Veterans Administration is not receiving due credit

After hearing several unfounded complaints concerning the efficiency of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I am compelled to come to their defense.

First of all, a few pertinent facts: My doctor at the Bradenton Outpatient Clinic on SR 64 has a patient load of 1,600!

The Bay Pines regional facility, near Clearwater, processes between 15,000 and 20,000 veterans on a daily basis. Taking into consideration its size (second only to the Department of Defense), the hard-working, under-compensated doctors and staff perform a herculean task.

Speaking of compensation, when I drive up to Bay Pines (34 miles), they actually reimburse me for the round trip mileage at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. Since I get 35 mpg on my Miata, I make money!

Further, because of appointments on back-to-back days later this month, the VA is putting me up at a Comfort Inn, thus allowing me to avoid driving up and back on consecutive days.

From the first day I walked into the VA facility in Cincinnati seven years ago, I have been treated with the utmost respect and honor. The quality of care (according to an independent survey) is second to none in the entire nation!

I concur.

It is easy to be critical. First, arm yourself with the facts.

Rolf Ernst

Bradenton

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Veterans Administration is not receiving due credit ."