Who Let This Veteran Down?

There’s a story out there that’s given me a chill that just won’t go away. An elderly veteran reportedly presented himself at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital emergency room in New York to get mental-health help, and he was turned away. He went out to his car in the parking lot and committed suicide. A wife no longer has her husband, three daughters no longer have their father, and seven grandchildren no longer

have their grandpa. Because it happened on federal property, the FBI is involved. Ideally they’ll get to the bottom of who turned this man away. Two congressmen also are involved now, demanding answers. The website for the VA facility says right on the front page:

“There is always a caring mental health doctor available 24/7 in our Emergency Room.” Granted, the paragraph is talking about substance abuse, but one would think that a “caring mental health doctor” of any specialty would be able to spend some time talking to a veteran to assess the problem. What I really hate is that they’re always sorry later, and always say just the right words about being committed to helping veterans, as though it’s a stock phrase they stick into each official statement after a tragedy occurs, but never taking any responsibility.

The condolences left on the website of the funeral home will hopefully bring comfort to family members, knowing that so many strangers care. These same condolences should be required reading for those who let this veteran down.

If you’re a veteran, family member, or friend of a veteran, note this information: Mental health help is available 24/7 on the Veterans Crisis Line. The number is 1-800273-8255, then press 1. Or you can send a text message to 838255. Or you can do an online chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net.