AUGUSTA – The head of the Department of Veterans Affairs says he wants to make it easier for veterans in rural states such as Maine to access health care, counseling and other services offered by his department.

Secretary James Peake toured the Togus VA Medical Center on Friday to meet with veterans and discuss operations and issues.

Peake said the VA is deploying new mobile vans throughout the country, including two in Maine. The first will go to Aroostook County and the other one to Lewiston.

Peake’s visit to Maine came at the invitation of Rep. Mike Michaud after the two met on a trip to Iraq. Michaud said veterans seem pleased with the service they receive from the VA and the number of complaints has gone down sharply.