Our freedoms aren't free. The men and women of our armed forces who defend us make many sacrifices so you and I can go on about our daily lives without a second thought. Our military members are apart from family for great lengths of time. They miss births, deaths and milestones in the lives of those they love. They work in extreme conditions and, sometimes, must see, do and endure things that you and I could never fathom. There are times they face disease, debilitating injuries and mental anguish because they protected us. Yet, we've found out in recent weeks that those who have given of themselves for our freedoms, once they return home, are not always being taken care of as they should.
It is being reported that more than 40 veterans have died while waiting for nearly up to two years to be seen by doctors for numerous life threatening illnesses at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix and more deaths are being reported at VA medical centers throughout the United States. Word is that the Phoenix VA works off of two lists - an "official" list that's shared with the powers that be in Washington and shows the VA has been providing timely appointments to patients. And then there's the real list that isn't shared, where wait times can last more than a year. In our own state, a psychiatrist formerly employed with the Huntington VA Medical Center in Charleston came forward this week stating that she was ordered to delay the treatment of veterans for months which resulted in at least two suicides. How can this be in a country that is first to aid those in need in a foreign land? We are failing to protect our own...those who have protected us!
I recall spending time with my husband's grandfather, a veteran of World War II, who often talked of his time overseas. "Pap," one of the Greatest Generation, took much pride in the fact that he served his country as a member of the 45
th Infantry Division out of Oklahoma. Well into his 80s, he donned the red and gold thunderbird insignia on a license plate on the front of his car and wore a small thunderbird pin on his jacket and even had a sweatshirt or two with the logo. Pap was always pleased to say he served his country. It breaks my heart to think that, had he needed care and been reliant on the VA, he may or may not have received it. We were lucky in that our family didn't have to deal with such horror. However, there are many family members of others who weren't so fortunate.
Whatever the reason for the debacle within Veterans Affairs, it needs to be corrected without delay. The hardest war our veterans fight shouldn't be at home with their health care.
While I believe it's important to always hold our veterans in high esteem, with Memorial Day approaching, it is the perfect time to honor our them and remember those no longer with us. Join Bordas & Bordas, along with the folks from the Ogden Half Marathon Classic, as we salute our military heroes past and present beginning at 7:45, Friday, May 23 at Wheeling's Heritage Port. A free concert will feature the 30-plus member Allegheny Brass Band playing patriotic songs. All veterans will be recognized during the event, and a special honor will be given to all World War II and Korean War veterans in attendance.
I will be thinking of Pap and those who have gone before us. And to those who have served and are serving, THANK YOU!
