To the Honorable Eric Shinseki

It's all about hope, unity and commitment to the cause of all veterans. We continue on with one voice. We knew from the beginning that this would be a long, difficult struggle. We have been meeting, planning, making posters and writing letters, all in preparation for a visit from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Washington in response to an invitation from our congressional officials from South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. You can read their letter on our website, theveteranstown.com. Please visit it.

The following is one of my letters to the one who will make the final decision regarding the future of the VA in Hot Springs, SD.

Oct. 13, 2012

Dear Secretary Shinseki:

You have recently received a letter from the congressional representatives from South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska regarding keeping our VA in Hot Springs, SD. They all realize that saving this VA in its present location is very crucial to the health and well-being of veterans from the Indian reservation who face a huge hardship if they have to travel further for their health care, and who are treated with respect at this facility. This is also of importance to rural veterans from Nebraska and Wyoming. Another critical reason is that the veterans with PTSD and addiction issues recover better in the serene atmosphere of a small town, separated from the triggers they encounter in the larger cities.

I have interviewed many veterans from all branches of service and from all conflicts who use this VA for their care. They are passionate about saving this VA, and are increasingly mistrustful of a government who is taking away their lifeline to sanity, sobriety or physical well being.

I am capturing their testimonials in my next book, Voices of Veterans. This book will include the passion of the veterans, along with the fervor of a community known as "The Veteran's Town." This small community came up with a brilliant and innovative proposal which was largely ignored by your administrators who were appointed under your watch. This proposal will not only save the taxpayers and the VA money, but it will enhance the much needed treatment for our many returning veterans.

Please listen to the voices of our veterans, most of whom live in the rural areas or the reservations. Many from urban areas, such as Denver, choose this facility because of the exceptional and personal care, and also because of the tranquility of the surroundings.

We are looking forward to your visit so that we can show you first hand this facility and community of which we are so proud.

Very sincerely,

Mary Goulet