The Okanogan County Commissioners Hearing on September 29, 2025, featured a quarterly report from Tom Eamon of the Veterans Department, highlighting ongoing outreach efforts and the status of claims under the PACT Act. Eamon reported that outreach to veterans remains strong, with significant progress in processing claims. Over the past year, the PACT Act has seen 2.9 million claims filed, with more than 2.5 million completed, resulting in a grant rate of 74%. The average processing time for claims stands at 125 days.

Eamon noted that recent updates to the department's computer system are being implemented, and he and his colleagues attended a successful conference in Yakima in August, where they gathered valuable information and feedback on VA healthcare classes. He emphasized the importance of improving outreach for veterans unable to visit the office, mentioning a recent town hall event in Omak that did not attract many attendees due to insufficient advertising.

The report also addressed the challenges faced by aging veterans, particularly their reluctance to engage with digital services and the need for assistance with home health and nursing care. Eamon received positive responses from the director and his team regarding these issues, including contact information for further assistance.

In the last quarter, the department registered 20 new veterans for healthcare, contributing approximately $1.46 million in benefits to the county. The office has been active, serving 40 veterans each month from July to September, primarily assisting with paperwork. Eamon concluded by inviting input from a representative of Community Action's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing veterans' needs in the community.