SPOKANE, Wash. (Oct. 26, 2026) – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) hosted a veterans’ forum Thursday, Oct. 22, at Gonzaga University, bringing together more than 145 attendees, including veterans, elected officials, and representatives from 27 organizations for a discussion on policy priorities and challenges facing veterans and their families.
WWP Warrior Advocate Leader Lani Kelp organized and moderated the forum, facilitating direct dialogue between veterans and lawmakers on key federal and state legislative issues. The discussions encouraged thoughtful collaboration focused on identifying policy solutions. The event also reflects WWP’s commitment to empowering Warrior Advocate Leaders to host advocacy events in their own states and communities, expanding opportunities for veterans to engage with policymakers and strengthen local advocacy efforts.
“After our advocacy training this summer, I came away energized and motivated to create more opportunities for veterans to engage locally and make their voices heard,” said WWP Warrior Advocate Leader Lani Kelp. “We wanted this event in Spokane to be a solutions-focused conversation centered on action, not just a discussion of challenges. The strong turnout and meaningful engagement demonstrated a real appetite for continued collaboration, and we're already building on that momentum with our next roundtable scheduled for May.”
U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner (left) and Warrior Advocate Leader Lani Kelp.
Federal policy priorities discussed included WWP’s top advocacy priority, the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow combat-injured veterans to receive their full military retirement pay and disability compensation, as well as the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, which aims to improve access to care for veterans in rural communities.
At the state level, discussions centered on Washington Senate Bill 5954, addressing survivor tuition waiver eligibility, and House Bill 1016, focused on employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
“This was an outstanding gathering of veterans advocate groups at Gonzaga last week," said U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner. “I’m proud to sponsor and support the Major Richard Star Act. Thank you to Wounded Warriors for putting this together — I’ve never seen this many veterans in one room in my district!”
The strong turnout underscored the importance of creating opportunities for veterans to engage directly with the elected officials shaping policies that affect veterans, military families, Service members, and their communities.