Press Releases

Bangor, PA – The Bangor Veterans of Foreign Wars 739 held a Veterans' Forum on Saturday February 28 to discuss constituent services for veteran and military issues available through Congressman Matt Cartwright’s (PA-17) district offices as well as veterans benefits. 

Participating in the forum were Dr. Michael Adelman, Director, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center; William Klaips, Executive Assistant to the Director, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center; Freddie Ramirez, Jr., Director of Veterans Affairs, Northampton County; Bob Morgan, District Director, Office of Congressman Cartwright; and Sabrina McLaughlin, Caseworker, Office of Congressman Cartwright.

After opening with a salute, prayer, and recognition of POW/MIA soldiers, District Director Bob Morgan detailed how the Congressman’s office can support veterans’ and military-related issues including: medical claims, Tricare benefits, education benefits, professional development resources, home loans, loans and grants for handicap-accessible modifications, housing, pensions, headstone and burial, referral to military academies as well as transfers, deployment, and human resource issues for those who are enlisted.  The Congressman’s office can help request expedited processing of claims especially in the event of advanced age, financial hardship, or a terminal diagnosis. 

The panel then took questions from members of the audience. In addition to the panelists, the Congressman would like to thank Bob Washock, Quartermaster, VFW 739, for his efforts to coordinate the forum as well as Gene Tirgani, VFW 739 Post Commander; Dale Crum, VFW 739 President; and Debbie Riley, VFW 739 Ladies Auxiliary.

“My staff and I are grateful for opportunities like this where we can educate constituents on opportunities and receive feedback on customer service,” said Rep. Cartwright.

Cartwright has been an ardent supporter of veterans and their families.  Last Thursday, Cartwright introduced the bipartisan Military Spouses Act with the support of 90 colleagues.  The legislation would help military spouses more easily re-enter the workforce by offering a tax credit to any military spouse who has to renew or transfer a professional license due to a military Permanent Change of Station order.