Veterans' health care system a great benefit

To The Eagle:

I've been here at the Fort Harrison VA Hospital a week with an infected diabetic foot. Should be released today. I can't say enough good things about the care one gets here.

It's not my first time here or in VA hospitals. I had a triple bypass at the Denver VA in 2005 and went to the Salt Lake City VA for my eyes three times. All my experiences have been good.

I'm especially impressed with the staff, from the kitchen crew who bring the meals to the nurses and others on the floor, to the doctors I've seen this trip. All are outstanding and most pleasant and friendly.

The same goes for the ones I see regularly as an outpatient from the phlebotamists to those in the Coumadin clinic, dental clinic, podiatry and eye clinic (I've had surgery on both eyes this year) and my regular doctors and nurses to those in urgent care. I am in the MOVE program in physical therapy to help with a stroke I had in 2007. The real strength of this place is its people.

I appreciated the education benefits following my Army time in 1966-68 but the VA health care system has been a far greater benefit.

Bill Trumbull

Fort Harrison, Mont

(former Cathlamet resident).