Demonstrators rally against Trump cuts to Veterans Affairs

WEST CHESTER — “You fought for us, now we intend to fight for you,” state Rep. Dan Williams said at Friday’s rally to support veterans on the steps of the Historic Chester County Courthouse.

About 150 demonstrators held protest signs high and roared along in support of several speakers at the noon demonstration, which included several Democrat state House members and dozens of veterans.

The rally came in the wake of the firings of thousands of Department of Veterans Affairs workers and threats by the Trump Administration to fire tens of thousands more.

“You gave; now it’s our time to return the favor,” said Williams, D-74th Dist. “You’re not fighting with bullets, you’re fighting with a ballot.”

Retired U.S. Marine Capt. Deb Ciamacca told the angry crowd that leaders lead from the front.

“Leaders give a damn about the men and women who work for them,” she said. “We owe it to them.

“We should not have to beg Elon Musk for the services they are entitled to.”

State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-156th Dist., also a veteran, said that Trump’s cuts were a frightening prospect, unacceptable and dangerous.

“For decades we’ve been bamboozled by billionaires,” Pielli said. “We’re not suckers and losers. We are Americans. Welcome to the revolution — a refreshing revolution, a revolution of decency, fairness and equality.”

Christopher Kowerdovich is the Pennsylvania chairman of the PA Democratic Veterans Caucus and a veteran.

He urged the demonstrators to write and call their elected representatives.

“We are just getting started,” he said. “We don’t need empty words of support. What we need is action. We should be focused on legislation to fill in the gaps.”

Chris Smith is a 22-year retired U.S. Navy Veteran and Active Army Reservist.

“Everybody who served signed up to support our country,” she said.

She noted that we have a president and current government with no one who has served that is reneging on promises.

State Rep. Paul Friel, D-26th Dist., talked about budgets, which he said are statements of our values.

“It’s not about what we say — it’s about how we vote — what actions we take,” he said. “We’re going to start fighting back. Are you ready to start fighting with your vote?”

State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-167th Dist., was upset by the Trump Administration’s removal of recognition for women veterans.

“How appalling was it to hear about the Defense Department removing pictures of women, erasing them?” she said. “We remember them.”

Veteran Theresa Santalucia comes from a long line of veterans.

“We had a contract,” she said. “We made a promise. We will care for you for the rest of your life.”

Karen Cavin’s brother was in the U.S. Navy and fought at the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. She said he committed suicide because he was triggered by the Afghanistan War and did not receive adequate care from the VA.

“Musk and the Donald have canceled a hotline so the veterans can’t get help,” Cavin said.