It has become quite apparent to me in the past several weeks since the eye opening news of Walter Reed has spread, that no matter the age, gender, war, rank, or military affiliation, all veterans and active duty service personnel share a common thread of respect and concern for one another.

I have served California veterans for more than thirty years in a facility that is "home" to more than 1,000 veterans who range from 50 to 100 years of age . This Home has been in existence for 123 years and has provided veterans from several wars a wide range of services. Approximately 700 residents live in independent settings while the others live in long-term care environments. A full-service pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, urgent care, rehab, and many clinic services are onsite. The veterans have access to their primary care physicians and are provided transportation to offsite medical appointments as needed. There is a cemetery on the grounds that provides the final resting place for veterans that served in many wars dating as far back as the Spanish American and Civil Wars.

Many people, including the media, are under the misconception that the Veteran's Homes of California are run by the Federal VA, and are quite surprised to learn that they are State facilities. There are currently three California State Veteran's Homes with a plan to open several more in the future. Although these Homes are run by the California Department of Veterans Affairs, many veterans require the services of Federal VA Hospitals for various procedures and services that cannot be provided at the Homes.

Since the Walter Reed "revelations" surfaced, all facilities providing care for veterans have been scrutinized regardless of their funding entities. There have been many different reactions from the veterans here ranging from anger and disgust, to sadness and concern. In addition, many find themselves re-living experiences of disbelief that after risking life and limb for their country, they have returned to less than acceptable conditions, opinions, and loopholes.

The Viet Nam Veterans, understandably, seem to be the most vocal about their feelings. Many of the employees at this facility are also veterans and have been quite open with sharing their concern for fellow veterans following articles surrounding the shocking conditions at Walter Reed.

Whether resident or employee, all share hope that the "discoveries" will lead to improvement and change in a flawed system. What has been a general theme of discussion however, regardless of old, worn buildings, and occasional negative press, is the feeling that most residents, and their families, at this facility are thankful to call this "Old Soldiers Home" their home.

As much as our veterans appreciate what we do for them, we appreciate even more the sacrifice they, and those who didn't make it home, made in order for us to be able to serve them. The reality is the soldiers that make it home, no matter the location or type of veteran's facility, deserve the best support and treatment this country can provide them. It's the least we can do to thank them for their service and assure them that "Support Our Troops" is not a meaningless slogan.

Below is a recent letter to the local newspaper:

Getting the best at Vets Home

NAPA Valley Register -- Letters to the Editor, Monday, March 19, 2007

Dear editor,

My mother, Lisette K. Bannister, who passed away on Jan. 11, was a veteran of World War II — an army nurse in the Pacific Theater. She was stricken with Alzheimer's disease nearly 20 years ago and spent the last 11 years as a resident of the Veterans Home of California at Yountville.

I want to be sure that all VA hospitals not be judged by the recent disgrace at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. My mother had 17 years of the most devoted, professional and loving care imaginable at the Vets Home. Although somewhat dated when she was admitted, there has been ongoing renovation and the facilities are modern and spotless. The amazing staff is well trained and provides the highest level of care for the 1,200 residents of the facility.

My family has been so moved by the care provided our mother that we've set up a scholarship fund for the children of the staff (Vets Home of Yountville Scholarship Fund, PO Box 812, Capitola, CA 95073). Our veterans deserve the best and are certainly getting it at the Veterans Home of California, Yountville.