Letter to the Editor; Veterans need attention

To the Editor:

We have a huge problem that needs to be addressed. We have 31 million veterans in the United States and most of them are eligible for benefits. That means we have a huge unfunded liability! There ae 774,000 unemployed veterans and the most help they are getting comes from the business world and wealthy individuals. We have a high percentage of suicide among our group of veterans and many of the stories that have been told go back to not getting necessary care. There are 613 forms that have to be filled out. It depends on the area, but there are from over 200 to 337 day delays in Atlanta to being taken care of properly. Two out of three veterans are concerned about their future health care.

The modern day vets since 9-11, have been asked to fight a hidden enemy of roadside bombs, snipers and even people they were asked to train. They have been in areas where illicit drugs were readily available as well as alcohol.

Veterans Affairs is our second largest government agency. These problems were there before Chuck Hagel, but he sure hasn’t done anything to improve the situation!

Gerald W. Ray

Spokane