The VA website states: 1) the VA had 54 hospitals in 1930 and there are 152 today; 2) the VA operates the largest integrated healthcare system with more than 1700 facilities; and 3) we have about 22 million veterans.

I am a veteran and I am severely disappointed by how the federal government, regardless of party, has fulfilled its promise to veterans. The VA healthcare system was built on the best and most noble of intentions -- to serve those who have served our nation.

It is a “single payer” system that has been in existence for more than 80 years. The federal government, regardless of party, has demonstrated that such a wide-reaching, technically complex, scientifically dynamic, health care management system that deals in detail with the mind, body and spirit of people, who have been damaged by acts to their bodies or psyches, is not yet within reach of our ambition to provide a universal medical solution – even for less than 10 percent of our population.

Yet, we, as a nation, believe that the gesture made to the veterans and their families is sufficient. It makes no difference that the failure of the VA to genuinely fulfill its purpose is largely ignored. Our elected representatives recognize problems in the VA and fail to fix them. Every time I hear an ad on TV to support our wounded veterans I am reminded that our government has broken its promise and the private sector must make up the difference as it always has since the inception of the VA.

Do we really believe that what we cannot provide for 22 million who have purchased our freedom with their hearts, minds and bodies, we can provide for a nation of 330 million and more? Evidence suggests otherwise.