I am a combat veteran who dedicates much of my time and energy to the well-being of my fellow veterans and their families. It is from this deep-seated care and respect that I urge you to reconsider our representation in the sphere of Veterans Affairs in Puerto Rico.

Currently, Senator Gregorio Matias fulfills these duties. His performance, however, has been grossly unsatisfactory. Despite handling affairs that are relevant and impactful to our lives as veterans, Matias exhibits an alarming lack of knowledge on the subject. There is an unacceptable discrepancy between the importance of the role he occupies and his understanding of it. The benefits and services meant for veterans and their families are being grievously mishandled under his wing.

Moreover, Matias's history of ethical infractions paint a concerning picture of his judgment. The role he occupies requires a strong moral compass, which his past actions suggest he lacks. Integrity should be a defining characteristic of the individual representing us, yet we find it nowhere in Matias.

Lastly, I believe it's crucial for anyone who serves in Veterans Affairs to have personal military service experience. Senator Matias has never served a day in the Armed Services of the United States of America. As a result, he's missing vital perspectives needed to guide his decision-making in his role.

Given these concerns, I urge our community and government to remove Senator Gregorio Matias from his post as Veterans Affairs representative. Our well-being, respect, and the honor of our service deserve nothing less than a representative who will genuinely care and advocate for us effectively. This issue is personal and significant for all who have served, and should be handled with the gravity it deserves. Please sign this petition to prioritize the welfare of Puerto Rico's veterans and their families.