My husband and I attended two of the meetings that were held in Hot Springs. I do not have the words to express my sentiments about the heart-felt testimonials I heard from veterans who use this VA, from former employees, from business owners in the community and from ordinary citizens who care about our veterans.
The strong attachment that our veterans have for this warm, healing VA was stated over and over, along with resentment over the gradual loss of services in the grand government scheme to force many veterans into privatization of their health care.
Emotions ran strong, especially those of anger at the management who are responsible for the cutting of benefits, but who, at the same time, profit from their bonuses. The regular veterans are losing every day, while the management pocket profits. Go figure!
One of the former employees, a radiologist, testified as to all of the services that have been lost over the past fifteen years since the grand plan for closures of our VA and the one at Fort Meade, began. After he listed surgery, cardio care and rehab, he dropped a bombshell. He said that after he was fired they hired a part-time radiologist. The VA knew for a year that that employee was dying, but made no attempt to hire another in his place. After he died a lab assistant read the x-rays, and the services gradually deteriorated to the diagnostic services being served by an employee in the dietetic field!
The words poured out from those who are being denied services. Their concern is not only for themselves but for those who will need health care in the future. Citizens from the community worry about their taxes, loss of businesses, loss of services from the police and fire departments at the VA, with a subsequent rise in insurance rates and loss of students and revenue for the school district.
This VA is not only a National Treasure, but it is a living organism that is the heart and soul of this community, as well as of the veterans who drive the distance to receive the special care given to veterans, along with all of the veterans who live and work here. These veterans who have chosen to make their homes in Hot Springs have become a part of a city that for over a hundred years has been known as The Veterans Town. This town is a home for the veterans. The VA is also a home for the veterans who continue to use its services. PTSD is not a disease that gets cured. It is a lifetime issue, along with substance abuse. This VA helps the veterans to manage their illnesses. It is a lifeline for many to be able to live and be contributing members of society.
We can only hope that those powers-that-be who serve in Washington will realize the importance of our VA and other smaller VA facilities that can best meet the needs of those who served and those who will be serving in the future.
Another hope is that if they discontinue the cuts to veteran benefits, we may have enough young men and women who will continue to serve our country and keep our military strong.
"If we send them, we must mend them."
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