Jason Church is a U.S. Army Veteran and IRG Fellow
A promise made should be a promise kept. Providing essential care for those who sacrificed for their country is part of our nation’s fabric and there is a duty to assist veterans who, as they age, struggle and cope with the scars of war. – U.S. Army Veteran & IRG Fellow Jason Church
- What happened? Reports of veterans neglected and allegedly abused by government staff have surfaced at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, a skilled nursing facility just southwest of Milwaukee.
- Who else is involved? Union Grove is run by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and has struggled to maintain its workforce. Governor Evers and Secretary Kolar have pushed off criticism of the WDVA & Union Grove.
- What should be done? WDVA should look for outside, private providers to help alleviate the allegations laid out in the report. Instead of pursuing “do something” legislation, government leaders should be realistic in how government bureaucracies struggle to accomplish this mission. Putting veterans ahead of government special interests should be the priority.
Click here to read more from Jason Church about the scandal in his op-ed for Wisconsin Spotlight.