The Word from Washington

And so, after all of these years of struggle to keep our very "best of the best" VA facilities in Hot Spring, the decision came from Secretary McDonald, the director of the VA in Washington, that our VA will be closed. There will be bits and pieces left......the call center, the dialysis unit and a clinic, but for most of their health care the veterans from Hot Springs and the surrounding areas will require a longer drive with less personal care.

Since 2011 the community of Hot Springs has fought to save our VA in Hot Springs. It is one of the highest rated VA facilities in the country. Veterans come from all over the country to seek help in the domiciliary. One would think that the decision makers in Washinton would look at the VA ratings and decide to close those that fail to provide quality service. A commitee called Save our VA has been meeting faithfully for over 5 years to keep our VA in Hot Springs and other members of the community came to meetings to strategize, make signs, join protests, listen to our veterans.

Our veterans fought for us. They gave up years of their lives for their country. Now Washington has turned their backs on them. We, in Hot Springs, have not forgotten them. From the beginning we have been the veteran's town. 

"The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten."

Calvin Coolidge

Standing Proud

And so Secretary McDonald has come and gone. He gave our community an hour of his time. He listened intently and responded to comments from residents, veterans, the head ranger from Wind Cave National Park, the National Historic Preservation Trust, former employees of our VA and veterans presently using our domiciliary.

Once again, on a blustery, raw day in the southern Black Hills, a community gathered to support our veterans and our local VA. They came from nearby Nebraska, protesting the possible closure of the best of the best of the VA facilities. One veteran told how he had gone to VA after VA seeking help for his cocaine addiction. He continued his use, often being supplied by dealers standing outside of the VA hospital. He came to this VA 8 months ago and stated with conviction, "This VA saved my life. I will always be an addict, but I am not using."

Voices told similar stories of hope and recovery in this accepting, quiet small town atmosphere of Hot Springs, SD. Several repeated that this VA should be a centerpiece for all of the VA hospitals. It should be restored to its former self and enhanced for all of the veterans, past and present coming from Iraq, Afghanistan and the continual war with ISIS.

Not all who stood patiently wating for a turn to comment had the opportunity to speak. Secretary McDonald was on a schedule and he kept to it strictly. The time was all too short for the auditorium filled to overflowing with hopeful veterans and citizens supporting them. But I, for one, was proud of our small, but passionate and dedicated community. They spoke with conviction and hope. I was filled with tears and gratitude for being a member of this small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We stand together against the powers that be in Washington....for our town and for our veterans, past, present and future.

Secretary McDonald has 30 days to make his decision. We can only wait and hope and be united in our gratitude.

Three Vets in the Sauna

"I served two tours in Iraq. I was wounded and after I left the service I found the best VA for helping me return to health is this VA in Hot Springs."

"I fought for our country in many wars from Desert Storm to Iraq to Afghanistan. I was a Ranger, testified before Congress about the conditions at Walter Reed hospital, I was wounded, have a plate in my chest and am part of the Wounded Warrior program."

"I love this VA and this town. I am from Boston and have been to other VA hospitals and I can tell you this one is the best. I love the peace and serenity here. People greet me on the street."

Three veterans using our Plunge. One of them believes that the water is helping to alleviate his PTSD symptoms. All three were sweating in the sauna, sharing some of their battle stories. One shared a photo on his cell phone of a very poisonous spider that roams Iraq, or Afghanistan, I can't recall which country it was since he served several tours in both countries.

These young men fought for our country. One loved the years in the service but was angry and frustrated about his medical treatment on his return. The best medical care was at a VA that the government was cutting. His distrust with our government was blatant as was the frustration with Congress. He said his entire family had served in the military in all different conflicts, but he was telling his son not to enter the military after what he was experiencing at the present time.

I remained in that sauna far too long, captivated by the war stories of fears, frustrations, anger and pain. Finally I had to leave, but before I closed the door I took one final look back at these men who appeared so healthy and fit. Because of what they had shared I saw further than the robust external into the shattered internal pieces that could linger forever. Will they ever return to "normal", whatever that is? Will they find their way back to a life that they once knew? Will they gain internal strength and hope?

I wonder and I wonder some more. Most of all I cling to hope. We here in Hot Springs have fought the battle to keep our VA open for our veterans for over 4 years. Our battle has not cost us our mental health as those three who served our country. It has cost us time, effort and some anguish. It is a small price to pay.

Last, Last Chance

Our extension to send our comments to the EIS is ending on May 5th. Today several of us volunteers worked the crowd at the Mueller Center who were there for the Spring Fling. It was exciting to get so many comments from those who want to Save our VA in Hot Springs. It was surprising how many had simply forgotten to do it during these past 4 months.

"I meant to do it but I got busy. I'll do it now." or,

"I won't sign a sheet. It will do no good. The government will not listen to us. They have made up their minds." or,

"My father is a 60 year veteran and they will not care for him at our VA since he has too much money. Funny, our guys in Congress get full health care and pensions for life. All we veterans are asking for is health care from a VA." or,

"Congress wants to send us to Syria or Iraq or Afghanistan, but they do not want to give us health benefits when we return. I know that we save the taxpayers money by having the VA hospitals, but they want us to go to regular hospitals that will cost more. What gives?" or,

"Our retired veterans at the State Veterans Home were put on Medicare so they can receive medical help at Rapid City Regional or the Hot Springs hospital. Who will pay the other 20%?" or,

"If those guys in Congress had served in the military, things would be different." or

"If our representatives had the same health care as we have....."

Oh, yes, this is our last chance. Will they listen? Maybe they will, maybe they won't, but, at the end of the day, whatever happens, I know I did all I could for our veterans, present and future.

As happens with change, for better or worse, we will live through it if our community loses more residents, if our veterans lose heart, we will survive. Well, at least most of us will. There will be those veterans who commit suicide and some of those could have been helped at our VA, one of the best in the USA for helping veterans who suffer emotional issues. There will be more homeless veterans who could not make the adjustment. There will also be those who mismanage their prescriptions because psychiatric help is less available. Their pain and overuse of prescription drugs will not end well for them. This has already happened in our small community, most likely connected to the many cuts that have occurred over the past years.

I can't help but wonder. How many of those in Congress, who are supposed to represent us, will suffer the same fate? If they do get depressed, suffer from PTSD, brain trauma or drug abuse, the most superior health care is available for them. They did serve and they get it all.

All our veterans ask is for health care in a system that understand their needs. What is wrong with this picture? What happened to "If they send them, they should mend them?"

Now, all we can do is to wait. Wait for a decision from Washington. Some of us are looking at alternative use for our VA. My hope is that it will not come to that. But now the fight is nearing an end and we will wait, and hope and wish for wisdom from those who make the decisions from afar.

Dragons

A veteran sent me a quote with his response to the quote.

Challenge is a dragon with a gift in his mouth.
Tame the dragon and the gift is yours.
-Noela Evans-

"We all at some point in our lives have been challenged by some sort of dragon. When the battle is over and the dust settles only the strong will survive. That is how life goes for many of us. For our veterans, however, that is how it goes all the time, day after day, fighting one dragon after another, and often times alone."
-John- A Vietnam Veteran

As John writes, we have all experienced our own demons during our lifetime. Sharing fears lessens the pain. Feeling alone only increases the power of the dragon. Share your time over a cup of coffee or an ambling walk. Lend a book or lend an ear. In any way you can reach out to a veteran so he/she does not feel so alone.
                                                                           Above all, listen!

And They Still Want to Close Our VA!

SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH_

(From the Military Order of the Purple Heart)

According to a recent article in The Huffington Post, "A tragic milestone was reached last year, when 185 active-duty Army soldiers died by suicide, surpassing the 176 soldiers killed in battle in Afghanistan that year. The Army's annual death toll from suicide has more than tripled since 2001, when 52 active-duty soldiers took their own lives."

This tragic epidemic reflects severe strains on military personnel burdened with more than a decade of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, complicated by anxiety over the current prospect of being forced out of a shrinking force.

 This news comes at a time when the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have mounted an aggressive series of suicide prevention campaigns and offer a wide range of resources to help active duty military, veterans, and their families cope with the pressures of military service. Despite these efforts, the Defense Department's own Suicide Prevention Office predicts "increasing suicide rates, despite over _900_ prevention programs."

 In June 2015, thanks in part to intense lobbying by a coalition of Veteran Service Organizations that included the MOPH, the US Congress passed landmark legislation to address military and veteran related suicides. The $22 Million, "_Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act_" calls for independent evaluations of all mental health-care and suicide-prevention programs in the VA and Department of Defense. A part of this Act requires an annual evaluation to determine the effectiveness of VA suicide prevention programs and the establishment of new veteran peer support programs. It also called for the creation of a new website, now available at:

www.mentalhealth.va.gov, [2] to better explain what mental health resources are available to veterans.

 The Suicide Prevention Act was named for Marine Cpl. Clay Hunt, a 28 year old, combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who committed suicide in 2011. After leaving the Marine Corps, he struggled with depression, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress, despite dedicating himself to veterans' advocacy and humanitarian work. After his death, family and friends said he had been battling the Department of Veterans Affairs to get his disability rating upgraded from 30 percent, as well as struggling with unemployment and a marriage that was unraveling.

Cpl. Hunt's case is often cited as an example of the problems within the VA.

He told his Mother in March 2011 that he would not go back to the VA because dealing with them was just too stressful. Two weeks later, he locked himself in his apartment, and committed suicide.

 Military leaders say that some programs appear to be working, but it's too soon to declare success in the battle against suicides. Most importantly, the cultural mindset has changed -- it's now OK for a sailor, a soldier, an airman, or a Marine to come forward and ask for help, thus giving hope that prevention programs and increased efforts to identify troops at risk may be taking hold after several years of escalating suicides. At the same time, the suicide rates of female military veterans have been called "staggering." According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, "Research shows that female military veterans commit suicide at nearly six times the rate of other women. Though suicide has become a major issue for the military over the last decade, most of the research has focused on men and little is known about female veteran suicides." According to VA research data collected over the past

11 years, it is the younger female veterans, aged 18 to 29, that kill themselves at nearly 12 times the rate of non-veterans.

 In sum, these are our brothers and sisters in arms, and we need to care, reach out and give assistance. If you see, or know of someone in crisis, "step-up and step-in!" Learn to recognize the signs of depression and helplessness and know where to look for the resources needed to help.

There is no reason why a service member or a veteran should ever feel that they are alone, or worse-that there is no reason to go on living.

 _You Can Make A Difference._

Bloggers note:
I am publishing this article in today's blog and wonder each time I read statistics such as these why the government is still trying to close down our VA which has one of the best programs in its Domiciliary for PTSD, substance abuse, brain trauma and other emotional issues common to veterans.

Vets, locals says VA leaders aren't being honest about closure

Vets, locals says VA leaders aren't being honest about closure

Stop the Lies!

Over 100 strong, we marched and rode up to the entrance to our VA. The rain did not deter us. We chanted, ""Keep the promise and stop the lies!" We were united in our cause to save our VA., veterans, spouses and ordinary residents of Hot Springs. We carried signs as we marched up to the entrance.


We were instructed that we could not cross onto VA grounds during our rally. We stopped at the entrance to listen to speeches and chant some more. The TV cameras from Rapid City were there, covering our anger, frustration and sadness over the broken promises and lies to our veterans.


We had tried for several years to gain national media for our cause. We did manage a national story in the American Legion magazine, but most media did not think our cause carried enough notoriety for their attention. On the other hand I did receive a phone call from a reporter from the Associated Press. If he covers us we will get national media. He had read my book about our battle, Reveille in Hot Springs: The Battle to Save Our VA, and wanted some connections to veterans who had stories in the book. Unfortunately he did not show up for our rally, but he did contact the Save Our VA committee and may still give us some coverage.


I had nothing to lose, being an older, retired woman and a non-veteran, so I crossed the line. I walked until a VA police car stopped me and told me to retreat. "But I want you to arrest me," I told her. "I will not arrest you", she insisted and escorted me back to the line off of VA property.


I really wanted to get some national media. After she left I walked back onto VA property and continued to walk. Veterans followed behind. They realized they, too, would not be arrested. If they were jailed they had more to lose than I. They used the VA for their medical care. But signs held high, they walked with me up to the headquarters at the front entrance of the Dom. We were united in our cause to support all veterans. I could feel the bond among us.


We did get great local coverage. If you have facebook you can check it out. We can also go to www.theveteranstown.com and click on the facebook for powerful photos.


So far we have not received national press. What we did get was a feeling of pride - pride for our veterans, for our town and for ourselves. We stood together, and those of you who remember the sixties will remember, "We shall overcome."


Our battle continues. Stay tuned!

Hope Springs....

Our community has gathered once again to make signs in preparation for a rally and possible picketing at our VA. It feels like David vs. Goliath. Will we save our VA? Time will tell, but for now HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! I have included a letter from one of the leaders for Save Our VA, together with the press release from Washington. I cannot say it better. For those of my readers who have followed our battle and/or read my book, Reveille in Hot Springs: The Battle to Save our VA, join me in celebrating a victory for David (Hot Springs). If the Senate passes this, along with the president, we are looking good, and so are our veterans.

All,

Once again our Congressional leaders, this time Rep Noem has stood up for Hot Springs VA and the Veterans who use our facility. It is important for all of you to realize, they are doing this because it is the right thing to do.

Rep Noem, Sen Thune, and  Sen Rounds have all visited our facility, and examined the information (lies) the VA has presented and the counter information (truths) the Save the VA committee has presented. They realize most of the Veterans who use the facility come from a impoverished area and out of our State, but they continue to fight for what is right.

Every time I begin to lose faith in the system and our great countries leadership, someone steps up and proves the battle is worth fighting.

Please take a moment of you time and thank Representative Kristi Noem  for her efforts. It can’t be easy fighting for so many and being a State with only one member in the House of Representatives.  

Don The Veteran

Subject: Noem Press Release: Noem Effort to Bar VA from Ending Hospital-Based Services at Hot Springs VA Hospital Passes House
 

Home | About | News | Contact For Immediate Release April 29, 2015                                                                                               Contact: 202.225.2801 Noem Effort to Bar VA from Ending Services at Facilities Like the Hot Springs VA Hospital Passes House Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives tonight passed legislation that included a provision authored by Rep. Kristi Noem that would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from ending or limiting hospital-based services at facilities like the Hot Springs VA Hospital. Specifically, the amendment would bar the VA from ending, suspending, or relocating hospital-based services at a health care facility that is undergoing an Environmental Impact Statement, is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and is located in a highly rural area.  The Hot Springs VA facility meets all of those criteria. “There is a reason Hot Springs is called ‘The Veterans Town’ and I’m not going to stop fighting on their behalf,” said Noem.  “The VA Hospital in Hot Springs has long provided critical care to South Dakota veterans. My amendment which was approved in the VA appropriations bill is pretty simple: it would prohibit the VA from spending money to shut down or limit services for rural veterans, including those who are treated in Hot Springs.”  Noem’s amendment was approved as part of the FY 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 255-163.  Noem has been fighting for years to save the Hot Springs VA hospital from closure. Last summer she brought House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller to Hot Springs to hold a field hearing which helped highlight discrepancies in data that has been used by the VA as they have worked on their proposal to close the hospital. Earlier this year, Noem joined Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds in urging the VA secretary to remove plans to close the Hot Springs hospital from President Obama’s budget request.  ###

American Sniper

There was an unusually large crowd in our local movie theatre. Understand that this historic building is a local treasure and a gathering place for movie buffs who prefer to see a movie on a large screen in, an at-times, cold surroundings among friends and neighbors who chat amiably before and after the movies. Unlike many of the large city movie houses, the local crowd is politely quiet during the movie, respecting the rights of the other attendees.

We were greeted by many as we took our seats for the second-night showing of American Sniper. The line for the popcorn was so lengthy that we skipped the usual movie treats while choosing preferable seats among the locals sharing the latest scuttlebutt.

There were many in the theatre wearing hats or jackets that identified them as a veteran. That was no surprise; we are, after all, the Veterans Town, with both a VA facility and a State Home for Veterans. We are also still in the battle to try to save our very special VA in this peaceful, rural setting, conducive to recovery of those suffering from PTSD or other emotional issues.

The movie began, taking us all into the midst of the war in Iraq with soldiers going door to door, breaking down the doors they believed hid the armed enemy soldiers. The hero of the movie was a famed sniper who carefully took down any who threatened his fellow soldiers. The movie also drew us into the affect of his four tours on his wife and his increasing PTSD.

There was not a sound from the audience around us during the film, with the exception of one veteran who suddenly left the theatre. The movie was over and the audience filed out silently. I heard none of the usual light exchanges of banter. I do not know the feelings of the rest of the crowd. I only know that this movie sent me a strong anti-war message and I felt an even greater empathy for combat veterans and their families.

I do wonder about our veterans suffering from PTSD. How will this movie affect them? At this time I am not ready to ask them....not now, but maybe soon, or never.

Yet Another Statistic

Another day, another veteran death on record. What is wrong with this picture? So the VA can add this to the list of those veterans who take too many prescribed drugs. Just another statistic to them. What do they do when vets need help on their road to recovery? I wrote about it in my previous blog. They give them counseling and classes and support, along with filling them with prescription drugs.

It is not only the VA. It is the modern medical answer to everyone for every ailment....drugs for this and drugs for that. Drugs seem to be the answer. Not that meds cannot help. They do help some with issues. But for many, more is not the only answer. Quick fixes, instant cures......what have we become in this world of healing?

He was a teacher, a trainer, a friend. He was loving, caring and helpful to others, but he could not help himself. He was afflicted with PTSD, addictions to drugs, anxiety, sleep deprivation, migraines and brain trauma. His pain increased, along with the meds. He lived alone, with minimal monitoring of his numerous drugs. We watched his decline and did what we could, but it was not enough. His world closed in around him, shutting him off from those who cared for him. How could anyone understand that world of extremes.....extremes of pain, isolation and loneliness.

Some of us believed that we, his clients and friends, helped him by following his example and training. He told us that we inspired him. Maybe we did, but, in the end, it was not enough. It was just not enough.....

He shared with me that the counseling he received from the VA became less frequent.  There had been cut backs on personnel. But the prescribed drugs increased. The correlation was skewed. I remember encouraging him to get back to the doctor. He felt that the doctor was not as available as before. He had seen him on a weekly basis previously but those appointments became farther apart. The drugs seemed to be messing him up. Changes to his drugs, along with regular support, seemed to be in order, especially for someone who lived alone. His nights were the hardest. Sleep became almost impossible.

His death certificate states "suicide" as the cause of death. Age 42.

We cannot accept that word that marks his end. Yes, he overdosed on his prescription drugs. He took far too many, but he had far too much pain. Who can judge as to how many of us with so many burdens would not take more and more of doctor prescribed pain relievers to bring relief to our exhausted bodies and minds?

Ah, blessed relief! He has found it at last.

Sweat and Tears

We sat side by side, sweating in the sauna.

"I really want to get off of meds. I got back from Afghanistan and nothing fits. My wife no longer understands me. I came here to the VA to get help with my issues she doesn't understand, and they put me on more meds. I really love coming here to the Plunge. I can work out upstairs, in the water and then relax in the health club. I come here everyday. I want to get off of my meds and use the natural things to help my nerves and nightmares."

He talked rapidly, barely pausing for a breath or a response from me. Finally he paused and looked over at me, as if waiting for a reaction to his litany.

"Have your tried acupuncture or yoga?" I asked him. "Both of those services are offered here in town."

"I want to try both of those. I want to try every thing the natural way and get off of all those medications."

With those words he bounced off of the bench and disappeared out the door. His friend from the domiciliary was sitting across the sauna. He now had his chance to talk and he told me that he had come for treatment from Denver.

"I really love this VA and this town. I want to move here some day and make this my home", he told me. "It is easier to manage my issues in this peaceful community."

Two other veterans from the Dom came into the sauna. All four of them came to the Plunge every day.  They were all delighted with the amenities that our Plunge had to offer. They loved to let off steam with exercise, water, hot tubs and the steam. All four wanted to try natural means for healing instead of the artificial drugs which offered temporary relief and maybe, just maybe, added addictions.

All four were struggling to find their way back to society, back to their families, back to work. For now they felt safe within the VA system, but they also knew it was a temporary haven and they all echoed that they wanted to find their way back to "normal", whatever that was. So much had changed for them during their years in the service. They were different somehow and civilian life seemed confusing and unwelcoming.

"We used alcohol and drugs to soothe our anxieties. We just added another problem to our emotional ones. Now we have to deal with both."

I was happy that they found some part of "normal" while making use of the Plunge. I watched them join in with other townspeople in water volleyball and basketball. Looking on I would never have guessed that they were struggling with PTSD and substance abuse issues.

I doubt is any of us have reached perfect "normal" during our lifetimes. Perhaps it is best that we haven't. We all have our dark sides to battle at times. For me it helps in understanding those four veterans desperate to find some normalcy. I know of no one who has attained perfection. And, I believe that is what makes all of us interesting. Flaws weave a pattern of richness into a tapestry of humanness.  I wish, with all my being, that in some small way these veterans find some peace in their present lengthy conflict, a struggle that is possibly more difficult than the battle they fought overseas.

When I left the Health Club at the Plunge all four veterans were soaking, laughing and talking in the hot tub. They all looked relaxed and like the usual tourists. "What a nice old lady", one of them said as I waved goodbye.

Welcome home, guys.

Final Roll Call

"Well, this is different", my husband said to the mortician as we walked into the American Legion.

We went to the wake of Richard Galeano which had been moved from the funeral home to the American Legion down the block. We entered a room filled with Native Americans, most from the Pine Ridge Reservation, many attendees in military uniform, flags, quilts and displays of photos, medals, three Native staffs representing three different tribes, and prominent at the front of the room lay Richard in his wooden casket.

The atmosphere, unlike the usual visitation, was less stilted and more relaxed. There was a certain solemnity, but also the casualness of friends and family at an annual reunion. The ceremony was led by Ben Good Buffalo, friend of Richard, with other friends and family members entering in with songs, chants and testimonies to the life of a father, husband, brother, veteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time friend and teacher to many.

An extraordinary meal followed the service, with traditional fry bread among many other choices. All of this was unique to me, even though I had grown up in a world with three day wakes in the living room of the deceased, including conversation, food, laughter and tears, with an open casket in the living room for all to view. I now wonder how our culture lost the richness of a wake to be replaced by the formality of a visitation.

The most impressive moments for me were when Frank Marshall, veteran service officer for the tribe stood near the casket and called roll call to all of the military, most in uniform and standing in attention in a line at the side of the room. He announced each name in a loud voice, and in an equally strong voice each responded with "Yes, SIR". Finally he called out, "Richard Wendell Galeano." No answer. Again, "Richard Wendell  Galeano." No answer. A third time, "Richard Wendell Galeano."

Vincent Ten Fingers, a Vietnam veteran's strong voice replied, "Not here, SIR. He is with a higher command."

Rest in Peace

Richard Galeano died yesterday. He may not be widely known, but to us fighting the battle to save our VA in Hot Springs, he was an inspiration. He showed up early on in the struggle, bravely spoke up in front of friends and foes, and, once again, fought another battle as the faithful soldier he remained all his life.

Richard was among the six veterans that I interviewed for Reveille in Hot Springs: The Battle to Save our VA who have all fought their last battle and are now at peace. I will attend yet another funeral for another veteran who will always remain in my heart, and his testimony in the book will outlast me to enlighten others long into the future.

During his interview he shared his pride in his family's strong military heritage. He and two of his brothers were both in the Air Force during the sixties. Two of his sons served in the U.S. Marine Corps and his third son is in the U.S. Army and received a Bronze Star three times for his service in Iraq.

As his health deteriorated Richard would still appear at all of the meetings for Save our VA that he could possibly attend, accompanied by his oxygen tank. I would look for his wave of acknowledgment when he spotted me in the crowd.

What I will remember best about Richard was his attention to the needs of the Native Americans who used our VA, and his part in establishing the first sweat lodge at our VA to assist these Natives in their recovery.

Toward the end of his life Richard would still conduct some of the sweats at the VA when no one else was available. He had his own sweat lodge at his home in the country where he would welcome all who joined him in prayer.

The following is the last paragraph from his chapter in Reveille in Hot Springs:

You don't have to be a Native American to go through a sweat lodge ceremony. No matter what color, all participants are brother veterans. The Hot Springs VA has shown its uniqueness for all veterans by being the first VA facility to provide a sweat lodge, which helps in the healing of many veterans. The Inipi is located in a peaceful, secluded corner of the VA. Every Friday the smoke can be seen rising from the steam of the heated rocks, carrying the prayers and songs of veterans, with hope and possibilities for renewal and recovery.

Whenever I see smoke I will remember this veteran who recognized the importance of the sweat lodge in the healing of veterans. Long may the smoke rise at our VA!

Once Again, Ho, Hum and Betrayal

Another town hall meeting from the VA. The head honchos, Steve DiStasio and Janet Murphy, director of VISN 23, conducted the meeting. It is all supposed to be about listening to veterans and their concerns and answering their questions. Well, no surprise to those of us who have been at previous such meetings, most questions were dodged or brought refusals to answer.

The National Historic Preservation Trust is opposed to the closure of our VA, as well as all of our representatives in Washington from four of our states, the veterans who use this facility, the taxpayers, and we townspeople who are part of this veteran' town.

On the other side, in favor of closure of the highest quality health care VA, are the few, the closed-minded and the self-seeking. Frustrating? Perhaps a veteran who emails me on a regular basis has expressed himself better than I, in the following email I received from him after the meeting yesterday that he did not attend:

I thought that it would be more redundant as most stories are the same and they all seem to fall on deaf ears. I simply couldn't take any more of the rhetoric from DiStasio without getting more agitated than I already am. After the comments I made last meeting the residual effects stayed with me for several days.

It is so hard for many of our veterans to stay calm when faced with all that is going on. When comments are made to turn our VAMC into storage units, it is nearly impossible to keep out PTSD symptoms in check. We (veterans) have found peace of mind here (in Hot Springs) and now the VA is going to take that away. Once again we feel betrayed and abandoned.

What are they doing to those who served? Will other young citizens enlist when they realize how they will be betrayed by the government they might serve? Will taxpayers revolt when they discover the insult to them?

I don't have answers to the questions at this time. I can only surmise. What I do know is that the veteran who sent me this email this morning has expressed his feelings, feelings shared by many veterans, and his words speak volumes and more eloquently than anything I could ever say.