I am writing this to find out why the Veterans Administration is able to pull the rug out from under my prescribed medical treatment. The VA recently cut off funding to the Re-Entry Program in Cumberland (“Veterans react to VA decision on clinics,” Feb. 25 Times-News).

There was no reason given to me, and no alternative treatment prescribed. For several years, I have been attending group therapy at Re-Entry. I have had no therapy in four months. When I call the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., nobody answers. When I leave recorded messages, they don’t respond. I am upset with the stance of the VA and am tired of being brushed off in matters concerning my health care.

Re-Entry was a weekly lifesaver for me and countless others. Re-Entry’s records prove this. Now the VA has decided it knows what is better for veterans than they know themselves. We know what works and what doesn’t. This is a shame for all veterans.

At Re-Entry, the people may not have what the VA deems as the proper qualifications to deal with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), but they have had more success with PTSD than the VA would know. Re-Entry has qualifications that the regular VA Heath Care doesn’t have. They exhibit love, compassion, understanding, and friendship. They are completely trustworthy, unlike the VA-run programs.

The VA will use numbers and money to try and prove their case, but Re-Entry can use the voice and feelings of veterans who know the truth. The VA cannot and will not give us a treatment equal to what Re-Entry has given us.

When the VA takes charge, I’m sure we will see the suicide rate increase among veterans. So, thanks a lot, VA. Continue to ignore the requests and responses of veterans. I suppose leaders of the VA will give themselves a pay raise and a pat on the back for fixing or streamlining a system that was already working. It’ll look good on paper and they will talk a good story, but ask the veterans which is better for them.

I hope this correspondence isn’t ignored or misdirected like the rest have been. I’m a totally disabled veteran, almost completely confined to a wheelchair as a result of a line of duty accident. So pass this on to someone else to take care of instead of standing up for the rights and needs of the veterans of this country. After all, it seems as though we are easily forgotten.

I sit here today and am not able to forget any of this. Did we veterans not earn the right to have our requests and needs met? We’re sticking together, this time.

I am requesting answers to these issues. Sending a letter won’t cut it anymore. I am asking you to give us back our lifeline at Re-Entry. Expose the VA Health System in Martinsburg. I have no trust in VA mental health care. I want my Re-Entry group therapy back in place.

If I do not receive any response and immediate action on these issues, I will have only one course of action. The press and media may be willing to give us veterans some help. I don’t want to remain the veteran, ignored, refused, and abused with no help from my leaders.

As my appointed, hired, and elected leaders, you have an obligation to move on these issues on a timely manner. My patience is at the end when it comes to the VA. I’m asking you for your help. Please don’t let me and the rest of the veterans down.

Frederick R. Paugh

Westernport