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NOT TOO LONG ago I received a letter from a veteran unhappy with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, specifically the manner in which the cost-of-living increase figures are arrived at. The writer believed the extra dollars granted to a veteran receiving service-connected disability compensation are measly and the VA needs much improvement and better services, including in the area of prescription drugs.
It should be understood that all things involving even the Department of Veterans Affairs are supposedly under the watchful eyes of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. You may argue this point, given what happened at The Walter Reed Hospital in Washington. Someone fell asleep at the wheel, and the discoveries of poor management gave a black eye to so many agencies and individuals.
When the increase amount is decided, through a supposedly fair system, it seems it’s already spoken for, as the cost of something else has increased to take it away, be it medical coverage, taxes or, now, the unexplainable price for a gallon of gas to get a veteran to the medical center.
Once again, all things begin in Washington, and these are the people you elected to represent you, so make your feelings known. Without your input, these offices have no clue as to your concerns.
As a veterans advocate for about 40 years, I find that individual letters and contacts have more of an impact on those in Washington than do petitions with multiple signatures. Got something stuck in you craw? Contact these people whom you’ve elected in your own individual manner and present your problem. You will receive an answer, and it may or not be to your liking.
Also remember, the VA medical center must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by those in Washington, for the Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet-level branch of the U.S. government, and all things begin and end there.
To help you, here are the contact addresses:
• U.S Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Philadelphia, 711 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510; (202) 224-4254. Local office: Stegmaier Building, 7 N. Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Suite 377M, Wilkes-Barre, 18702-5283; 826-6265; wwwsenate.gov.
• U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey, D-Scranton, 383 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.; (202) 224-6234. N.E. Pa. Office, 409 Lackawanna Ave., Suite 301, Scranton, PA 18503; (570) 941-0937.
• U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, 2353 Rayburn Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515; (202) 225-6511. Local office: Stegmaier Building, 7 N. Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Suite 400M, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-5283; 825-2200.
If you have a gripe, suggestion or are simply seeking information, these are important contacts and phone numbers. You also can contact those representing you by way of the voting booth.