I am a 72-year-old, 100% permanently disabled veteran. I have recently responded to a survey sent to me by the VA asking how I felt it was doing providing my health care.

I responded that the care that I have received at Togus over the last 12 years has been exceptional. The providers are understanding, empathetic, professional and have real insight into the specific needs of veterans. I also offered my concerns because this unique service provided to veterans is under attack from the very people whose job it is to honor the promise made to all of us who took an oath to defend the Constitution at the potential cost of our lives.

Further, I said that I full well realize that those currently in office have no sense of obligation to us. They want to create private sector medical support to replace the VA health care system. That support only favors the agenda of the wealthy at the expense of the veteran, and it disregards the fact that the veteran population in our country has needs that are not well handled in a free market system.

And, the already overburdened health care “industry” could never provide support to the millions of veterans now receiving services. Maine alone has roughly 98,000 veterans, which is about 7% of our population.

This “government” needs to fully fund and staff the VA health care system. To do anything other than this is an affront to those who have faithfully served their country to preserve our democracy.

Dana Williams
Belfast