Veterans organization speaks about continuing VA water issues

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Lingering issues at the Veterans Affairs clinic in Wilmington have some vets speaking out.

John Byrnes, with Concerned Veterans for America, said his organization is working hard to make the VA accountable. One major concern is where money is going in the VA clinic.

VA public affairs officer, Jeffrey Melvin, said the Wilmington location pays about $280,000 a month just to rent the building on a 20-year lease. Jim Morton with the Airport Authority confirms that the clinic also pays more than $19,000 per month to rent the land.

Byrnes said one way to ease disappointment with VA service is to give veterans better options for their health care.

“We think the dollar should follow the veteran where they want. We did polling earlier this year back in January, overwhelming numbers, like in the 95 percent of veterans polled said they want more choice in their veterans health care if they can get it,” said Byrnes.

Byrnes adds that long wait times for appointments are still a continuing problem for vets.