Yuba-Sutter Stand Down

Bob Burns of Rancho Cordova salutes as the colors are presented by the Beale Air Force Base Honor Guard Friday, August 22, 2014 during the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down at Beckwourth Riverfront Park in Marysville.

 Chris Kaufman/Appeal-Democrat

Friday marked the official opening ceremonies for the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down in Marysville.

Congressman John Garamendi was on hand to thank veterans and the volunteers who made the event happen.

He also acknowledged some of the challenges with Veterans Affairs.

"It (the VA) had a very difficult year trying to meet the extraordinary needs of 2 million veterans coming back from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and they weren't able to measure up to it," he said.

Due to an overwhelming public outcry and new administrators, efforts to meet veterans' needs are improving, he said. Congress responded with a revamping of legislation that governs the VA, he added.

The $17 billion measure is intended to minimize the time it takes veterans to receive health care, hire more staff to treat them, and make it easier to fire executives at the VA. The VA provides health care to about 9 million enrolled veterans and disability compensation to about 4 million veterans.

Garamendi added getting veterans jobs is another important responsibility.

The Hire Just One Act intends to encourage businesses to hire veterans.

Participating employers would receive a subsidy from the state for wages paid to the employee.

CONTACT Chris Kaufman at 749-4794.

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