NRHA honors rural veterans
This Veterans Day, we remember and honor those rural veterans who have served our nation. Rural Americans have always been committed to serving their country - more than a quarter of the country's veterans live in rural communities and a disproportionate number of those serving in the military hail from rural communities. A diverse group of rural veterans represent rural America. The percent of women veterans residing in rural areas has more than doubled between 1992 and 2011, rising from 3 percent to 7 percent and rural minority veterans have increased from 6 percent to 10 percent. Veterans are often pillars and leaders in their rural communities. They have committed their lives to protecting and serving the country. The National Rural Health Association applauds their service. NRHA has consistently been a staunch advocate for expanding access to care for rural veterans, including improving availability of providers, care delivery mechanisms and provider understanding of the special needs of rural veterans. NRHA urges members of Congress to stand up for rural veterans and protect their access to care in their rural communities.