By Rep. Kristi Noem
We have a fundamental responsibility to care for America’s veterans, but time and again, our efforts have fallen short. Recent years, in particular, have seen repeated instances of misunderstanding, mismanagement, and mistreatment when it comes to supporting our veteran community. Veteran suicides, for instance, occur at an average of about 22 per day. Tens of thousands remain homeless. In some areas, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has systematically ignored the urgent medical needs of our veterans.
And in South Dakota, we are caught in a years-long fight to keep the doors open at a Hot Springs VA hospital that veterans want and need. This is a facility that has served veterans for more than 100 years. Its position in the Black Hills provides a level of serenity that aids in the healing process – especially for those facing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and similar illnesses. Those who receive care there have lobbied hard to make sure it stays open, as has the community. Despite all this, the VA has incrementally depleted the number of services offered in Hot Springs and pushed forward a plan to close the facility altogether. This is not what our veterans want, nor what they deserve.
In late October, the VA released its draft environmental impact statement regarding the closure of the Hot Springs hospital. This is one of the final steps when looking to close a VA facility. The findings once again highlighted the dramatic impact a closure would have. The public now has at least 60 days to review and comment on the report before VA Secretary Robert McDonald issues a final decision. I’ve urged everyone who will be impacted to take part in this process.
George Washington said after the Revolutionary War had concluded that “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war … shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.” Closing the hospital in Hot Springs – even reducing its services as the VA is already in the process of doing – does not leave a positive perception.
I’ve been focused on writing and supporting legislation that better serves our state’s veterans and their families. This includes provisions to stop the VA from closing the Hot Springs hospital as well as legislation to make it easier to fire VA employees who are failing to serve our veterans with integrity, efforts to improve mental health services for veterans, and bills to increase post-service job training.
There is a role each of us can play in our communities too. This Veterans Day, I encourage you to touch the life of someone who has served. Bring them and their family a meal. Volunteer at one of the many veterans-centered charities in South Dakota – whether that’s your local VFW, the American Legion, or another one. Attend a Veterans Day service. Or just tell them thank you. These women and men have put on our nation’s uniform and stepped into danger for the sake of our country and the values we stand for. It’s our responsibility to serve them when they return.
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