Vets have many issues needing attention. In modern day “IT” (information technology) talk there is a wealth of data, information and resources – except for direct phone lines to talk to people. This issue is not important for most day to day business and recreation concerns.
It is merely inconvenient. Trying to assist Vets and their families creates a nightmarish maze of twists, turns, doublebacks, truth “bending”, doubletalk, denials, legtimate attempts to help, confusion, “I don’t know” and further verbage printed, recorded and stated over the computer and phone that becomes incomphrehensible. (Imagine the TBI vet trying to call the VA and make sense out of the VA maze.) The VA has a general 1-800 number. We can not – as Vets directly call a VA Regional Office (please do correct me if I am in error).
A very loose project in progress is attempting to get benefits to deceased Vets families overseas. The spouses and children are not U.S. citizens – many have limited English skills.
O.K. Many U.S. Vets can not – without great difficulty talk to a living breathing person in the VA. Many of us live hundreds of miles from a VA Regional Center. Going to the VA Regional Office is not an option. VA Health Care Clinics require an appointment. The ones in my area do not take walk-ins. Walk in and ask for help and you may get some rather outraged “Why are you bothering me looks”. Forget the computer for many older Vets. (Some of us can do very basic tasks on computers – we get frustrated and confused easily with them.)
Story Time: One Vet attempting to assist an overseas widow and daughter calls the 1-800 Dante’s Inferno VA number. Young guy answers. “What’s your VA file number?” Vet answers: “I need information but can give you my number if needed”. Young guy at the 1-800 VA Dante’s Inferno number says: “What’s the question”. Vet says: “Widows and children of deceased Vets overseas – how do we get them benefits?” Young guy at the VA end says: “They have to be citizens.” Vet says: “What rule says that?” Young guy says: “I don’t know its just what I heard.” Vet says: “Let me speak you your supervisor!” Young guy hangs up on him. (Note: Vet was polite and busneess like – not rude on the phone.)
Saga continues. Vet calls the VA Medical Center somewhere in New York – gets through (finally to a person) who said she would call the 1-800 Dante’s Inferno phone number and have someone get back to him. Vet says: “There has to be a telephone in the Buffalo VA Office.” Person as the other end of the phone says she does not have it and can not get it.
Saga continues – but that is another story.
Vets understand the term “MISSION”. Most of us have undertaken missions. It is a very important part of the five (5) paragraph operations order. It tells military folks what they got to do. O.K.
the VA has a mission statement. According to the VA web site:
“VBA Mission
The mission of the Veterans Benefits Administration … is to provide benefits and services to veterans and their families in a responsive, timely, and compassionate manner in recognition of their service to the nation.”
The Buffalo Regional Office Vision states:
“Our vision is to become the most customer oriented, responsive and compassionate provider of benefits to veterans and their families through an enviornment supported by a well trained and highly respected staff which earns the confidence and trust of the community we serve.”
Excellent mission and vision statements. I know Vet familes that need reponsive, compassionate assistance. They are really hurting in their country of residence. Right now I would settle for a phone number where – at the other end is a person that can make decisions and provide facts.
The saga continues.
Take care.
Dale R. Suiter
Dale R. Suiter served in the United States Marine Corps June 1966 – February – 1970. He served with Ammo Company First FSR, 2nd CAG Q-6 and Q-3, H&S 81’s 3/9 and 1/3. His service “On the Rock” was with Ordanance Schools, Camp Hansen. Following the Marine Corp, he completed a career in public service – prison and jail operations. In addition, he completed a career as a reserve officer with the Michigan Army National Guard. His two sons and two sons-in-law are veterans of the war on terror. The family continues in service to the United States of America.
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