Editor,
This letter is in response to the opinion column authored by guest columnist Frank Martin in the Nov. 7 edition of the Daily Lobo.
Martin seems to present many wild, outlandish claims throughout his rambling article. I am quite surprised that the editors from the Daily Lobo did not effectively investigate some of his accusations prior to publishing this column, considering it has the potential to be viewed by thousands of students, alumni and faculty. As a veteran, I feel obligated to address some of his claims and present the student body with the fact that not all veterans think as Martin does. In addition, I have experience as a combat veteran and am currently receiving disability compensation for service-connected disabilities.
I have many questions to his accusations. However, in an effort to keep my letter short and poignant, I aim to address only a few points. I have experience working with the Department of Veteran Affairs and have never witnessed the problems outlined by Martin.
I was especially concerned with the claim that the VA has a program aimed at the “deliberate killing of veterans at the VA in Albuquerque.” It seems to me that a claim like that being published in a student newspaper, both in print and online, would require some type of fact check. Many of the claims by Martin are not validated in any way by statistics, quotes from other sources or any validating information that would back his claims.
Furthermore, when did Martin serve? He never mentioned how he was disabled. Are his injuries the result of his service? What grounds does he stand on to demand care from the VA? The VA categorizes veterans based on their exposure to combat and severity of trauma suffered, both mental and physical. Wounded veterans and those who saw combat but were not wounded are put in higher priority groups that are pushed to the front of the line for medical care. The fact that Martin is not prioritized tells me that his injuries may not be the result of his service. For all intents and purposes, Martin may be a veteran, but it does not sound to me like he served in a time of war.
Though the VA system can be very difficult and frustrating to navigate, a veteran who has all of his or her appropriate documentation will be provided with adequate care. The thoughts of one particular individual must be taken with a grain of salt, much as my own opinions should be. However, there is a difference between an opinion and false, malicious accusations. Journalism is a powerful tool that helps us exercise our right to speak our mind, so I am glad the Daily Lobo has realized the significance of an article such as Martin’s and addressed it respectfully with this rebuttal.
Joaquin Francisco
Daily Lobo reader
