In my 85 years, I have worked as a medical/surgical specialist for four years in military hospitals and an additional four years in civilian and Veterans Affairs facilities.
I am a disabled veteran and have been an active outpatient at the local VA hospital for almost 30 years. I have experienced the local VA facility grow and improve vigorously and efficiently to be the most technically efficient and, in my opinion, medically excellent hospital that I have ever experienced.
This is in no small measure due to inspired leadership and skilled, hard-working staff. Of special note are the well-run and superior professionally staffed laboratory and urgent care departments which are well-equipped and function exactly as they should.
My health and quality of life has been enhanced immeasurably by the medical care provided me by the Leeds medical facility and I am sure that multitudes of veterans have been similarly served.
The Central Western Massachusetts medical facility is a consistently improving and expanding comprehensive, vital addition to the VA medical network. I am thankful that it is close by.
Kenneth Graf
Cummington