Hey Indiana Vets

[Speaking Out]

Hey, I know you are in the Indy area and I would like to find out if I might be able to count on you to help me with a problem I have been having? It looks as though I am going to put some pressure on the Indy VA to get them to do the right thing and an organization that I am working with, OFFE2008.org is helping me, but I'd like to reach out to some local Veterans if possible. What I would be asking is would you be willing to make some phone calls to basically let the VA know that not only is a non-profit grouping watching this, that local Veterans are aware and not okay with how things are being handled? Please PM me. Thank you.

Edited January 13, 2008 by Speaking Out

[Speaking Out]

Hello Indy Vets!!!!! Anyone out there?

[Speaking Out]

I guess there aren't any Indy Vets out there! Well, other Vets who might be interested. I have a unique opportunity. After getting jerked around by the Indy VA, I got some people involved. I contated Operation Firing For Effect 2008, and Irag and Afganistastan Veterans of America. I also called the Office of the Medical Inspector for the Veterans Administration, Mr. Bernard Winkel, and a Safety Officer, Mr. Keith Trettin. I had been being told by the women's coordinator, the supervisor of fee services, the supervisor of the patient advocates office, and the secretary for the hospital administrator that my request to be seen outside of the VA had been denied. A few phone calls were made to the VA hospital Chief of Staff and hospital Administrator and the letter I got was a denial for outside care for PC and mental health, but they granted me permission to see a GYN doctor outside of the VA. I had requested to speak to the chief of staff who was the person making this decision, but that got ME nowhere. But when I got home from the doc last Thursday the secretary had called and now the Chief of Staff wants to meet with me to discuss the details of the letter I received. There really are no details to discuss other than the fact that they forgot to mention that I only have 30 days to appeal their decision in writing. Good thing I have Hadit. My point is, why all of a sudden now is she willing to meet with me? I don't care what her reason is, I would like to take the opportunity while I have it to bring to her attention that there are some other Vets in this area who have been getting the shaft, sorrry for the expression. I want her to know that I am willing to fight for myself, but I am not going to let others be treated badly either. I want her to know that Veterans stick together and although eventually, I will win what I am trying to do for myself that I am not going away until this VA starts doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do and not because of the possible consquences if they don't and a Vet like me gets ahold of the story. I would like to hear from people who have had problems at the Indy VA and be able to bring these issues to the attention of the Chief. Are there any Veterans out there that use the Indy VA and have had problems? Please let me know, my meeting is Tuesday morning and I want to be able to be VERY prepared and organized for this meeting because I am sure I won't be given much time.

[Speaking Out]

Well, I reached out to a Veterans group, OFFE2008.org, and they made a few calls, and I made a few calls and today the VA called and said they were approving my request to go outside the VA through Fee Basis. I was only one voice asking the VA to do the right thing and when a group of Veterans used their Voices, the VA took notice. If there are others in the Indy area that need help, send me a message, I'll do what I can. I have learned, I am never alone.