Branstad praises Iowa Veterans Home managers, but will review concerns

Gov. Terry Branstad gave a strong vote of confidence Monday to managers at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, but acknowledged that his staff is reviewing concerns that have been raised regarding the facility's operations.

Branstad and his chief of staff, Jeff Boeyink, told reporters the more than 600 Veterans Home residents are receiving “a high level of quality services” and the facility has scored well in state and federal reviews.

At the same time, they said they have “heard some concerns” raised about circumstances at the home.

“There was absolutely no question in our minds or in any of the staff's mind that the veterans are receiving a high level of quality care,” said Boeyink, who recently visited the facility and met with IVH Commandant David Worley and his staff. “Sometimes you have situations where personalities don't mesh as well, and you have some personnel issues that can result from that."

Critics have accused the home's managers of “actively” trying to avoid providing treatment to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans' activist and former state lawmaker Bob Krause has called on legislators to conduct an independent investigation of policies and actions at the Marshalltown facility including the involuntary discharge of some residents.

Sen. Daryl Beall, D-Fort Doge, chairman of the Iowa Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said he is trying to schedule a two-hour meeting next week to hear from home officials and detractors who have issues with the facility's policies. He said he spoke briefly with the governor about the situation last week.

“I'm a veteran. I feel very strongly we want to make sure the veterans are treated well and we will carefully review the situation at the Veterans' Home,” Branstad said during his weekly news conference.

“They have given a lot in service to our country and we want to assure them and their families that they are treated well.”

“We're very proud of the Iowa Veterans Home. They provide excellent services and in the various reviews -- whether it's Inspections and Appeals at the state level or whether it's the federal people that have reviewed it -- have said the services provided to veterans at the Veterans Home are truly outstanding,” he said.

Branstad noted that Worley first was appointed by former Gov. Chet Culver, but he kept him in the post because he was doing a good job and knew most of the residents on a first-name basis.