Thank You, Jim!

Yes, yes indeed, the battle still goes on over the future of our Hot Springs VA! The National American Legion fought hard for us. The citizens of our community are busy writing letters to the EIS, refuting their report that supports that of the Veterans Administration in Washington.

This VA is rated as one of the top VA facilities for treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD and other emotional issues. The ones on the large cities have extreme wait times, and veterans suffering trauma would rather not receive help in the confusion, noise and crime of the large cities.

Our VA offers shorter wait times and low crime rates in the peace and serenity of the surrounding Black Hills enclosing the sleepy small town of Hot Springs. And, in spite of all the opposition, we are still open after 4 years of battling the un-informed, anti-veteran health care attitudes of those in Washington who, for the most part, have never served their country, except for fussing over legislation, spewing "patriotic rhetoric" to the masses who have put them in office, demanding that we send our young men and women to fight the wars to protect "our" interests (according to their beliefs and pocket books), but are grossly negligent when it comes to financing the healing of these same veterans who signed up to protect their special interests.

Oh, we hear from Washington, "boots on the ground", etc., but back here in our back yard? Well, that appears to be another story. If our representatives (no matter which party affiliation) over the past 20 years really had our veterans at heart, they would have pushed legislation that the VA could not close any of our rural VA hospitals for at least ten years....until the long wait times are no more in the VA health system. That would have stopped this struggle in its tracks.

A local columnist hit the nail on the head in his last column in the Rapid City Journal for 3/3/2016. You can google it for the full story or find it on www.theveteranstown.com. Jim Kent slices through all the political protests, debating and dust storms brought on by those who profess to love our veterans, but then turn their backs on these same veterans when it comes to fighting for legislation to keep and improve a health care system which honors their service.

I could not sum up it better than his words:  Not to worry, however. Our Republican congressional team is fighting for "the boys" (and girls). Nowhere near as vehemently as they are against a replacement for Justice Scalia but, hey, what's more important -- keeping your right-wing puppet masters happy or battling for the veteran who fought for you?

Johnny? Mikey? Kristi? Any of you serve?

I thought not.

Angry words? I think so, but many of us are furious over the whole mess. Those who serve in Washington are receiving great benefits for life, while those who serve our country in the military are being disenfranchised. A legal right? Well, veterans believe a promise was broken. Veteran benefits are being taken away, bit by bit, under three different administrations, and not just here in Hot Springs. Check it out!

It isn't enough to say "thank you for your service." Proper, timely and respectful health service is the sincerest thanks from a grateful country.

Well, representatives in Washington, will you listen to the voices of our veterans? Will you represent those who served? The ball is in your court. It's your call.

A Trucker's Thanksgiving

Every year the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD, serves a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner to veterans and all town's people. This year they served 200 people, giving up their private Thanksgiving at home to wait on all of the people who were not able to cook, who did not want to cook or who had nowhere else to celebrate the holiday.

The Legion veterans asked for donations only, providing for those who could not afford to pay. It made no difference to the Hot Springs veterans who could afford to contribute and those who could not but equally partook of the feast and left the Legion hall with a full stomach and a warmed heart.

During the festivities an on-the-road trucker had stopped at our local Motel 6. The downtown was deserted late in the snowy, cold afternoon, restaurants closed, so the management at the desk of the motel suggested the trucker could get a filling holiday meal, complete with all the trimmings, at the local American Legion.

One problem: the trucker could not drive his huge vehicle and park at the parking lot of the Legion.

"No problem", said the worker at Motel 6. "Here are my car keys. Take my car and enjoy the holiday."

Oh, yes, Hot Springs is truly the Veteran's Town. The local American Legion of veterans who have made Hot Springs their home, embrace everyone.....veterans, locals, truckers and any who are fortunate enough to find themselves in this town during a holiday.

The Fight is Not Over

Today there is hope. I have found out that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) made public last week by the VA used flawed data to come to its conclusion that our VA should close and our Save the VA committee in Hot Springs intends to fight their recommendations and they believe that they can win. Here are the feelings and views of some of our veterans:

"He's excited about taking on the VA lies through the court system and through public displays of solidarity among veterans and in communities like Hot Springs."

"Ackerman intends to take the VA on. He says they are such an easy target now that its like playing chess with a person who offers you checkmate in just two moves."

"We can win, unless we give up.....and we're going to win. They made it too easy with their lies. We're going to fight."

"I want to remind people that there's been no decision made and we need to stay engaged in this fight. We have 60 days to make comments about the EIS. It's not over till it's over."

These comment are from our veterans in Hot Springs. There is passion behind this battle, filled with fury and disappointment and sadness and mistrust. There are also many behind this battle for and by the veterans, from our local politicians and citizens to our national American Legion.

With such passion and concern for our veterans I believe that the battle is not yet over. My anger and sadness has once again turned to hope. For now I will trust in the Davids against Goliath.

It is back to the battle. Keep tuned in.

Goodbye to our VA

"The government stinks", wrote someone on face book. There may be many more citizens who feel this way. Certainly in Hot Springs today many wonder, "How can our government send our young men and women to fight overseas and then not take care of them on their return to civilian life?"

We are told by many veterans that our VA is one of the best in the country for treating veterans with PTSD, brain trauma, substance abuse and other emotional issues common to those who have seen the horrors of battle. And yet, the EIS study returned their verdict to close our VA and open a clinic in Rapid City, an hour to the north. They admit it will not save the taxpayers money, but that it will better service our veterans. Really? Ask a veteran who has received help at our VA and first tried a program at other facilities. They will let you know that Hot Springs has the best of the best treatment programs, and for an added bonus it is situated in a healing rural area, conducive to less outside stresses common in the larger cities.

Ask a resident of Hot Springs. They will tell you that losing our VA will affect the entire community. Businesses will lose customers, rentals will diminish, class size in the schools will shrink, jobs will be lost and the area will struggle to regain its dignity and identity.

We have been the Veterans Town for over 100 years. We will still have the State Home for retired veterans, but the larger, more glorious structure on the hill will lose its young, vital returning soldiers along with the many doctors, nurses, kitchen, custodial and auxiliary help.

The really sad part of this story is that none of this was necessary. None of this had to happen and none of it would have but for the stupidity and arrogance of those in Washington. It angers me and saddens me. Our town has fought long and hard for the rights of our veterans. It was on the front line of this battle to save our VA. We cared, we hoped, we tried. We talked often with our veterans during and after their treatment. We sat with them in the steam room and sauna at our mineral water facility down the hill from the VA. We heard their stories, we felt for them and worried with them about their return to society.

We wrote letters, we had meetings, we picketed and protested.

We met with our state representatives. But mainly we cared. We cared for our returning soldiers and the future of our country. We will continue to care. If there is more that we can do, we will.

At this time as I write these words I feel pain and deep sorrow. This is the end of my blog for today.

Cheers From the Veterans Town

So, there was a trunk show at our American Legion for our town's own Miss South Dakota. We gathered, veterans and town folks, to view the dresses that will be worn by our Hot Spring's candidate. We celebrated with a meal and a silent auction, all to raise money to send Autumn Simunek to the Miss America contest in Atlantic City.

How appropriate to join together in sending off our home town candidate at the American Legion. She has always supported our veterans in a veteran's town. We watched her grow up, attending events for veterans, selling poppies on the steps of the post office, visiting veterans at our very special VA. She never refused an invitation that involved our veterans.

She has honored the veterans, and the veterans appreciate and love her. It has been 30 years since a local gal won the Miss South Dakota contest and our town is rejoicing. Whatever happens in the final Miss America pageant, we citizens of Hot Springs will be rooting for our home town candidate. Even many of us who never before watched the contest will be at the TV, cheering on one of our own who we know worked humbly and tirelessly to perfect her talent, poise and appearance, so that one day she could walk down the aisle into Miss America history.
                                         

Well, VA Police?????

LET ME OUT! 

Readers of previous blogs will know that I tried twice to get the VA police to arrest me. I crossed the picket line to enter the VA property bearing signs that were a witness to the treachery of the federal government against our veterans who served our country and were promised health care when they needed it. If you want to know of all the promises they broke, you can check past blogs. My last book, Reveille in Hot Springs: the Battle to Save our VA is also a testimonial to the deceptions of our government who sent them, but would not mend them.

If you care about what they are doing to our veterans, you can also check out www.theveteranstown.com.

Many of us, veterans and non-veterans are still fighting to save our VA in Hot Springs, a community that helps in the healing of veterans suffering from PTSD or other emotional issues. It is the same old story of David vs Goliath. This time the ending may be different.

So my husband, Bob, locked me in our very old historical jail in downtown Hot Springs. "You are locked up for trespassing on federal property", he scolded me. "You are siding with the veterans against big government."

Very funny, Bob. Is it really a joke? Sadly, in truth, veterans are losing something they hold dear and this blogger cannot even get arrested to get some media attention to our cause. Of course not. I am not a veteran and I was told that I am "too high maintenance. The VA cannot afford to lock me up!"

What I do know is that the federal government cannot afford to cut services for our veterans. In the long run they are going to regret what they are doing today, someday.

Someday may not be during my lifetime, but someday will arrive.....someday.

(Photo courtesy of Tom Gulbranson)

We Know Where You Live!

Another try. Now was the time to picket the main entrance to the hospital. One police officer stopped by, greeted the veteran walking with me, and disappeared into the hospital, never to be seen again.

"Mary, I have to leave now," said the veteran who had been by my side for almost an hour.

"Okay, I will keep on picketing."

The veteran was just driving off when the police truck drove up and two VA police officers got out.

"You know you are on federal property", said the male officer. "Where is your ID?"

I remained silent. The female officer said, "It doesn't matter. We know who she is and we know where she lives."

"Well, continued the male officer, "We can fine you and arrest you if you don't leave."

Then he took a photo of the photographer who was taking pictures of this encounter.

Soon after he left, went into the hospital, never to be seen again, and left the young female officer to deal with me. She took away my sign. I looked around and not seeing my photographer, and missing my poster, I decided to accompany the female down to the entrance of the VA where I could retrieve my sign, remain on the federal property and wait to be arrested. My photographer drove up. It turns out that he had not left me, but had circled around to get more shots and was out of my view.

The female officer told me that the officer who had her photo taken with me before had got into trouble. "I don't want to lose my job," she said, "I have children to support and I know that I am being photographed."

"Well, you will lose it anyway if the VA closes," said I. "Go back up the hill and bring your boss back who threatened me with a fine and jail. I will be here, sitting on federal property."

She, too, disappeared, never to be seen again. I suppose the VA police, who are all veterans and are sympathetic to the plight of veterans, are simply following their orders. Those orders must be to avoid negative press at all costs. At least that is how it appears. They threaten and then fade out of sight.

Meanwhile, the national media ignore our battle in this fly-over-zone, and our VA continues to dwindle. The cuts are continuous and ruthless. The minds of the VA administration seem to be made up and that thought does not include the best interest of veterans or taxpayers.

Go figure!




Photo courtesy of William Ing

"Death by a Thousand Cuts"

Our VA continues to dwindle. The cutting continues while ads on TV state that the government cares. "Please call. Get help, etc., etc."

Let me count the ways.....We had 7 primary physicians in 1998, while today we have 2, soon to be zero, zilch, Nada. One is retiring and one is being forced out. Neither will be replaced. In the past we had 17 pharmacists. Today, far less. We had 3 psychiatrists. Today we have none. Is it any wonder that veterans kill themselves from lack of proper monitoring of their drug usage?

For over 100 years we have housed the South Dakota State Veterans Home for retired veterans. Today they are improving it so our veterans can live out their years in the peaceful serenity of the southern Black Hills. One advantage for our veterans was the use of our VA across the town for most of their medical needs. Now these veterans are told that they can no longer have use of the VA hospital since they no longer have the personnel to service them. Of course, they don't have the staff since they have been making cuts for the past years.

The VA made many promises they continue to un-make. One of their promises was to keep the VA at full capacity until after the EIS study was complete. It is not completed but they continue to deplete the resources.

Promise after promise is ignored, while they continue to make the cuts. Our veterans have to travel further and further to receive medical care. Oh, yes, the VA said they could receive help at our local hospital. We are all aware about that decision. Some veterans will go there with costs to the hospital that they will not be able to absorb. The VA can treat for less cost. Eventually the local guys will have to refuse the veterans without private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid because they will not be able to afford their care. In addition, most of our veterans do not wish to go to a non-VA hospital.

Let me get this straight.....our men and women served our country with one of the benefits being life-time health care. Okay, the government says they will continue to honor that promise in large city VA facilities, or in the regular community hospitals. Our veterans from rural areas do not wish to, or cannot  travel to the cities and they do not wish to go to public hospitals, or, in the long run, will not be able to go to them without private insurance.

The rural VA hospitals will continue to vanish, along with the hopes and trust of our veterans. The future is grim for those who served. There are more of us than just the veterans who are losing hope in our VA administration with their distorted data and a stream of broken promises.

Some say that our community is made up of more than 50% veterans. Many moved here because of this extraordinary VA. Many live here because they work at this VA. As cuts are made, more people move away to follow the jobs. Where will the veterans who live here and shun the large cities make their homes?

Does anyone in power in Washington really care? It is long past time for wondering.

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.

"Hooray and Halleluia!"

Has it really been almost three years since our battle began to save our VA in Hot Springs? Actually, it has been 2 years and 8 months since the announcement of the proposed closure. After months of meetings, letter writing, sign making and on and on, we are finally having our day in the sun, our moment of truth, our chance to be heard by the decision makers from Washington, with a congressional hearing in Hot Springs.

Our community members have written a proposal that will benefit the veterans, our town and the taxpayers. Save the VA committee members met with former Secretary Shinseki in Washington but were largely ignored. He refused to see for himself what our VA has to offer veterans. We know, we have the numbers to make our proof and we have 5 presenters who will make our case this Thursday before the chairperson and vice chairman of the House Committee of Veteran's Affairs.

Will we win? Time will tell. Will we be heard? If we are, we will win. We have everything in our favor for the benefit of the veterans, present and to come. If you are interested you can follow our battle on www.theveteranstown.com. We may be a small community in the "boonies" or the "fly-over zone as we are known to both coasts, but we have spirit, compassion, common sense and a willingness to fight for what we know is right. We are Hot Springs, SD, the veterans town!

We Knew

We have proven over and over that we are "The Veterans Town". My book, Reveille in Hot Springs shows again and again in the different stories from both veterans and townspeople that we are committed to our VA, our State Home for Veterans and our veterans. Both the veterans and our VA are part of the heart and soul of this community. For a second time our American Legion, together with the help of the city, county, chamber and individuals have brought the Vietnam Wall back to our town. It has a place of honor here as I write these words. Hot Springs is largely made up of veterans who have chosen to make this place their forever home. One of the largest factors contributing to this decision is our very special VA that offers loving, personalized care to our veterans.

Well, no surprise to those of us deeply involved in the battle to save our VA, the Rapid City Journal headlined the story of the long delays for veterans to receive their care, and the cover up of the true situation by some who worked at those institutions. Throughout the United States the percentage of those who altered the numbers was 13%. How did our VA facilities in the Black Hills rank%? It was 14%! Wow, we are above the national average. Do those of us who, according to some, "cried wolf", feel vindicated? I guess in an upside down way, we do. We knew that many of our veterans were being treated shabbily, but, on the other hand, it is rather sad to face up directly to the proof. It would be better for all if none of this cover up had occurred in the first place.

So the administrators took their bonuses while the regular veterans took their cuts and long wait times. Much of the bonus money appears to have come from the cuts to veterans and VA closures. I may feel some vindication, but my anger and pain over the injustices to our veterans outweighs any "I told you so" feelings. Any "I" disappears in the weight of the neglect to those who served. Shame on those who accept the money at the expense of anyone or anything who may get lost in the shuffle of that money and power!

It is not a new story I write. It is as old as time itself. Greed and ego take over above humanity and love. But in the long run it is not the movers and shakers who will have the most impact. It is those who care about others above their own ego and self-righteousness. Their influence will endure.

An Amazing Veteran

First the VA cut the funding for veterans in treatment in the domiciliary to use our health club. (The Plunge).

Next our city allowed them access to the Plunge for $2.00 with the meal card used as proof they were in the Dom.

Then the VA called the Plunge and told them that they could not allow this. First they used the word "confidentiality", then they said "we cannot endorse use of the card", and the latest is something about the VA not allowing this for whatever.....

A veteran who went through treatment in the Dom and realized the importance of the Plunge in the healing process called someone at the Dom and asked how they could make this work for the benefit of the veterans. No response.

Today this same veteran went to the Dom and asked the person in in-take if she could print up a card in the packet that all veterans receive on entry into the treatment programs that told them that they could have entry into the Plunge for the reduced fee if they showed the card. This card eliminates the other reasons and would be exclusive to our local VA facility.

Sounds like a win-win for everyone. It will be brought up at a staff meeting on Monday. We are waiting to see what comes out of this jumble of regulations, restrictions and "word games" that has prevented our veterans who served, being served by our community, the Veterans Town of Hot Springs, SD.

Whatever the outcome, my hat is off to this veteran who does not see "problems", but rather looks for "solutions" and keeps searching until he finds one. He continues to serve.

Yet Another Cut

This Christmas we enjoyed the company of several veterans that were in the treatment program in our Domiciliary.It was an honor to entertain them in our home. Bob and I are not veterans, and it was one way we could say our thanks to veterans for their service.

During the dinner, one of the veterans looked up from his dinner and said, "This is the first time I have ever been invited to some one's house for the holidays".

Another of the veterans, suffering from PTSD and brain trauma, with a subsequent addiction to alcohol, felt the need to get an anti-anxiety pill before joining us at our table.

A third veterans had served her country for thirteen years. This time included a year in Afghanistan, during which time she had been shot at, blown up and had shot over 60 of the enemy. After the service she could not find work and after struggles dealing with homelessness, she arrived at our Hot Springs facility to get care for her PTSD, and work toward getting a job that would solve her homelessness issue.

To my dismay, I discovered that this soldier, homeless and without work at this time, had managed to save money from the below-minimum wage received in the Domiciliary, to purchase a punch card to our local recreation facility with natural warm mineral waters.

"But their is no charge for veterans in treatment to use our Evans Plunge!" I said, stunned by her words.

It was then that I learned of yet another cut by our federal government in Washington. They usually paid a minimal amount to cover the veterans use of the swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, steam room and exercise room, all helpful ways to speed their recovery.

The next day I learned that our Plunge is working on this issue, but, in the meantime, I felt another pang of anger and resentment toward the VA administration that once again has told our veterans that their years of service did not earn them another aid in their healing in order to be able to work through emotional or chemical issues and once again, re-join society and their families.

Our town is the Veteans Town, and we will find a way to welcome the veterans from the Dom to our local health club, no matter what cuts they make from on high. The veterans served us, and when they return, we will find a way to thank them.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for today. Our town closes up, but our American Legion puts on a traditional turkey feed for all the veterans and anyone from the community. Veterans who are in the program in our Domiciliary have a feast at the VA, or some choose to join the townsfolk and veterans at the Legion. Hot Springs is truly "the veterans town" even on Thanksgiving when all restaurants are closed.

Bob and I won a free turkey and decided to celebrate at home, inviting a couple of veterans who might enjoy the home atmosphere. It seemed appropriate as I have spent the last two years working with the Save our VA committee and writing Reville in Hot Springs to promote the cause for our vets.

The doorbell just rang. One of the veterans arrived and it is time to celebrate.

I am grateful for so many things on this day of thanks and will share some of them another day.

Now there is only time to say "Have a great day."

What's Up?

Yes, it is one bleak November. Well, at least for us in the southern Hills. We are used to more days of sunshine than in much of the rest of the country.

Our Christmas cactus is beginning to bloom. That is the one that bloomed over and over last year, lasting until after Valentines Day. Our smaller cactus is in full bloom, but in a few days it will be done for the year.

Bob brought home a small orchid yesterday. What a treat during the dreary November days! He also bought a colorful Mexican, decorative wall hanging. It shows the moon saying goodnight to the sun with a kiss, no less. Bob knows how to brighten up any day.

I am lining up interviews for Reveille in Hot Springs. We are in a time bind to save our rural VA hospitals and benefits for our veterans. I have done several interviews, with some more to come, but none of these will gain us national media, which we sorely need. Many residents of Hot Springs are sending copies of the books to friends and relatives throughout the country, hoping that someone, somewhere will notice our battle. It is difficult with so many books and so many battles out there at this time. Whatever we do, we do for our veterans. They deserve to have their voices heard, but will anyone listen before it is too late? We are in the "fly-over-zone" in more ways than one. The two coasts are wrapt up in their issues, but they do get major attention from the press.

So, we are in the bleak November, but we continue fighting and hoping. Sometimes it seems as if that is all we have left..... the fight and holding on to hope, and someone to bring home an orchid and a cheerful, hand-painted plaque.

Cheers for the Hot Springs VA

She looked up at me expectantly - golden tail wagging furiously. She jumped and jumped, ever so eager for attention and her walk. Her name is Amber and she is the "neighborhood dog". If readers recall, Amber's owner has been to the VA hospitals in Hot Springs and Minneapolis, and several of us neighbors are taking turns walking his dog. This is what we do for our veterans in Hot Springs.

The owner's friend was in the yard raking leaves and the newest neighbor, who has not moved in as yet, dropped over for a chat. It turns out that he, too, is a veteran - twenty years in the Marine Corps. It appears that we are a neighborhood of veterans, with the exception of my husband and me, who have been working since 2011 with the Save our VA group in Hot Springs. We are truly a town of veterans and those who care about our veterans.

Amber's owner had been rushed to our VA and then had to be transferred to the VA in Minnesota. Because of the cuts that have been made to our VA over the years, he could no longer receive the necessary treatment here in town. What I heard today was, "In spite of all of the cuts that have been made to our VA, the quality of care has never been better. Bill has received excellent care."

The staff and programs have been cut, but those staff remaining are dedicated, as always, to giving the best possible care to our veterans. Kudos to them for the quality of care they provide at our VA. Our veterans deserve nothing less, and at the Hot Springs VA they are receiving the best that can be given.

After a brief visit Bob and I took Amber on her outing, trying to wear her out before returning her to her family. She is hyper and difficult for me to handle, but it is even more difficult to walk by her in her kennel and ignore her pleas for love, attention and a good run. And, after all, her owner is a veteran.

Off to Washington DC

After a year of meetings, planning, writing, developing, researching, promoting, hoping and strategizing, five of our people from Save our VA group are heading to Washington to meet with the Secretary of the Veterans Administration. The proposal developed by one of our committees has been sent in advance to General Shinseki. Our five delegates have the job of selling it to the powers that be so that we will be able to keep our very special VA facility from closing, and expand it to accomodate the needs of our veterans, with a focus on those suffering from PTSD, brain tauma, substance abuse and homelessness and joblessness.

The creativity of our locals who developed this proposal continues to amaze me. It is certainly a win-win for the VA, our veterans, and the taxpayers who fund the military.

We, at home, are waiting with bated breath for the return of the five. So much rests on their shoulders, yet, whatever the outcome, we are proud, so very proud of their efforts and those of all of us from this veteran's town who have worked tirelessly, with no monetary compensation. We have, however, received a rich reward. We have united with a diverse group of locals, most unkown to us one year ago, and have felt the deep satisfaction that comes with striving for a common goal that may benefit so very many for years to come.

Tonight, as I write these words, my feelings of pride are mixed with anxiety, hope, fear and confidence in our year-long efforts and those five carefully selected individuals who are on their way to plead our cause.

No matter what the outcome, the pride that rises within will never leave. It will remain for history to validate our story...the story of a town that had a dream, a dream which became a proposal that Washington should not ignore.

Where is Reason?

All three of our congressional delegation wrote another letter to Secretary Shinseki, officially announcing their opposition to the VA Health Care System of the Black Hills plan to close the Hot Springs VA. (You can view it on our site: theveteranstown.com)

The first letter asking the Secretary of the VA to come from Washington to see for himself the facility in Hot Springs and listen to the proposal created by the citizens of Hot Springs, has been ignored up to now.

Senator Tim Johnson, Senator John Thune and Representative Kristi Noem are opposed! Why can't the U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary, Eric Shinseki respond to their requests?

The Hot Springs plan is far superior to serve the needs of rural veterans, as well as a plan that cuts costs in comparison to the plan put our by the VA Health Care System of the Black Hills.

What is wrong with the administrators of the VA? Will they listen to reason? Their plans seem to include the destruction of all rural VA facilities in the United States. They look only to the larger hospitals in the larger cities serving the needs of all veterans, even though many veterans prefer the intimacy and calm of the rural ones.

Is their plan to force many veterans to receive treatment at regular hospitals? It has been proven that treating veterans at VA facilities is more cost effective and helpful than sending them to civilian hospitals.

It is not rational to ignore the Hot Springs plan in any way, monetarily or healing wise. Again I wonder, what has happened to reason?

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

The War Continues

On Monday, September 10, VISN 23 of the VA administration told our steering committee for Save our VA that they were going to submit their original proposal as is, along with their insights about our proposal. If they don't accept key elements of our proposal, they will be rejecting our veterans, native American veterans from the Pine Ridge reservation, the citizens of this area and our congressional representatives, Republican and Democratic, and the governor of our state of South Dakota. Our community has fought long and hard to keep this very special facility open to serve our veterans who have fought for this country. We are angry, frustrated, disappointed, but committed to fight on for the cause of our veterans from all wars and branches of service.

Our proposal beats the VA proposal hands down and our representatives are going to Washington to discuss it with General Shinseki who heads up the VA. We have reason and numbers on our side. Our proposal will not only serve the veterans who have served us, but it will benefit the taxpayers in the long run. You can check it out on our web site, theveteranstown.com. The proposal is there for all to read.

What I have come to realize through all of this long, stressful battle, is that we have a group of ordinary citizens in Hot Springs, who are not only talented and thoughtful, but who are hard working, resourceful, resilient, hopeful and definitely determined to keep this the town for veterans forever.