Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) met this week with Jack Fanous, chair of the myVA Board in New Jersey and the Co-founder and Executive Director of GI Go Fund, to discuss ongoing reforms of the transition process for Veterans from military to civilian life.

“Our military veterans all too often encounter obstacles and difficulties upon transitioning from military to civilian life—and entering the VA system to receive the benefits they need and deserve,” Smith said. “I will be working on legislation to establish a pilot program for an online portal to assist in the transition for servicemembers.”

“New problems urgently command our attention—massive VA wait times, forged documents by VA officials, ineptitude, lack of equipment and understaffing at VA medical facilities are just a few of the issues undermining the quality of service and the treatment our veterans receive,” Smith said.

Fanous’ JobPath app was designed specifically for veterans, to help them connect with potential employers upon their transition to civilian life. The app has close to 24,000 new users per month.

He also founded the GI Go Fund, a non-profit charitable organization that helps military veterans, especially veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, access their VA benefits and find housing and jobs. As chair of the myVA board in New Jersey, Fanous works with other community leaders to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they need.

On Thursday, Smith and Fanous met and discussed what more can be done to reform the transition process for veterans from military to civilian life, which can often be a difficult one. Housing, employment, and access to VA education and health benefits are among the greatest needs.

“I am excited to work to ensure we are providing an easy way for our servicemembers to connect with employers, access their education and healthcare benefits, and participate in civilian certification programs,” Smith said.

As chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Chris Smith held over 120 hearings between 2001 and 2004 and helped enact over 20 laws on veterans assistance; he has written 15 bills that became law on expanding veterans’ benefits and access.

Among the hearings Smith chaired were those on the importance of a smooth transition for veterans from the Defense Department to the VA.