with the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal. Tobin served in the United States Air Force from 1973-1993, and his longest and final duty assignment was at the 321st Missile Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base where he was a Minuteman Missile Operations and Staff Officer. Tobin was the longest serving commissioned officer at the 321st Missile Wing before retiring, when he became Stutsman County Veterans Service Officer (VSO), a position he held for 18 years. Warren joined the Disabled American Veterans in 1996 and has held all chapter offices and all of the department line officer positions.

The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal is a an honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force that recognizes service by personnel in various career fields who were involved with national strategic nuclear deterrence operations after December 26, 1991.

Hoeven is a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, the Air Force Caucus and the ICBM Coalition.

-###-