Report: Veterans Health Care in Crisis

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2003 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by The American Legion:

What:   An independent report will be issued to the Senate Veterans' 

Affairs Committee that paints a gloomy picture for military 

veterans who seek treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs 

health care system.

Who:    Ronald F. Conley of Pittsburgh, Pa., national commander of the 2.8 

million-member American Legion, the nation's largest veterans 

organization, who has personally surveyed conditions at more than 

50 VA medical facilities since September.

When:   2:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15

Where:  Room 418, Russell Senate Building

Background:  Since his election as national commander of The American Legion in Aug., 2002, Ronald F. Conley has personally visited more than 50 Dept. of Veterans Affairs health care facilities.  During testimony to Congress last Sept., he promised to return with a comprehensive, personal report on the status of our nation's massive veterans health care system. This is a special hearing to present the most comprehensive, independent, non- governmental investigation and analysis of this system yet. He has talked with thousands of veterans, doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators and families.  His report is a wake-up call to America on how our government treats its military veterans.  The findings are shocking.  Conley also provides recommendations to resolve the problems in this report entitled "A System Worth Saving."

Copies of the full report will be available at the hearing. The executive summary will be posted on The American Legion website: www.legion.org.

SOURCE  The American Legion 

CO:  American Legion

ST:  District of Columbia

SU:  EXE MAV LEG

Web site:  http://www.legion.org

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07/14/2003 16:43 EDT