Who Will Save Our VA?

Our small community of Hot Springs is hurting. We have been blessed with beautiful surroundings, mild weather, historical sandstone buildings, warm mineral waters and a mammoth discovery site. The glue that has held everything together for many years has been our picturesque, historical VA standing imposingly on the hill overlooking the city. This hospital has served veterans faithfully for the past 104 years. Because of its good reputation, veterans have come here from many states, especially the neighboring ones of Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. They have chosen to come to this facility because the care has been consistently personal and of the highest quality. The hospital has served their physical needs, while the Domiciliary has offered mental health services for veterans suffering from substance abuse and post traumatic stress from the World Wars, Korea, the Gulf War, Viet Nam and up to the present conflicts in the mid-east.

We had a public meeting the other evening sponsored by the veterans of this area. Three  representatives from our elected officials in Washington were there. Veterans spoke up about their concern that there has been a steady decline in services. During the past 10 years they have moved some services away from Hot Springs and there are rumors that the Administration of the VA intends to reduce the hospital and Domiciliary to an outpatient clinic. The VA will not talk to the veterans and community about changes they have made or proposals to close the Dom, surgery and impatient services.

Veterans are upset. They don't want to drive the extra distance to Rapid City for the proposed new Dom. There is $34 million of federal dollars earmarked to build this new building in Rapid while we have a wonderful existing facility here in a quiet community where veterans can work and walk safely and peacefully. There is not the high stress of a large city to upset the balance they are trying to achieve through the alcohol/post traumatic treatments they receive in this facility.

Adding to the pain of the veterans is the concern of the local business owners. The VA has been the largest employer in this town. They employ kitchen help, maintenance, fire, police, as well as nurses, doctors, social workers and office staff. The VA downsizing over the past 10 years has had considerable effect on the economy of Hot Springs. Businesses have closed, real estate has slowed and veteran retirees who moved here in the past are thinking twice about relocating here if there is no hospital to meet their needs. The beauty of the area was one factor in many veterans retiring here, but the clincher was having easy access to an extraordinary hospital and treatment center.

Many in this community have been in denial about losing our VA. After all, we are known as the "Veteran's Town". We have the State Veterans Home for retired South Dakota veterans situated across town from the VA. How can we lose this treasured service for the men and women who have defended our country, and, in many cases, have given up their physical or mental health in the process? As one gentleman said at the public meeting, "My son has had three tours in Iraq. Each time he comes home he is more different." I would like to see the Administration of the VA answer to this father, hurting for a son who may never be the same, and who will not be able to receive help in his home town.

Senator Johnson, Senator Thune and Congresswoman Noem, where are you?