Local veterans react to ‘Disney' comments by VA Secretary

Comments comparing medical wait times for veterans to what patrons experience at a Disney theme park did not sit well with some veterans in metro Atlanta.

At American Legion Post 233 in Loganville, Fritz Siler thought Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald was “out of touch.”

 

 

Jim Carmona, the post commander, called the characterization a poor choice of words. However, the sentiment expressed by McDonald is moving in the right directions. Carmona had seen the situation up close. For more than two decades, Carmona worked at a VA center.

Veterans who spoke to FOX 5 News said that what is most important is for the White House to follow through on a promise to either reduce wait times for follow-up appointments or allow the servicemen and women to avail themselves for private care for which the government would pay. That program is aptly called Choice.