Commentary: Tennessee Legislators Supporting Our Veterans with the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act

by Tommy Vallejos

When I first put on the uniform, I knew it was a calling. I dedicated 21 years of my life to the U.S. Army, leading soldiers who counted on me just as I counted on them. That commitment didn’t end when I transitioned out of the military. Instead, it shaped the way I live my life today.

As a veteran with 100 percent disability myself, I have walked alongside veterans who feel forgotten, trapped in a system that was meant to support them but instead puts up endless roadblocks. I’ve spoken with men and women struggling to access the benefits they have rightfully earned, facing long delays and overwhelming bureaucracy. These are not just statistics; they are real people, my brothers and sisters in service, who deserve better. Too often, the system designed to help them leaves them in limbo when they need assistance the most.

When I left the military, I took on new roles, serving as a county commissioner, spreading faith as a pastor, and being an active leader in Tennessee’s Hispanic community all the while fighting to ensure that service members are not forgotten once they return home. The challenges they face are unfortunately not surprising to me, I have seen them firsthand and know the urgent need for solutions.

Tennessee is home to more than 440,000 veterans, many of whom rely on VA disability benefits for healthcare and financial stability. Unfortunately, the current system is overwhelmed, with backlogs stretching on for months or even years. The process is complex, and for many, nearly impossible to manage alone. That’s where the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act currently being debated in Tennessee comes in. This legislation is a practical solution to an urgent problem, ensuring that veterans have better access and the freedom to choose how they get the help they deserve.

While some have criticized this bill by calling private consultants illegal and unregulated using inaccurate words like “claim sharks” the SAVE Act aims to create strict penalties to weed out any bad actors while expanding support for veterans. While the VA and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide important services for free, their limited resources and long wait times make it difficult for many veterans to get timely assistance, so private consultants help fill this gap. These companies offer veterans an additional regulated option to navigate the complex claims process. These consultants don’t replace the VSOs; they provide an additional option for those who need faster assistance. The bill ensures that contractors operate under clear, written agreements outlining services and fees, with no upfront or non-refundable costs, meaning veterans only pay when they receive an increase in benefits.

Additionally, this bill addresses a major security concern regarding the misuse of veterans’ personal information. It prevents businesses from using international call centers to process sensitive data and prohibits unauthorized access to VA systems. It also mandates background checks for anyone handling veterans’ private records, ensuring that only reputable professionals are providing assistance.

Beyond increasing access, the SAVE Act ensures veterans are fully informed about their choices. Private assistance is one option among many, and this bill guarantees that veterans are made aware of the alternatives before signing any agreement. Every veteran must sign a written disclosure acknowledging their understanding of the terms, protecting them from misleading claims or false guarantees.

As a pastor, I have spent years listening to the struggles of veterans who feel lost in a system that was supposed to support them. I have counseled those who feel abandoned by the very country they fought to defend. Faith teaches us that when someone is struggling, we don’t turn away but that we step in to help. That is exactly what the SAVE Act does. It ensures that when a veteran reaches out for help, they are met with real solutions and real choices, not red tape and delays.

I thank State Senators Briggs, Hatcher Johnson, Gardenhire, Jackson, Massey and Watson along with State Representatives Moon, Lamberth, Garrett, Faison, Scarbrough, Camper and Wright for cosponsoring this vital legislation. 

Tennessee has always stood by its veterans, and this is our chance to prove it once again. Our lawmakers must act now to ensure that no Tennessee veteran is left waiting or left behind. Passing this bill isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the necessary thing to do.

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Tommy Vallejos serves as Chairman of the Board for Latinos for Tennessee.