Backlog??? We ain't got no backlog!!!

The Daily caller published this article yesterday, and it alleges (with compelling audio evidence) that in order to reduce the backlog, employees at the VA simply deleted or destroyed records older than a certain date.

Now I have to admit that when I get really, really far behind on email (and yes, it does happen) that I have been known to take anything older than six months and move it to an archive folder (where it's still searchable if I need to find it) so I think I understan....

no wait, I don't understand this at all.

A few years ago when I was trying to get the medical care I needed for my back injury at the Bob Dole Regional VA Center in Wichita Kansas, the doc said I needed to get a series of injections in my back at the pain clinic.  When I called to get the appointment I was told my appointment could not be scheduled at this time because there was a two week backlog - and they would get back to me when they could schedule me within two weeks.

I said, "OK, put me on the waiting list" and the reply was "We can't maintain a waiting list, by Congress we have to see veterans within two weeks."

So I guess the VA way of thinking is if we don't put you in the system then you aren't really waiting.  Makes their "backlog" seem pretty reasonable.  No wonder VA execs continue receiving fat bonuses in spite of their ineptness.

And no wonder veterans continue killing themselves at a rate greater than any time in history.

How do VA executives look themselves in the mirror?

Does this get you angry reading this?  It gets me angry writing it.

So the VA runs its care of our injured and wounded veterans kinda like I manage my email - only worse.  God help us all.

75th Ranger Regiment Throw Available for Pre-Order

75^th Ranger Regiment Memorial throws are now available for purchase from the Regiment's FRSA and at $50 these are a great deal.   The first order will be placed NLT March 7th, so get your order in now!

Download the .pdf order form here.

GallantFew and Chili Off The Grid

   On Saturday February 9th, 2014 I got to go on a goose hunt with experienced hunter and Marine veteran Aaron Childress. Aaron is producing a hunting show that supports veterans that have been injured in combat. His main goal is to raise awareness for veteran issues like PTSD, suicide, and joblessness. I was invited to represent GallantFew, Inc. and to talk about what I want to do after I graduate in May. This was a great honor and an even better opportunity for me. Most hunting shows exploit injured veterans to get better ratings but do nothing for veterans other than allow them to hunt. The fact that I was able to raise awareness for veterans and get to talk about my future goals says a lot about what Aaron is putting together.

  Aaron is part of GallantFew's many success stories. He left the Marines and like many others had no idea what he wanted to do. He struggled during his transition. While Aaron was attending school, GallantFew helped get Aaron a job and provide him with a strong network to allow him to succeed.  Now Aaron is giving back to GallantFew by using his own success to guide veterans on hunts and letting veterans talk about their goals on his new hunting show Chili Off The Grid. Episode 1:1 is airing on Hunt Channel 266 (basic package) on DISH April 1, 2014. Its going to be a very entertaining series, I recommend this show to any veteran or hunter.

  The guys that helped put this hunt together were a very fun and entertaining group of guys. Kansas Game Chasers David Williams (can call birds like no other) and Scott McFadden (knows about every aspect their is to know about hunting), these guys are definitely Pro's!  Bill the Personnel/Safety Manager at C-Tech/Blackburn Construction hosted a breakfast before the hunt where they gave me my very own goose call (that I will figure out). Bill invited me to talk with the owner of the company he works for about a possible job prospect in the near future, an outstanding opportunity.

We ended up getting 10 geese, I think I shot at all 10 birds, me hitting one is a different story. I had a blast! Thanks Chet, Troy, and Chili! Hope to do it again.

Aaron Childress can be reached at aaron@chilioffthegrid.com

Rangers Lead The Way

-JD- <2>

1st Ranger Battalion & Gold Star Families 40th Anniversary Reunion

Rangers and Friends:

Below is the information for the 20-23 Aug 2014, 1st Ranger Battalion & Gold Star Families 40th Anniversary Reunion.  The “Originals” will host a Kevin Barry’s Pub Social on the 20^th;   1/75 will host an Organizational Day Picnic on the 21^st; and the Original 1974 Plankholders will host a Dinner at the Marriott Riverfront on the 22nd.

Get your registration form here and we'll see you in Savannah! 

RLTW!