For 2 years I have covered this story on both my radio programs. I am blown away that this problem has existed for about 60 years.  New Jersey residents are outraged when they find out veterans are forced to seek health care outside their own state on a daily bases. Insult is added to this ridiculous situation by a lengthy and uncomfortable ride in a small bus with no restroom or adequate rest stops. They are forced to urinate in bottles!!! OMG!!!  Right now in New Jersey there is no Veteran’s Hospital in South Jersey. There are none planned to be built.  

A pilot program was put together to address this unacceptable plight. Shore Memorial Hospital, a private and civilian institution, “stepped up to the plate” offering an alternative. They too were deeply concerned for the health of our veterans.  So many Veterans that have serious illnesses like kidney failure and cancer are expected to travel to Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania to receive critical medical treatment and care.  Shore Memorial’s offer to get the Veterans that suffer the most off the bus, is a solid plan and a start. “It is the humane thing to do.” offered up by Rick Pitman, Senior Member of the Shore Memorial Family.

Extensive research and interviews were conducted by me, the hospital, local VA clinics and veterans on this subject. The need is great in South Jersey.  Over the past 2 years, I have contacted many Federal, State and Local Politicians. I have explained in detail the horror and the need that exists right here for our most precious citizens. It is a real crime what is being accepted as “adequate care.” Our New Jersey State Governor Christie, Congressman LoBiondo, Senators Menendez, State Senator Whelan and Van Drew among many were alerted and jumped to action.  All these men put together letters and committees to address and communicate that our veterans need better care now.  Many letters were written to the Secretary of the VA General Shinseki to implore him to address this situation.  Veterans and civilians together have come together is a fabulous partnership to rally behind an aggressive petition drive. Insisting that there is an immediate solution.  The National Association for Uniformed Services has also rolled up their sleeves to address this tragedy. Thanks to General Matz, President of NAUS, and Congressman LoBiondo

I had the privilege to hand deliver the pilot program package to Secretary of the VA, Eric Shinseki, personally. I am deeply saddened to find that even at the top, after all these prestigious and well written communications concerning our veterans went out to General Shinseki, these serious pleas go unanswered in a satisfactory manner.  It has come to my attention there is a huge disconnect with the administration in Delaware and Pittsburgh. In my professional opinion they must be immoral or stupid. To me there could not be a credible reason to allow this to continue when a fabulous plan has been presented. How could these two entities, that should be concerned and caring for our veterans health care be so detached and “asleep at the wheel” to the pleas of these great Americans. I challenge General Shinseki to roll up his sleeves and jump into this situation.   This problem must be solved. I am not interested in some bureaucrat in Delaware or Pittsburgh keeping his or her job by ignoring, lying or stealing precious life and health hours of our great American Veterans.

I can’t believe the crazy responses you get from them on this issue. I really wonder if they read what they write or if they’re sober when they do? We all should demand that this problem is dealt with immediately. General Shinseki needs to personally come to New Jersey and find out for himself the inhumane treatment of our New Jersey Veterans having to ride so far and so long to get much needed and deserved health care. General Shinseki should not take any further reports from anyone on this matter that has a special interest outside this state or history of not listening to our Veterans or addressing their needs.  

I would love to see the C.E.O of either VA hospital have to ride that far and take that long to get their health care. WOW what a story that would be…. How do they sleep at night knowing this problem exists??? I hear Delaware representatives came down to spy on what was going on here and yet with that did nothing to help put a bright light on the suffering…please forward these thoughts .. Everyone pitch in to this fight!!!  Do not give up… our Veterans did not!!!

April Christine Kauffman
barbfmhell@aol.com

Addendum: If you are a Veteran please tell us, with as much detail as you can, of your experience in being provided medical services from the (VA) Veterans Administration. If you have driven a Veteran for medical services from the (VA) Veterans Administration please provide us with a detailed summary of your observations.

 Our purpose is to improve medical services for our Veterans …

Please send me your story by E-Mail …

Russell Bongiovanni Conservative New Jersey

RBongiovanni@conservativenewjersey.com