The American Spectator : Eugene the Veteran

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Eugene the Veteran

By Judah Friedman on 10.17.08 @ 6:05AM

Health care for veterans should definitely be a right.

About a week ago, I was on my nightly dog walk with my beloved Nixon. As Nixon was playing with one of the other dogs, I started talking to one of the fellow dog walkers whose name is Eugene. Eugene and I have spoken many times, and I have always considered it an honor to listen to him. Eugene is a Gulf War veteran with an amazing story, which he has shared with me. Eugene has had Gulf War syndrome and is a cancer survivor. He has been homeless, and thank God has been back on his feet for the better part of twelve years. He lives in an amazing condo and has an amazing fiancée, and one of the greatest dogs you will ever see. The part that really amazed me was that he never related his plight with any anger. He was at peace with his demons, as they were at peace with him. Which also explains why he always seems to be in such a good mood.

But last week Eugene was terribly disturbed. He had broken his hand a few days before playing with his dog, and was describing to me the way he was being treated by the VA. He told me that when they were on the phone with him they accused him of lying, and then made him wait for hours for treatment. He told me that he would love to go up to Northern California as he had done for his cancer treatment, but that he couldn't afford to do this. Eugene asked if maybe there was something that I could do to help. I told him I would do what I could.

I would try to write an article about this situation, so Eugene this is for you. It is also for all the Vets and heroes out there that have served our country and done her proud, only to come home and be forgotten. When the candidates were asked if health care was a right or a privilege, I, like many have always thought for adults it was a privilege. Children should never be without health care and it is their right. I put our troops in the same category. Anyone that is willing to put his or her life on the line for this country should surely have the right to health care.

I have one question and I asked Eugene about this. Why do we even have a VA or need one? Shouldn't every soldier be able to go into any medical facility in America, show his or her identification and be helped? If we do have a VA facility, let's turn the VA into the best mental and rehab facility it can be. The troops should get the best possible help for their medical conditions, bar none. Shouldn't Eugene be able to go to the Mayo Clinic for his cancer, or see Dr. James Andrews for his hand? If athletes see the best specialists, shouldn't Eugene?

I honestly don't even see the dilemma. I would much rather bail a troop out than AIG. If a Vet walks into a hospital where there are no seats, one should be brought to him, and he should have immediate access to a doctor. Hell, out here in Hollywood we do it for actors -- how dare we not do it for our troops? In Disneyland there is an express pass for the famous -- shouldn't our troops have the same express pass? In restaurants famous athletes rarely have to pay -- shouldn't our real heroes be treated to the same luxuries? There is even a celebrity line out here in Hollywood for the DMV. Are we not honoring the wrong people?

It is an honor and a privilege to walk dogs with Eugene every night. I have thanked him and want to thank him again for serving this great country of ours. We have to get our priorities in order. We have to get our heads straight, and the way to start is by giving kudos to those that have fought and put their lives on the line for our survival. So the next time you see a troop, stand up and thank him. Talk to him or her, and really listen. If you see a person in uniform standing in line to buy a coffee, and you have a few extra dollars on you, why not say this one is on me? It's the least I can do.

Charity starts at home. I know right now there are so many that are in need. So the next time you go to your big Hollywood dinner, and give your $25,000 donation to the cause, why not give $1,000 instead, and donate the other $24,000 to families that have lost there father or mother in the war, or have come home crippled. We have to again start treating our troops like the heroes they are. Otherwise, one day there might be no one that wants to defend us. Thank you, Eugene. I hope this helps.

About the Author

Judah Friedman is a writer in Los Angeles.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (11) | Leave a comment

Eugene | 10.17.08 @ 4:50PM

Thank You Judah! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Bernard A. Blank| 10.17.08 @ 6:18PM

Judah! Good on you! 'ol Marine,(Viet Nam 67-68-69) Thanks you!

Dave Carter| 10.17.08 @ 9:02PM

Judah, I couldn't agree more. I'm a vet, but my agreement is based less on my wants than on my reflections of the extraordinary people I had the honor to serve with for 20 years. If we forget those who gave us our freedom, we're lost. Thanks.

Kathryn| 10.18.08 @ 10:26AM

I completely agree with you but I have to say that my husband, a veteran, has had excellent care from the VA. Although, as you say, they should be able to go to any hospital anywhere instead of only VA clinics and hospitals. That situation does present some inconvenience but all in all he has been very satisfied and grateful for the treatment he has received.

Meredith| 10.18.08 @ 11:56AM

Thank you for writing a truly important article about such a wonderful guy. My dog is buddies with Eugene's dog, too and I cherish the days we run into them and get to hang out for a little while.

Catherine| 10.18.08 @ 4:23PM

I agree that our veterans deserve the best health care available, and that allowing them to get that from the private sector rather than just from the government would allow that quality care.

However, I am cautious about making it a "right" because there are many socialists in our country who believe the same for all Americans, and want the government to provide that care. They will subvert your worthy cause in an attempt to bring socialized medicine, which will lower the standard of care in our country.

Pam| 10.18.08 @ 4:56PM

Care for vets should be a top priority. Period. It would be great if they could go to any hospital for VA care. Our hospitals here in the Houston area are overrun with indigent sometimes illegal aliens so I am not sure if you could get faster care there but I would absolutley support Vets to front of the line after triage for most seriously ill. Many others in this area use the emergency rooms for non-critical care because they can get 'free' services. I would prefer any 'free services' to go to our vets who have sacrificed and served for our freedom. God bless our troops!

Marie | 10.18.08 @ 8:41PM

Great article and I totally agree. We expect them to fight the fight and then forget about them when they come home. Very sad.

Eugene - It has been such a pleasure meeting you in the past year and Bella agrees.

Jerry| 10.18.08 @ 8:45PM

I disagree with your thesis that all veterans should have a right to free medical care. I have heard a claim that WWII era veterans were told by superiors that they would receive it, but it was not part of their official benefits. It has been a right that veterans with a service connected medical condition may receive care on a priority basis at VA facilities. Veterans that do not have a service connected condition (disability) still have been receiving medical care on a space available basis. This is more than what they were promised and has come about by political pressure by veteran’s organizations. Most veterans, who have not been in combat, should not receive a benefit worth a huge sum for a few years of work where they received a paycheck somewhat competitive with civilians in their late teens or early twenties. Lifetime medical care is and should be a right to retirees who have put in their time. I am a Viet Nam era veteran and it was very explicit at entry and exit that post separation medical care was not a right. I do have a service connected disability where I do not receive compensation. I am eligible for free medical care at the VA. I have chosen not to dump my medical expenses on my country, they are my responsibility. I grew up in poverty and I am not rich. I did use my GI Bill benefits to complete my undergraduate and first graduate degree. I believe I have already received just compensation for a poor draftee.

Mac| 10.19.08 @ 11:20PM

A small dose of reality is called for here. In the first place, Jerry is correct. The VA will provide lifetime medical care for any service related injury. This is more than people in non-military service professions of similar risk level (police and fire personnel) get. The VA will also provide medical care to veterans for non-service related problems based upon available space. Where the care breaks down is in the local availability and general quality of care. Here I agree with Judah. Granted that the VA is a government operation and no government operation runs either smoothly or efficiently, VA medical facilities should provide the best possible care for patients or contract out with private specialists for treatment that can not be adequately provided in house or where no VA facility is available. Military personnel provide a valuable service to this country and many pay the supreme price for that service. They should be treated with respect, but simple military service should not a ticket to life on easy street. Balance is called for. The balance could be better, but there still has to be a balance.

Kerry| 10.20.08 @ 12:37AM

Thank you, Judah, for standing up for Vets! I am appalled that we treat people who fight for our country with such little respect. Eugene, thank you for your friendship! Despite all you have been through, you always have a smile for Kairo & I, & all the other people on our street. I hope your hand heals.