From Mark's Desk:
June 13 , 2006 

Proudly Serving Those Who Served?

During this National Flag Week, as we honor the colors beneath which our service men and women keep us free, we are confronted with evidence of disservice to veterans receiving care in Tennessee’s State Veterans’ Nursing Homes.  

Unbeknownst to many, in 1988, Tennessee began providing nursing home care to Tennessee veterans. Since then, two homes, one in Murfreesboro and one in Humboldt, have operated in relative obscurity. A third is scheduled to open in Knoxville this year and initial funding is being prepared for a center in Clarksville opening in 2008. 

On June 6th, President Bush proclaimed National Flag Week beginning June 11.  Flag Day, falling this year on June 14, commemorates the day in 1777 when Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our National Flag. The President proclaimed: 

“During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we also honor the men and women who carry our flag into battle. Through their bravery and sacrifice, they help keep America safe and advance peace and freedom around the globe. By flying the flag, we express our gratitude to these heroes and all those who help ensure that the many blessings of our great country continue for generations to come.” 

Ironically, on June 7, the day after President Bush issued his Proclamation, I participated in a legislative hearing on Veterans Affairs in Nashville. We heard testimony from several families about deplorable conditions in Tennessee’s Veterans’ nursing homes. 

They described very disturbing abuse and neglect. We saw photographs of bed sores and untreated ulcers on the skin of men who carried our flag into battle. We heard the emotion and saw the tears of their loved ones who had entrusted these veterans’ care to the state. 

There are two sides to every story, but the photos we saw last week are compelling and will be difficult to explain away. 

Governor Bredesen appoints the Tennessee Veterans’ Nursing Home Board of Directors charged with oversight responsibility. The state Department of Health operates the facilities. 

Their Mission Statement promises “the best possible services to those who have served the United States of America and to their family members” as well as “a place where they can feel secure.”   

The Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes website says they seek to “treat our veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve.” There is a world of difference between what the State wants us to hear and what we heard last week. The Veterans’ Homes’ motto is “Proudly Serving Those Who Served.” None of us were proud of what we heard last week. 

The Joint Select Oversight Committee on Veterans Affairs will conduct further hearings this summer. It remains to be seen whether these were isolated cases or whether they are symptomatic of a broader problem. Either way, it begs the question: How well is Tennessee serving those who served us?  

Action speaks louder than words.