A Southeast Texas military veteran and the daughter of a Vietnam vet are teaming up in the fight to bring a Veterans Affairs hospital to Orange – where Baptist Orange Hospital now operates in a reduced capacity.
Shronda Phillps-Amerson is the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and William Chappie Jr. is a veteran himself – unfortunately both know the hoops former soldiers have to jump through in order to get the healthcare they need.
That is why they decided to team up to fight for so many who have gone to war for this country.
But after congress harshly criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs for not warning them about a $2.5 billion dollar budget shortfall – the pair could be in an uphill battle.
The budget crisis could mean the closure of V-A clinics and hospitals – something congress calls unacceptable.
Since the two organizers got the ball rolling on this plan their petition has more than 2,500 signatures and that number is still growing.
Chappie said getting treatment in Houston is an all-day event.
“Veterans have done so much to keep us free,” Chappie said. “It would just be very beneficial if we had something that didn't make us go through so many pains and strains to get there to go get the treatment we need."
Phillips-Amerson’s commute is even longer. She has to drive from Orange to Newton topick up her father. Then they commute to Houston so her dad can get the healthcare he needs. She said not all veterans are as lucky as him.
“There are so many that need it and don't have it,” Phillips-Amerson said. “Some people financially can't get to the VA and some health wise can't afford to take the long ride. So they risked their lives and fought for us, to protect our families there is no reason we shouldn't fight for them.”
Both said having a closer location would not only benefit Texans but also veterans who live in Southwest Louisiana.
The two said they will continue to fight to get a V-A hospital in Orange with the same perseverance soldiers show when fighting for their country.
Right now the two organizers said city and local politicians are on their side fighting for a facility. In the meantime they are asking for the community’s continued support of their mission and petition.
