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your views
VA Health Care
I believe the reason veterans are being provided substandard health services at many VA hospitals and are having their benefits cut is directly related to ending the draft decades ago. After [the Vietnam War], a large majority of the country wanted nothing to do with the military, and our government caved and, in my opinion, is still caving.
Since that time, most of our military [personnel] have come from economically challenged families. These brave Americans have little or no say in what happens to them or to their benefits. Not only has the government let veterans down but so have the people who benefit from their sacrifices. In my opinion, the first step to reverse this abhorrent trend is to reinstate the draft so all American families have skin in the game.
— Lt. Gerald Valade, USN (Ret)
Life Member
Albuquerque, N.M. PASTE
I have been in the VA health care system since 1978. I have always been treated with respect and usually met with a statement such as this: “Glad you served your country.” Most recently, [I experienced] early detection of bladder cancer and prostate cancer — now in remission. I believe the VA system saved my life. From my primary care doctor to all the specialists I have received treatment from, I could not have asked for more competent or friendly providers.
— Lt. Cmdr. Richard L. Greenwood, USN (Ret)
Life Member
Dunnellon, Fla.
For submission information, see page 6.