BRM 2017 March 2017 | Page 47

Vets on the VA

By Princess Purple

"We're just getting started and that's where you come in – sign up for email, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. But more than that, we need your help. We want you be part of the dialogue about some of the biggest issues facing our nation's Veterans. Join us to contribute solutions, especially solutions about how to communicate important facts and messages to Veterans." - https://www.va.gov/

This call was for help and ideas. We have vets that are homeless, clueless on how to get help, or even how to ask for help. In Casa Grande, Arizona there is a woman I spoke with who said, "Vit’s should never be homeless." Many people share Mrs. Jean's opinion. A vet has paid a price bigger than we could ever repay. It's our responsibility to take care of them now that they have taken care of our freedom.

There are mixed opinions about the VA, and like everything in life there are good and bad experiences. dealing with the VA is no different.

Hugh Raymond Warner is an Army Veteran who served from 1968-69, with one tour of duty in Vietnam.His experience with the VA has been good from the start.

Warner was injured in Vietnam when an explosion damaged his ear. He received surgery on his ear while in Vietnam and needed to be re-operated on once he returned to the states. The VA covered the expense and since then they have helped Warner with his medical needs. "Too many times they make a big deal out of an isolated insolent. The VA should not be privatized. Don't think that everything is bad with the VA. It's the same with private insurance, it's all down to good management."

Warner is considered a priority one due to his health. Medications is an expense not completely covered he has had to pay $70 to $360 for different medications. E.R.visits are not covered by the VA as well.

"I don't have a problem with the VA". Warner understands that the jobs were for high up positions. He knows there are employees that you have to talk into getting to work. I feel for those that have died, but you can't take that one indecent. What percentage of the VA is bad maybe 1%? Just fix it it’s not all bad." Warner a retired man from Sara Lee.

Norman Thomas Betz was in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1975, stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Newport, Rhoda Island.

I asked Tom if he was a vet since he did not serve in a war zone. He said he was a vet because he raised his hand and swore allegiance to the United States Navy. He then explained to me that there was one difference between service in a military unit and service as a military member in a war zone. Veterans with war experience usually engage in combat, as opposed to the many other missions assigned to military personnel.

Tom said in 2014 he started to use the VA. Later in life when he started having health issues such as diabetes, issues with his legs and feet and his hip, he started using the medical that the VA offered. He has become a regular patient at the Casa Grande VA in Arizona. He had good experiences with the VA in Colorado, however when he lived in Kansas, he drove to Colorado because there was no VA in or around Goodland, Kansas that was closer.

"I have no complaints," was Tom's response when I asked him about his experience at the VA.

I asked Tom about his opinion on the hire freeze that President Trump recently ordered. "In everything I read it will affect the larger parts of the system." He explained how in the area of Tuscon or Phoenix the hospitals have positions that need to be filled. We talked about how six months before Trump became president Congress had approved 2000 jobs for the VA. "Here they are trying to hire more doctors and nurses. Then he comes along (President Trump) and freezes the hiring process."

Later the new president was informed of the issue with the VA and retracted the freeze for the VA. I asked Tom if he felt that Congress was taking care of the vets: "No, but that is not unusual. It's always easier for them to deal with the active military. The VA and the active military don't talk to each other. That is one of the problems."

Tom's response is sad. Why do our men and women serve when they already know that their government will not repay the debt? Tom talked about the difficulties with getting disability, how the computer systems between the VA and the active military can't talk to each other. That is one problem for those just coming out of the military. The paperwork is not fast and the response time is very slow.

My question then is to the congress men and women, President Trump. The vets stepped up and fought in your wars, police actions, peace keeping missions, etc. They didn't say "wait" or "it's in the mail." They salute the flag and obey orders; they put their lives on the line. Do they not deserve not only a Thank You, but also care earned by their efforts?

I had to ask the vets I talked to about people stopping to shake their hand.

"Something I wish would have happened sooner,” said Hugh Warner, who faced insults and hostility from the Americans for whose freedoms and policies he risked his life.

I asked Betz, "If you could give President Trump any advice about the VA, what wisdom would you share?"

"Do Not Privatize the VA” he said.

News Releases from the VA just for the Month of March _- https://www.va.gov/

VA study highlights benefits of enhanced aspirin in preventing certain cancers - WASHINGTON — Researchers know of aspirin’s benefits in preventing certain ailments — from cardiovascular disease to most recently colorectal cancer. But while the link to those two conditions was made, researchers also questioned how and if this “wonder drug” could work to ward off other types of cancers. (3/1/17)

VA partnership provides community organizations with path to support homeless Veterans - WASHINGTON — Military Outreach USA, a partner of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recently launched a program to encourage communities to connect with local VA facilities and help VA provide support to homeless or recently homeless Veterans and their families. (3/3/17)

VA Secretary Announces Intention to Expand Mental Health Care to Former Service members - WASHINGTON – Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin while testifying in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on March 7, 2017, announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges. This move marks the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on expanding access to assist former OTH service members who are in mental health distress and may be at risk for suicide or other adverse behaviors. (3/8/17)