Veterans were able to voice their concerns recently during a visit by former U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson.  Nicholson visited Volunteers of America's Garfield House, which is home to nine veterans who have a mental illness or is recovering from substance abuse.  Shirley Johnson, Case Manager for the program works closely with the veterans to help with needs such as housing, clothing, food, employment assistance and mental health issues.

Ken Rocky, Richard Haggerty-Stewart, Shirley Johnson, Jane F. Shank, Jim Nicholson, Suzanne Nicholson and Charles Blythe.

Issues such as needing more housing in the area like Garfield House for veterans because of the increased need since Hurricane Katrina as well as more affordable housing were topics of conversation.  "The visit was a great outlet for the guys to express their concerns to Secretary Nicholson," Johnson said.  "Everyone was excited."