The VA Fiasco

   First of all, let me preface this by saying - there is NOTHING new in the recent revelations.  The revelations are old and tiresome  Similar situations have reared their head about every 3-4 years since I was old enough to pay attention to things.  I even have a similar incident to relate.

   In 1984 I decided to retire from the Air Force.  I had spent twenty years in the military; one cannot spend that amount of time without developing a medical history.  During the initial processing for retirement, every person in the room was advised to go to the VA for an evaluation 'prior' to retiring.  The briefers point was to have on the record any current condition.  This made sense to me, so I did schedule an appointment at our local VA Hospital. I am fortunate enough to live in an area where a hospital was located.

   Due to sporadic pains in my right shoulder I was sent to x-ray - the technician was bound and determined to find the source... picture after picture was taken until "I" was concerned about radiation. I told him I was 'done' with the x-rays. I was then sent to a Doctor who was going to interview me. After question after question that seemed to question my honesty, I finally stood up and said: "Major, this interview is over"!  I will NOT be availing myself of your services, hopefully 'ever'!  I left the facility and have never returned.  That was 19 and 84 A.D.

   One incident that occurred while I was there has stuck in my craw all these years and is pertinent to the current outrage.  I was sitting waiting to go into x-ray.  There was a seating area where there was a group of approximately ten old soldiers.  They were there to see a specialist, the specialty of which I cannot remember.  Some had driven in from the western part of the state for their appointment.  The nurse came to the group and told them the doctor had an emergency and they would have to reschedule.  The looks on their faces broke your heart, and it did indeed play a part in my words to the Major who tended me during the interview.

   I have zero doubt there are those who have received good treatment at their Veterans Administration Hospital etc.  For me, I am not surprised at the current revelations.  Further, the fact our President is outraged gives me hope... oh wait, he was outraged at Bengazhi, he was outraged at the IRS scandal, in fact, he was outraged at the VA scandal < B E F O R E > he took office.  This time he is really mad though, so all is well with the world.  I 'am' searching my soul to find out what actions were taken regards his earlier outrage.