During both Republican and Democratic administrations, I have been disappointed at the level of support the VA has received. That is why I was very encouraged to read that President Obama has signed into law a measure designed to provide better funding stability for veteran’s programs.
The new law will guarantee timely and predictable funding by laying out the VA budget early. The president said the measure will let the VA know as much as a year ahead of time just how many tax dollars officials can expect to have to buy equipment, provide health care, and hire employees. In the past, the VA budget has been late for 20 out of the last 23 years forcing the VA to operate for months without a budget and impacting their ability to fully staff veteran’s facilities. Obama said “This is inexcusable. This is unacceptable.”
As we approach Veteran’s Day, please remember that monuments and parades are heart warming gestures but that visits to our veterans in the VA homes in Sulphur, Lawton, Claremore, Norman, Talihina and Ardmore are one of the best ways to say thank you for the sacrifices they have made. The last time we visited the home in Sulphur, I was saddened to learn they already are taking care of vets from Iraq and Afghanistan who have become disabled from those wars. If you don’t feel comfortable visiting, consider sending donations of DVDs or better yet a personal DVD player to a vet that can’t afford one of his own.
We’re taking an uncle who’s in the VA home in Sulphur some new DVD western movies next week. What are you doing for a vet this year?
Jo Davis
Shawnee
