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Editor,

I’m writing in response to an editorial in the July 12 paper authored by a U.S. Navy commander, Ret. From Noxon, “Sen. Tester works for veterans”.

After reading this letter and hearing TV ads on how Jon Tester is for veterans, I started doing some “fact checking.” However, without knowing all the facts behind the commander’s comment, “I (himself??) began the process of getting hearing aids through the VA Choice Program.” He or himself alone can not just say, or go order hearing aids, on anything else himself. 1. See a doctor in a VA clinic. They put a script in for hearing aids, eyewear or medical procedures the clinic cannot do in their own office. If it is inconvenient or you’re too far away from Fort Harrison, Helena, it gets turned over to the administrators in Choice, now VA Montana Health Care System. 2. They call you and ask you what city or even what facility do you want to go to. 3. They will make the appointment for you or hook you up to a specialist to work with you on what you need.

I too am a veteran of the U.S. Army. Not only tours in Viet Nam, but other countries in Southeast Asia, 32 countries total.

I have had hernia surgeries, without a long wait to get in to a hospital. I get my eyeglasses, hearing aids and get to see specialists without a long wait. I go to the VA Clinic in Kalispell every six months.

Note: the Veteran’s Act of 2014, to access care through “Choice,” accountability and transparency, was also called the Veteran’s Choice Act, HR3230, Pub.L 113-146. Written and introduced by Hal Rogers (R-KY) 10-02-2013. Passed House in a 265-160 vote, and the Senate 93-3 vote.

This was brought about because 35 veterans died in Phoenix waiting to see a VA doctor, in just one year. Over 57,000 veterans had to wait a year or more to see a doctor in or through the VA in Phoenix.

The reason so many Democrats voted against HR3230, was over the clause pertaining to the ability to “fire” anyone in the VA Hospital or VA system not doing their job. Getting appointed to a VA position no longer meant you could have a job in the VA for life, while veterans lost their lives.

So what did Jon Tester do to get the Choice Program in Montana? Follow the procedures and you will not have a problem.

Sincerely,

Bill W. Alde, Paradise