I am a retired Army cavalry scout. In my retirement, I work as an advocate for veterans. If they are being mistreated in any way, I try to end it. It’s hard work, as the VA medical system is abysmal and cruel to veterans. I don’t know if the residents of Grant County are aware, but many wounded veterans in your community are receiving zero health care, because they refuse to enter the VA medical system. I’m sure your local hospital, Blue Mountain, is overrun by veterans in need. But there is only one man who is aware of this problem: Rep. Mark Owens, your state representative.

Last year, I phoned Rep. Owens and we had a long discussion about neglected veterans in Oregon. I was very upset that the Democrats in the Legislature gave away millions of dollars to pay for out-of-state abortions, but they wouldn’t give a cent to veterans who desperately need health care. The state needs to step up for veterans, because the VA medical system will keep failing veterans.

Rep. Owens promised me he would fight to get Oregon veterans as much money as Democrats gave away for out-of-state abortions. But we both know it will be a very difficult, nearly impossible fight as long as Democrats are in power. They fear the power of the VA unions and won’t do anything to take away their business. Republicans like Rep. Owens aren’t in the pockets of public unions, so he’s willing to fend off their objections.

The money has yet to be allocated to veterans, but Rep. Owens hasn’t stopped fighting this injustice. Grant County residents are fortunate to have a state legislator who truly cares about the health and well-being of veterans. He deserves our thanks.

Please, do what you can: contact your elected leaders. It’s quite sad that the “best and bravest” are forced to receive inferior health care from a government doctor at a government hospital. I keep asking the Democrats when they will trade their private health care for my socialist government care. I’ve yet to find a taker.

Brian Fitzgerald

Happy Valley