By Stewart Resmer
I would like to thank everyone who in the past weeks have come out by the hundreds in support of our nation’s veterans when the series of public meetings were called to discuss the disposition of the West Los Angeles VA on Wilshire Boulevard.
For decades, since I returned from Vietnam, it has been my sadness to see so many veterans destitute on our streets knowing that there is a branch of the government whose charter mandates that this should never be — homeless veterans on our streets. That’s why the “Old Soldiers Home” was deeded by the settling families DeBaker and Jones, and conceived the site to begin with in the 1800s.
Since then however, the intent of the gift has been diluted to include other uses, and today developers are lining up to utilize land that was set aside for all time. It would be easier to accept the notion that these efforts will benefit the veteran population and their families, but when one stops to consider that a recent survey puts the number of homeless veterans at some 18,000 on the streets of LA, then one might ask why should we trust anyone else now?
I see a great potential for benefits to veterans and their families when companies like Genentec and Amgen are considered for operations at these sites — one, because they are strong financially and two, because their pioneering technology in health care give hope for those gravely injured in the line of duty in VA care. I am torn in half to say that I oppose any further parceling out of West LA VA land, yet say we need better care for those most affected by the cost of war, when these companies might some day alleviate the suffering of veterans in their pioneering work should they direct their science to the VA health care system.
Today it is not enough to say that during this reassessment period, there will be an increase of 100 or 200 beds and room for 500 homeless. What needs to be said is the construction and renovation at the VA will not stop until the site is at peak occupancy and programs are in place to see to it that those who can will indeed stand on their own because of the VA, not in spite of it.
I know there are very dedicated people who work and learn at the VA throughout the country, and to them I for one am eternally thankful for what they do. Together we must continue to do more. Not in the spirit of “it’s the least we can do,” but in the spirit of “we will do all that is in need of being done.”
There is a war on, the numbers of the injured are steady and increasing it seems. There are families at home who are collateral victims of the conflict, and recently the VA ran out of money for its budget and emergency appropriations were allotted. That must tell someone something — that there is greater need than before. Let’s begin fixing that by saying we will all work together.
So let the word go out, “this land is my land, this land is your land” but this land is the place where “he who has borne the weight of battle” may seek refuge and calm, and his widow and his orphan.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 3, 2005. Read the original PDF.