Message 20 of 273

A Friend Remembered

I recently buried a friend and VN Vet named Johnny Reason. He was a rare Marine , a draftee. Although he only served 2 years he was a Corporal of Marines, quick rank for the Corp. He was inducted into Force Reacon while in Nam. No jump school, divers school Recon Training, just a willing body. Johnny told me he learned how to run in Reacon ! Due to severe Agent Orange Exposure ( I Corp) in the later years of his life he developed most of the allowable claims for Agent Orange. Despite care from the VA he lost his battle after a long hospital stay. I'll miss my friend. If there's others out there with odd symptoms I'd advise you to seek VA help, this stuff seems to be popping up even after 40 years. Semper fI !
Convertible72's profile
Peace be unto his spirit
danlboom53's profile

5 months ago
I have never posted on here, but read your post and thought I should comment. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. That is always a hard nut to take.
I have had my experiences with the VA Hospitals and none of them good. You are treated like a piece of meat and made to feel like they are doing us a favor. Experimental drugs are used without our knowledge. Most are teaching hospitals and the Resident doctors don't give a damn, they are only putting in time. One resident doctor actually said to me "your getting this for free, don't complain". They also have performed unnecessary surgery just to get the student doctors practice. I know that as a fact as it was done to me! The pharmacists are sloppy and make many mistakes. On more than one occasion I was sent the wrong medications.
You wait in line for hours only to be told they are closing down and come back tomorrow. Most nurses are just putting in time and spend more time in the break room than on the floor. Several faked reports instead of checking the patients.

If this sounds like I am bitter, I AM!!! I can't afford medical insurance, but would rather take my chances than go back to the VA hospital. Around here they are referred to as the VA Butcher shops.
sailor1845's profile

2 months ago