OOIDA Launches Military Appreciation Drive as VA, Led by Doug Collins, Faces Cuts and Hospital Closure Proposals
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During National Military Appreciation Month, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has launched its Mission: Military Appreciation campaign, running from May 12 to May 18. The campaign raises funds for veterans and active-duty military through membership drives and contributions to the Truckers For Troops program. Since 2007, this campaign has raised over $800,000 and sent nearly 3,300 care packages to service members and veterans.
Recent cost-cutting measures at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Trump administration have drawn concern from internal communications and lawmakers. Doug Collins, serving as VA Secretary, has overseen cuts and hiring freezes that have disrupted or stalled cancer trials, opioid addiction treatment research, and services for homeless veterans. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has played a role in terminating contracts, including those supporting cancer registries, and proposed closing 17 hospitals. Four social workers in Colorado were affected by layoffs, though some decisions have since been reversed.
The PACT Act, authored by Rep. Mark Takano, mandated expanded care for veterans facing cancer and other issues, but the administration has indicated plans to reduce the VA workforce by at least 70,000 positions. VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz stated that some issues have been resolved and highlighted the use of artificial intelligence tools as part of reform efforts. The White House has proposed a 4% increase in the VA budget, with some funding directed toward care outside the VA system. The VA has also reported processing record numbers of benefit claims.
State and federal officials, including members of Congress and governors, have recognized the service and sacrifices of military personnel and veterans during Military Appreciation Month.
Rain, wind, or snow—our veterans show up, and so do I. As a veteran myself, it was an honor to step out of Energy and Commerce markup before votes to greet Iowa heroes from the Quad Cities Honor Flight at the WWII Memorial. Their service will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/97BByFqp36
I'm proud of my team for joining USO on Capitol Hill to assemble care packages for our servicemembers deploying or serving overseas. We're deeply grateful for the brave men and women of our military. Thank you to the USO for nearly a century of connecting them to family, home, https://t.co/It0anofuMi
During Military Appreciation Month—and always—we honor the service and strength of our military community. Thank you for all you do. https://t.co/4O6o0IEjFq
