Valley Veteran Loses Vital Job in Sudden Phoenix VA Layoffs

On Monday, around 1,400 employees from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including several in Arizona, were abruptly terminated.

David Carreras, a veteran and employee of the Phoenix Veterans Benefits Administration, found purpose in his work. For nearly a year, he had provided crucial support to veterans fighting foreclosure and seeking assistance with their mortgages.

“I felt like I was serving a bigger purpose than myself,” Carreras expressed. He cherished the gratitude from veterans, saying hearing them thank him for saving their homes was his greatest reward

Having served four years in the Marine Corps, Carreras was particularly driven to help those who had also served. “This is a crucial job,” he emphasized.

However, during his shift on Monday, Carreras learned via email that his role had been terminated. When he approached his supervisors for clarification, they were caught off guard. “I was just heartbroken,” he said. “I was at a loss for words.”

Along with Carreras, several colleagues from his cohort were also laid off as part of the sweeping federal cuts initiated by the Trump Administration. The layoffs have raised questions about the impact on veteran services, particularly those aimed at preventing foreclosure.

Despite being aware of potential layoffs, Carreras hadn’t anticipated this would affect vital positions like his. “I felt that our position was essential,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of safeguarding veterans against foreclosure.

According to a letter from the VA, Carreras’ job performance allegedly did not meet standards. However, he countered this claim with a performance review from October that affirmed he was meeting expectations and on track for a promotion.

A spokesperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs clarified that the layoffs were limited to probationary staff. They asserted that such decisions would not harm veterans’ healthcare or services. Still, Carreras doubts this assurance.

“If anything, this is going to be a detriment to veterans,” he asserted. He voiced concerns that the reduction in staff could delay critical assistance for veterans, potentially leading to homelessness.

“To have another veteran or VA employee guide them is crucial for their success,” Carreras explained, stressing that the department was already short-staffed before the cuts. The future of veterans’ support in the Valley remains uncertain in light of these developments.