For over half a century, Huntington's Veterans Hospital has provided a place of refuge for military veterans who have came in need of care. Today, the military veteran bears witness to new medical procedures and advanced technology that reaches far beyond the limits of wars past.

This past October, I had the privilege to take our son, Michael, for out-patient surgery at the VA. While I was waiting, there was more than enough time to become acquainted with the level of concern being displayed by employees from a visitor's perspective. It was my opinion that the degree of hospital care at the VA appears to be committed toward treating the complete veteran.

However, if you really want to discover how good a product is, you should speak with a sampling of those who have used it. This article is a first hand account of veterans who were recent patients at Huntington's VA Hospital. Due to patient privacy act restrictions, reasons for hospital visit of those interviewed is not revealed.

Russell Haye is an 80-year-old Army veteran who served on the front lines in Korea. He feels lucky to be alive today. "So many of those I served with were killed," said Haye. "One day I had friends, the next day they were dead." Haye has been coming to the VA hospital for six years, and is quite pleased with the quality of care he receives.

Mickey Sexton is a 68-year-old veteran who served with the United States Army from 1961 through 1965. His position required years of firing the large 155 Howitzer gun, a duty that damaged his ability to hear properly. He has been coming to the VA since 1989. Sexton says that hospital waiting time is not excessive, and feels that he is being taken care in a satisfactory manner.

Warren Grham is a 65-year-old United States Army veteran who served in Vietnam. His main duty was operating a tank in the protection of ground forces.

"One of the happiest days of my life was when I left Vietnam," said Grham. He has been coming to the VA for 10 years and believes the quality of care is better than it once was.

John Creech is a 45-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served from 1981 through 1984. His father was in the Navy, and both his brothers are veterans. Creech was assigned to a M1 Abrams battle tank crew. "One of our biggest worries was running over a land mine," said Creech, who had nothing but good remarks for treatment at the VA.

Bobby Richards is a 73-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served from 1959 to 1962. A precision equipment specialist in the Army, he has been coming to the VA for about eight years. "I feel the VA does as well as any hospital I have ever attended. I really don't have any complaints," said Richards, who drove in from Logan County for his appointment.

Walt Fleming is 62, and served 25 years with the U. S. Navy. "I have yet to need the services here," said Fleming. "My dad, who fought during World War II came here often. He always spoke well of the treatment. I am here today because I drove my brother in for an appointment."

Charles Thompson is a 72-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1954 through 1958. He served his time as an aircraft fire rescue specialist. "Aircraft accidents are most always catastrophic. It's something you never forget," said Thompson. He has been coming to the VA for two years, and is most happy with the care he receives.

Freddie Robinson is a 73-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served from 1957 until 1963. "If I were rich, I still couldn't find better care," said Robinson.

Robert Adams is a 60-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam. "I wouldn't think of going any place else," said Adams of the VA.

James Stamper is a 58-year-old U.S. Army veteran whose assigned job was to arm missiles. He's been coming to the VA hospital for 15 years. "I believe the VA has changed for the better, the staff seems more personable now."

Monroe Miller is a 58-year-old U.S. Army veteran. He was a remote radio operator in Vietnam, and remembers many days that he thought would be his last. "This is a good place, I think they try," said Miller.

Donald Preston is a 74-year-old U.S. Marine who served from 1955 to 1959. "For the amount of people who come here, they do a good job," said Preston.

Indeed, the hospital resembled a busy airport with crowded hallways and waiting rooms. I was told that this was just another normal day at the VA Hospital. In spite of the hustle and bustle atmosphere, my son's doctor took time to address my concerns.

Free flu shots were being given in the parking lot. Volunteers were operating a well stocked coffee area, and hand sanitizers were practically everywhere. If the VA has been schooling employees on how to win friends and influence visitors, it's my opinion that it works. At least it did on one day in October.

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer looking for a unique family Christmas story. Write him at Archie350@verizon.net.

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