DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Local veterans voiced their concerns and had their questions answered at a town hall meeting at the VA Medical Center in DeKalb County on Saturday.
The two biggest things they spoke about were access to benefits, which is not really handled at the hospital, and customer service.
Many said things are getting better after a change of leadership last year and the national outcry following our reporting and investigation by congress.
Close to 100 veterans attended the meeting Saturday to take part in the question and answer session with director Leslie Wiggins.
Some complimented the VA for changes they've seen in the year she's been here.
"It used to be bad, but now it's excellent,” said one veteran.
Other veterans said still see problems.
“Once we get in front of actual people who are supposed to provide services it's a totally different story,” said one veteran. “Real frustrating."
“The problem is with the employees. If you got low morale, then you can't expect employees to wait on patients,” said another.
"They look down their nose like it's their money that they're giving us. It takes them forever,” said a veteran.
The medical center director says changes since the VA scandal and a new bill passed this summer by congress is giving them more flexibility and resources to provide better service to our vets.
"I can't fix it by myself, but all these other folks in here, including the veterans, giving me advice will help me fix it. This is not a one man show. It takes support of community, veterans,” said Wiggins.
If you missed Saturday’s meeting, there is another one set up for Oct. 25.
WSBTV
