Neglected Veterans                       

 Stays at hospitals are almost never pleasant. Though hospitals can’t make their patients’ stay like a vacation, they can and should give patients a clean, safe environment. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

In 2007, the Washington Post started a series of articles that ousted the medical facility for its below-par conditions. There were reported stained carpets, cheap beds, rat and cockroach infestations, black mold, no heat or water, as well as untrained staff and overworked managers. They even reported a severe security problem (drug dealers were wandering about the facility), and injured soldiers were forced to be guards.

You could blame these awful conditions on lack of money, not lack of proper management, but unfortunately the hospital was given a $30,000 grant that was then lost because a department functionary halted the money, saying that any spending during the Christmas season may merit an audit. They lost the grant.

Paper work also seemed to be problem. If soldiers did not have absolute proof of serving in Afghanistan, they were often not treated because their files could not be found, due to the several conflicting computerized filing systems.

Though it can be said that it was mostly one building (specifically Building 18) that was in such awful conditions, it is still deplorable that injured soldiers be subjected to anything less than perfect standards.

Unfortunately, the Walter Reed facility is just one instance of veteran neglect. Though we do have hospitals all over the country that are up to high standards, there are thousands of veterans who have severe mental health issues due to their time in combat and cannot find the help that they need. Every year, there are 6,500 veteran suicides. Many citizens are wondering why this is happening when they know there are facilities that their tax dollars pay for in order to ensure veteran physical and mental health. It is incredibly disappointing to discover that there are many delays or denials to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries that contribute to the 18 daily veteran suicides.

In 2008, the problem was acknowledged by Federal District Court Judge Samuel Conti, who pleaded with Congress and the President to intervene and help the understaffed and underfunded VA so they could streamline the process to receiving mental health help. However, in 2011, the plea was dismissed. The VA was called incompetent and was told to make changes without the help of the president.

Though the government may not always be able (or possibly willing) to help, there are hotlines that promise attention. If you or any loved ones suffer from PTSD, call 800-273-TALK.

When will we stop funding people who are illegal, won’t work and who live in our jails in a general degree of luxury while we ignore those who have protected our country and freedoms? I guess if no one speaks up, then nothing happens.