This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Local veterans skeptical, but hopeful, about national plans to reform VA
Jonathan Sabido, a former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, has been waiting more than three months for an operation on his mouth. It was one of the injuries he sustained in an explosion during one of his four deployments to Iraq.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
Listen
1:15
Local veterans skeptical, but hopeful, about national plans to reform VA
Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald plans a sweeping reorganization of the Veterans Administration, which has been in turmoil after veterans reported waiting months for care, and deaths of veterans which some have blamed on the delays.
McDonald described the overhaul as the largest in the agency's history. He said he would create a new "customer service" organization within the VA to "drive VA culture and practices to understand and respond to the expectations of our Veteran customers."
Among the changes: He plans to hire some 28,000 new medical and mental health professionals, and make the system easier for vets to navigate. He wants to create a new organization within the VA to deliver top-level customer service.
The VA serves about 22 million vets, including a few hanging out Monday at the Veterans Resource Center at Pasadena City College. They were skeptical that the changes would be effective or lasting.
"Customer service? That's something they don't have," said Mark Castanon, an Army veteran who left the service in 2011 after 15 years.
Ex-Marine Jonathan Sabido and others questioned whether McDonald can deliver the promised changes.
"Customer service is something the VA is not known for," Sabido said. "If they could do that it would be great. It's already tough enough that we walk in there and its stressful to be there because they don't take care of us."
Sponsored message
Sabido said he's been waiting months for a surgery to repair wounds to his mouth sustained in an explosion in Iraq.
"The VA is, besides overwhelmed with the amount of veterans coming out, it seems that they don't prioritize the veterans they need to help," Sabido said.
Secretary McDonald plans to add some 28-thousand new medical professionals to reduce wait times and improve care. One of those future workers could be Sabido, who is taking nursing school prerequisite classes at Pasadena City College under the GI Bill.
This piece is part of KPCC's ongoing coverage of issues affecting veterans for Veteran's Day 2014. See more of our coverage at KPCC.org/vets.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
