A Reassuring Afternoon with Our Veterans

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Last week  a relative  called to let me know that she would be in town with the Youth Chorale from her church in Dublin,  Georgia who would be performing at the VA Medical Center  (her children are members of the chorale and she accompanied as a chaperon).  I have been in this  area for six years and pass the hospital almost  every time I go to town, but am ashamed to say that I had never as much as been inside until  Wednesday.  Aware of  all the horror stories in the news  about the deplorable condition of the military’s medical facilities (especially Walter Reed),  I was leery of what to expect.  After navigating my way through the expansive grounds  and wide, well lit hallways I  followed the sounds of the energetic teenage  voices to the Extended Care Facility.  Although most  of the patients were wheel-chair bound,  they seemed to be very alert and  enjoying the entertainment. Most  importantly,  the veterans  appeared to be  aware of the deep debt of gratitude bestowed on them by all present.   I was pleased  to see the patients  being well cared for in a very nice,  clean,  pleasant environment with a good staff to patient ratio.  Our veterans deserve to have the best medical care throughout their lives and from what I saw they seem to be getting it, in West Palm anyway.