Veterans upset over V.A. Clinic service
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Feb 8, 2011
Story Updated:
Feb 9, 2011
For years, the United States has been criticized for the way they have handled their war veterans. Local veterans are up in arms as frustration builds over what they say is a lack of quality service at the Laredo Veterans Health Clinic.
Laredo war veterans thought their fighting days were over after putting their lives on the line for their country, but they are in another battle over what they say is a lack of quality health care. Vietnam veteran, Jesus Guerra, says, “We went to war because we believe in freedom. We merit respect and services and we aren't getting them.”
On Tuesday morning, clinic administrators met with a committee of Laredo war veterans to discuss possible improvements for the clinic that has had countless complaints of poor customer service. With plans to expand the clinic in the works, Congressman Henry Cuellar says there needs to be some changes. Currently the clinic is understaffed after unexpected departures from numerous employees. While they do say they plan to hire a new physician in about a week, V.A. officials refused to discuss the state of the Veteran’s Clinic on camera – leaving some veterans wondering about the future employees of the clinic.
The Congressman says Laredo's war veterans have earned the right of quality health service, and there is no room at the clinic for any employee who stands in the way of that right. He goes on to add, “If somebody is misleading the veterans there at the clinic I think it's time for that person to go and find a new job. I don't want people to think I've got a government job and I can do whatever I want to.”
After Tuesday's meetings, the clinic administrators know where the veterans stand. It is now up to the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide for Laredo's war heroes. A committee of Laredo war veterans meets with the Department of Veteran Affairs once every 3 months to discuss issues surrounding the clinic while the departments themselves meet once a month to go over the status of each clinic in their system.
If you would like to voice your concerns about the clinic, you can contact their offices in Harlingen, Texas at 956-430-9303.
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