Letter to the Editor

It is an honor to have served one's country in the U.S. military and a privilege to be enrolled in the best and largest integrated medical system in the United States.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has 153 health care centers affiliated with 102 university medical schools.

The electronic health care records also are networked with 800 community-based outpatient clinics, and the VA operates 232 veteran centers, including mobile clinics, to reach veterans in rural areas.

VA programs have 300,000 dedicated civil servants providing services concerning benefits in health care, education, homelessness, unemployment, guaranteed home loans, national cemetery administration, insurance, etc.

Of the 23 million eligible veterans today, fewer than 8 million are enrolled in any VA program. There are 15 million veterans passing up care and benefits.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, recently told a National Guard conference in Washington: “We want them to know that VA is here. ... It's the business of the VA to make sure veterans get the benefits and services they've earned.”

There is no finer system to be in than when a U.S. soldier is transitioned to the lifetime care and services of the VA.

Ken Krizan

Coralville