ROA’s defense fellow, Zoe Wertlieb, describes the beginning of her advocacy journey with ROA and the power of participation in the legislative process.
The first few weeks of my journey with ROA were exhilarating, to say the least. From day one, I was thrown into the fire, researching the need to expand toxic exposure relief for a roundtable discussion with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other members of Congress.
Accompanying legislation and military policy director, Matthew Schwartzman, to the roundtable, the Capitol building felt less like a historic landmark and more a place of business for ROA and our nation’s elected officials.
At the roundtable, Schwartzman addressed the need to ensure veterans of the Reserve and National Guard have adequate access to service-earned healthcare and benefits.
“The eligibility criteria for VA healthcare and benefits does not reflect the modern-day battle rhythm of reserve component service,” said Schwartzman. “That’s why ROA urges support for a VA reserve component task force dedicated to identifying systemic gaps in accessibility and putting forward recommendations to close those gaps.”
This experience altered my perception of Capitol Hill and the legislative process at-large.
It was clear that everyone was eager to be there, advocating to improve the lives of those that served the nation honorably. As I watched each service organization representative voice the challenges faced by their members, my eyes were opened to all that is possible through advocacy and the true power of the Capitol.
This is the place where ideas become realities.
Just a few days later, I had a pivotal moment of realization. I am used to having discussions with my friends, expressing wishes to address various issues through legislative means.
But during an ordinary conversation with my colleagues at ROA, I was reminded that every effort, no matter how seemingly small, positively impacts the readiness of the force and lives of servicemembers and military families.
As I reflect on my first few weeks with ROA, I am grateful. As I look forward to the future, I am excited to complete ROA’s defense fellow program and take the lessons I learn to my next journey in life.
Read Zoe’s biography here.