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Letter to the Editor

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Editor,

I am a veteran of the United States Army, having served four years in the Korean Conflict. I am 82 years old and I have served my country along with three of my brothers who are deceased. We served our country and we were honored to serve our country.

Having served our country, I am eligible for the benefits that come as a result of my service. Unfortunately, this service is very difficult to access.

In order to be served by the Veterans Affairs, I have to wait long hours to be seen by a provider. I have to arrange to have my family members transport me to the Albuquerque VA Hospital for specialty care. This is a two-and-a-half-hour drive one way and then I must wait 5 to 6 hours to be seen and treated before our return to Gallup, another two-and-a-half-hour drive home.

When I am in need of health care, this long journey and wait only adds stress that comes with making arrangements, driving and wait time.

I am in deep gratitude to Senator Martin Heinrich for his attention to the needs of myself and other veterans who live in rural areas who find themselves at a great distance from medical care, care we deserve, having served my country in a difficult conflict.

I live in rural McKinley County and am a community member of Gallup, a community, which is known for having many Native Americans who served their country.

After all, we are the most Patriotic Town in America (2013).

Many of Gallup and McKinley County veterans from all walks of life, like me, have difficulty accessing the medical care needed.

The care we are currently receiving at the Gallup VA are received because of Senator Martin Heinrich and his work to expand the clinic for veterans, but this is only the beginning.

With Senator Martin Heinrich as our supporter, we can look forward to a time when the medical care we need will be available within our community, so we do not have to travel an entire day for services, especially, when we are in need of more timely care.

Please join me in supporting Senator Martin Heinrich for another term as our U.S. Senator.

Respectfully and in gratitude to Senator Heinrich, a friend of veterans,

William H. Arviso
Lifelong Rancher and Community Member of Gallup, Springstead, New Mexico