Bozho
(Hello),

I received a message from the U.S. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs debunking the story going around about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs being privatized. Here is the information they provided:

• There is no effort underway to privatize the VA. Facts: In 1998, VA’s budget was $42.38 billion. The VA’s 2018 budget is at $188.65 billion.
• In 1998, the VA had 240,846 employees, and as of March 2018, the VA employs 385,233 people. That’s a 60 percent increase in 20 years. In 2000, the VA had 1,110 medical facilities. Today it has 1,240.
• The VA started providing community care for World War II veterans in 1945. No health care provider delivers every treatment. Referral programs are used for veterans to get the care they need through outside providers (known as Choice or Community Care at the VA).

So, you can be assured the VA will continue serving our nation’s veterans for a long time.

The CPN Veterans Organization meets around 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month in the North Reunion Hall on the Potawatomi Powwow Grounds near Shawnee. All CPN and spouse veterans and their families are welcome. A meal is provided.

Daryl Talbot
Commander
talbotok@sbcglobal.net
405-275-1054