Veterans Vent At VA Town Hall Meeting

Lots of anger and frustration as veterans each stood to tell their story. 

 

Many have been struggling with issues for years and they say the hospital isn’t helping. 

 

WWII veteran William Gray says he hasn’t heard back about a cancelled appointment since May.

 

“They told me they couldn’t get to me. The next appointment would be in the letter when they sent it out. I’m still waiting,” said Gray.

 

Questions were being fielded by interim director Robin Jackson and the VA Southeast network director Charles Sepich.

 

Jackson says the system has hired 20 new employees this month and there’s a team in place to help.

 

“We recognized early on that our processes are challenging for bringing on active hires. They are looking at our hiring process and our staffing numbers. So that is a piece they’re working on to mitigate, to help us through so we can have a streamlined and efficient process for bringing on more staff,” said Jackson.

 

Crowds of veterans filled the townhall meeting… And there was never a shortage of raised hands with people wanting to have their say. 

 

Not everyone got the chance to say their piece, but staff stuck around to help those who needed it. 

One veteran says he’s pleased with the changes and thinks it will be a start to fixing the problems at the VA.

 

“I think now that they’ve changed the administrative department around, that is a start. But still needs a lot of work. They need to listen to the veterans that are getting the care,” said Mark Obar.