Dozens gathered at East Pasco Adventist Academy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Monday.
- Congressman Gus Bilirakis guest speaker at event
- Bilirakis pushing for change to the VA's mental health programs
Veteran Arthur Hubbard deployed to Vietnam when he was just 20 years old.
"We basically were against the hardcore Vietnamese who were one hell of a fight," Hubbard said.
But when the war was over, Hubbard's fight wasn't. Coming back to America was nothing like he imagined. He was told not to wear his uniform home and had to wait in a holding room in the airport to protect him from protesters.
"I still don't understand why we were treated the way we were treated when we came home. We were doing a job we were asked to," Hubbard said.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis spoke to the crowd about his push for change to the VA's mental health programs.
"There are a lot of therapies out there and veterans should have a choice," Bilirakis said. "It's not one size fits all and I want to make sure they have an opportunity to get well."
Bilirakis was an avid supporter of the Cover Act, which will examine the VA's current therapy model and help create more opportunities for mental health treatment, like outdoor activities and service dogs.
For more information on resources for veterans, contact the Pasco County Veteran Center.