VETERAN GREETED BY DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS IN VA HOSPITAL

U.S. Army vet Christopher Wilson was attending a podiatry appointment at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City when was confronted by a mess.

The garbage can was completely overflowing with trash, supposedly sterile medical equipment was just laying out on the counters, and there was a visible substance (looks like plaster) splashed across the sink, cabinets, and floor.

Wilson was swift enough to take photos documenting the room where he was supposed to receive injections. To his surprise, they went ahead with the procedure and did not even address the mess in the room!

After serving two tours in Iraq, Wilson frequents the facility, but he said that this day was particularly bad. The level of care is always lacking and he feels rushed through his appointments as if he is just another number.

Because of his negative experiences, he says that he would never choose to go there for treatment, but he feels that he has nowhere else to turn.

BETTER CARE AND FUNDING FOR OUR VETS IS NEEDED

The VABA hears stories like this far too often. We feel strongly that institutions like VA Hospitals, which continue to have issues providing the level of care that everyday Americans would expect anywhere else, need to be better funded, better ran and better equipped to handle the multitude of issues vets face.

The center’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Karen Gribbin agreed with Wilson that the conditions were unacceptable. They have since issued an apology about the state of the room and the way he was treated. Sadly, Wilson’s story is just one example. Stories like these are happening every day to Veterans across the country.

If you have a similar story or would like to express your thoughts about issues veterans face – we want to hear from you! Reply to this email or send your stories to membership@thevaba.com.

The VABA (Veteran’s Advocacy and Benefits Association) is a membership organization of America’s Military Veterans and Veteran supporters working together to ensure our defenders – past, present and future – get the benefits they earned, the services they need and the recognition they deserve.

We are 100% member-driven and member-powered. The VABA works with its members to Our members are united through our common mission to provide our Veterans and Military families with impactful, efficient solutions while helping great providers, organizations, businesses and individuals increase awareness of the solutions they are creating for the Veteran community.

Stand with us today to strengthen our voice and to make a real difference in the lives of our Veterans and their families.