Will aging and wounded vets lose home away from home?

Go to Section 4K, the large room with the upright piano and the Wii that few know how to operate, and you will find on most days aging warriors like Marcus, Cliff, and a slew of Bills and Bobs.

[Sarah]

I think part of the benefits of the program is providing a place where the vets can come together and socialize with each other. County based care while probably providing as good medical care would not necessarily provide the needed place where vets could be among other vets.

Mental needs are as important as physical needs. The place at the VA is obviously needed by these vets. I'm sure that if they put their minds to it, the officials at the VA can serve the needs of both old and new vets. They just need to decide that it's important.

[Steve]

Isn't it ironic that Ft Snelling has all of these old run down buildings that every developer is trying to aquire to turn into a profit making venture yet we have no more space for the protectors of freedom in this land. Wake up twin cities, the greed is still superceding the needs of the people.

[CyBear]

If they can't find a spot in Fort Snelling to house this program, then they aren't looking very hard.

[steve baker]

This is why we shouldn't wait until there's a problem or complaint to contact our beauracratic and elected officials.

If they're made aware of worthy and successful programs, problems like this can be avoided in the first place.

[Herman]

"It's been a popular program, no question about it, and we understand the concerns,'' Heussner told me during a Wednesday telephone chat. "We are moving it from an in-hospital basis to a county-based care. We will continue to pay for the day care, but it won't be at the VA.''

You have to wonder if the VA truly understands what this program means and that placement in a community based program would no be the same. i also have to wonder if space is the real issue if the program could be transplanted into on of the abandoned buildings in the Fort Snelling Complex under state control. Hopefully they have not all been neglected by the State to the point of no return. This would be an appropriate use for a military building.

[Johnny]

This is very sad for the veterans and our community. I know a few veterans that play cards at a local White Castle in the mornings.

[sanwich-d]

great piece Mr. Rosario.