Thousands of military veterans live in Southwest Arkansas. And things just got a little easier for those seeking much-deserved services.
This week the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs opened a new office in nearby Hope.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and other area officials were on hand Tuesday for the opening of the District 8 Veteran Services Office. The Hope outpost was the ninth and last in a series of regional offices to open in the state, with the other centers located in Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Monticello, Mountain Home and Russellville.
Previously, veterans had to drive to Little Rock to get help with services from the state.
Expansion of veteran services office started in 2015 as part of a strategic plan to offer greater opportunities for Arkansas veterans. And according to the governor, it's had just that effect. The department served about 400 a month in 2015. Now more than 1,200 a month receive assistance.
The Hope office opened about three years ahead of schedule. That's good news and shows a commitment by the state to our veterans. We think that's something we can all support.
We have heard a lot lately about problems with the Veterans Administration and about vets being lost in the shuffle when it comes to receiving earned benefits and health care.
It's a disgrace, and we know our readers share our hope that the federal government will put more action than talk into correcting the situation.
In the meantime, Arkansas made a promise and kept it. We salute the state and its leaders.