Failing Our Veterans

In February 2007, my oldest brother died of a massive heart attack. Being an Army veteran, the family decided to inter him at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City. Walking to the grave the day of his burial, I became extremely disturbed at the cemetery’s condition.

Photos of my brother’s grave and the cemetery were sent with a letter detailing the problems to William Tuerk, undersecretary for memorial affairs at the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. I also copied my congressman, Jimmy Duncan. An Erwin relative requested that I copy Rep. David Davis and I did so, as the cemetery is in his district.

Duncan sent the letter to the VA Secretary asking for action. Multiple letters from Duncan and Tuerk over the next several weeks confirmed all the actions to be taken. Tuerk sent a deputy to Mountain Home unannounced to inspect the cemetery. Because the findings of the inspection validated my letter and more, the new cemetery manager is working diligently to correct a multitude of problems.

I finally heard from Davis’ office after several months. The lady from Davis’ office asked, “What do you what us to do with your letter?” When I asked if Davis had done anything yet, the response was “nothing.” She volunteered to return my letter and photographs “as they had no need for them.” I have yet to receive them.

I only expected from Davis what I received from Duncan – a little help for our dead veterans. If Davis had been doing his job for veterans as he constantly boasts in his speeches, I would not have had to write my first letter. Davis is like so many in Washington, D.C., right now; he is not from the people and is not for the people. He is there for David Davis first and foremost!

Based on Davis’ total failure on an extremely important veterans’ matter, I strongly recommend that the voters take a serious look at voting for his opponent, Phil Roe, in the upcoming election.

Millard Day
Lenoir City, Tenn.