WASHINGTON - Georgia U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and the Senate Committee of Veterans' Affairs are scheduled to hold an oversight field hearing on Friday in Oakwood.
Isakson is chairman of the committee.
The hearing will, "examine the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) implementation of the Veterans Choice Program and how issues Georgia veterans are experiencing echo a larger, national problem," according to Isakson's office.
Isakson has said his top priority in the current Congress is to ensure the VA fully and efficiently uses the choice program. It allows veterans meeting certain criteria to get healthcare outside of the VA system.
Isakson, Congressman Doug Collins of Gainesville, VA Secretary Robert McDonald and several witnesses are scheduled to hold the hearing at 2:00 p.m. Friday.
The University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus is playing host to the event in the Continuing Education/Performing Arts Center Auditorium, Room 108.
The public is invited to the hearing, the third in a series on the program.
Witness list for the hearing, according to Senator Isakson's office
Panel I
Hon. Bob McDonald, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
Accompanied by: Dr. James Tuchschmidt, Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs
Panel II
Donna Hoffmeier, Vice President, VA Services and PCCC Program Manager, HealthNet Federal Services
Dr. Stephen Jarrard, provider and veteran
Dr. Waymon Duane Williams, Georgia State Leader of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Inc.
Mr. Carlos Chacha, veteran
Hon. Bob McDonald, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
Accompanied by: Dr. James Tuchschmidt, Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs
Panel II
Donna Hoffmeier, Vice President, VA Services and PCCC Program Manager, HealthNet Federal Services
Dr. Stephen Jarrard, provider and veteran
Dr. Waymon Duane Williams, Georgia State Leader of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Inc.
Mr. Carlos Chacha, veteran
