(U.S. Senate) – Following a recent push from U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has deployed mobile Vet Centers to areas impacted by major flooding across south-central Montana—including Gardiner-Livingston, Red Lodge, and Fromberg. Mobile Vet Centers provide critical mental health services and support.

“It’s great news that VA answered my call to support Montanan veterans and communities affected by this devastating flooding by deploying mobile Vet Centers,” said Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “VA continues to play an important role in assisting veterans and the nation in times of emergency, and I’m glad the Department has stepped up to lend a helping hand to Montanans in need.”

Last week, Tester called on VA Secretary Denis McDonough to provide emergency aid and support to Montana veterans, their families, and communities affected by recent flooding through its Fourth Mission—an authority used as a backup health care system in support of the nation in times of emergency. This included urging the agency to deploy mobile Vet Centers to affected areas.

In response to the historic flooding, Tester has been working with the Montana congressional delegation to secure critical resources for Montanans from FEMA, the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, and Small Business Administration. Following a bipartisan call from the Montana delegation, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration and activation of critical FEMA assistance and support for recovery efforts last week. Severe weather has resulted in significant property damage to homes, businesses, roads, sewers, water systems and Yellowstone National Park. Acting Governor Kirsten Juras declared a statewide disaster on June 14, 2022.