Is this really how we take care of our injured heroes??

2015-06-14T22:25:06-04:00

Folks, this is actually a guy I'd call a friend. This link is to a facebook post of one of our own on RP SGT Robert Shelton. I first met him a year or so ago as I was teaching him to dive, and I can tell you, he is one tough son of a gun. Yeah, his injuries are real (the picture above is the Blackhawk he went down in)...and YES, he pushes through them as much as any man could, but VA treating our soldiers like this is straight up BULL! I, for one, will be sending some letters to our local representatives, and if I can think of anything else I can do, I'll be on it in a heartbeat.

PS... SGT Robert Shelton if you don't want me posting this, say the word and I'll take it down.

Photos of Grunt Style - Jennifer Renee' Shelton | Facebook

Please help this go ViralThis is a plea for HELP! Does anyone know who or what I can contact about the unethical treatmeant of a Disabled Veteran, my...

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 14 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-06-14T23:08:15-04:00

I don't know .. the only place this is appearing is Facebook.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 14 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-06-14T23:18:43-04:00

Have they considered or have they contacted their Congressman and Congressional Representative, contacting their local news station, etc.? You would think that the VA wouldn't want this kind of publicity in light of all the crap that's going on with them right now!

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jun 14 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-06-14T23:22:58-04:00

Tell us what we can do to help this hero and we will at I will if you let me and tell me what I can do.

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made Jun 14 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-06-14T23:33:01-04:00

The VA in Orlando took great care of me but Murfreesboro Tn sucks. I have been waiting for 2 weeks so far just for an appointment to get a new knee brace. The one i have is so worn out the metal has cut through it.

Response by SPC Americo Garcia made Jun 15 at 2015 1:12 AM

2015-06-15T01:12:04-04:00

This is sad to see a man treated like this.

Response by SGT Jason Weisbrich made Jun 17 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-06-17T14:57:18-04:00

I have not read the individual case, but the VA systems quality of care seems to vary quite a bit by location. While on active duty I battled with civilian doctors and the Army to get my cervical spine fixed after deploying to Mosul, Iraq for a 15 month tour. I switched my MOS to stay in and left for Afghanistan and was summarily medically retired in 2013. The VA in Mpls, MN took care of me quite well an had me fixed shortly after I got home. The system as a whole needs work so that the standard of care is equal across all locations. Remember that the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have more of us needing the VA system than it was designed to support.

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Jun 17 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-06-17T16:58:16-04:00

I have had many great experiences with VA Connecticut. Hard part is getting in the system. Once your in they tend to do an excellent job with what they have available. There are many problems that do need to be addressed concerning available Doctors, staffing and scheduling appointments because of the lack of available talent and funding from our government. Veterans Administration needs to be a part of the permanent federal governments budget. Not somthing we have beg for every year...that is a shame...The care of our Veterans needs to be one of our nations top priorities.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 10:38 PM

2015-11-25T22:38:56-05:00

I don't know how I saw this question from a while ago, but am glad I did. As a rising military physician, I agree with many of the sentiments on this post. Soldiers win wars not the equipment they utilize. My class at USUHS has reflective courses on this topic monthly. Productive care on a patient-physician level is just as high a priority as the medical knowledge. Part of the problem is an inability to understand many aspects of PTSD. Some wounds don't heal, they just get covered up.

As for the government/VA/finance part, I am lost for answers. Just go look at the homeless vets on the steps of the VA in DC. Dad went to Afghanistan, Uncles went to Vietnam, Grandfathers were in WW2. I've seen the system fail my loved ones.

Anyways, thanks for some motivation to do better. At least on my end, constant effort will not be a problem. Thank you all for your service. Happy Thanksgiving.

Duty, Honor, Country.

MT

Response by SP5 Andy Downs made Jun 29 at 2016 9:15 PM

2016-06-29T21:15:07-04:00

As avert an I've come to a understanding with the va I deal with. If I'm not in their butt arguing I'll NEVER get them to do anything