VETERANS CORNER: Fisher House is listing; Community Living Center still not finished

VA Fisher House

by Gary Kennedy

In an issue of The Town Line, four or five years ago, I mentioned outside problems which I felt were causing VA unneeded stress. Like any source of information and service, information supplied under duress can be very harmful. The interpretation can lead to misinformation and lead one down the wrong path. It can also lead to distrust and become a very unpleasant venue. Going on 50 years now I have seen this sort of thing go south very rapidly.

Do you remember my article involving the Fisher House? This was a money gift that built a hospitality house. When I and others learned of the construction we objected and made our objections known. However, the powers that be, decided to avoid our warnings and the fact that the Fisher House was going to be built on wet land, land which couldn’t hold weight. I in fact was so adamant about my stand, I included the wildlife habitat and along with my wife asked for a meeting with the State of Maine to express my and others position on that issue.

I guess we know how far that got us. Now the Fisher House is slowly listing to the left, thus causing severe structural damage. I understand that the structure itself cost a few million dollars. These buildings which have become popular all across the USA are gifts to the VA. It’s heart breaking to see what’s happening because there are those who will not turn a blind eye and let others get involved, even though this is supposed to benefit the veteran. Veteran involvement could be a very good thing.

There are those with so much passion and talent that would love to be part of their surroundings. A few years ago I suggested that given the fact that there were interested, talented Vets who would love to be part of the solution and who were problem solvers. Mistakes like this one could be avoided. There must be a government virus going around. It seems the state and federal governments can’t seem to get it together and to get it right. Now we have to do and say, or not say, to be in the other side’s compliance zone. We use to be friends and worked things out ourselves but not anymore. The minority seems to have found a way to put fearful controls in places.

Five years ago the Community Living Center was supposed to be finished behind building. 205. That was a building that was sorely needed. Many disabled veterans who had been in the system for many years anxiously awaited. Unfortunately, most of them wouldn’t live to see its insemination. It was passed along that the building dollars got used in different places. The money that remained kept a small crew doing other small jobs over time. This is second hand information that I believe to be true. I am sure I will get to the bottom of this eventually. This all seemed to occur during the changing of the administration. That seems to be happening a lot lately.

I know you are familiar with my articles involving the gym and the swimming pool. This event was conveniently initiated post covid, forward. These two rooms were used for veterans’ rehab. Their primary function was for physical therapy and for PTSD. The pool was a wonderful advent to the wellness clinic. Veterans would meet there and walk around while sharing time with one another. It was great for physical health as well as mental health. Along came attrition disease, due mostly because of lack of concern for those who kept the boat afloat.

I was told it was a clever management tool to help with the retention of employees who were experiencing greener grass elsewhere. One day a few of my group got together and decided to check it out. The door was locked and a sign was placed outside advertising that the gym was for employees for a fee. Veterans couldn’t use it anymore even though it was provided for their use and well being. Three days per-week physical therapists would, by appointment, take their veterans for pool therapy. At the same time other vets could use the opposite side of the pool. When covid hit, the pool was drained and we were told that the pool had problems. We vets were told that we could use the YMCA, upon application. This was a no brainer from the start. Try placing the civilian elderly and the disabled veteran in a pool together. Now, all you have to do is toss in a few children and some PTSD and you have a very dangerous mix. I am sure the U.S. government would agree with me. If they only knew! I am sure it wouldn’t be long before we would wear out our welcome.

The Community Living Center went undone for years. It just began again last year. Now other veterans tour the acre long galvanized fence. Some of us refer to the new buildings as “Silver City”. At least the building we have been waiting for has almost reached fruition. NOPE! After all those thousands of man-hours and tons of shiny metal, the footings and foundation has been poured yet this magnificent building has had the brakes put on. OSHA doesn’t allow for poor design due to Tensile Strength. Tensile Strength is the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before it breaks when being stretched or pulled. We will have to wait and see what the administration does.

They like to keep these things private. It’s difficult to admit when you are wrong. Only the strong and self assured can handle that task. In any case the secret is out, in part; let’s see what they do with it. I know they have a problem with the moral part of running the government’s business. Veterans, it’s time to vote. Be sure you analyze your candidates well and ask the right questions. We are the soldiers of yesterday but that doesn’t mean we can’t impart our wisdom on our sons and daughters and those we love. It’s not what we take with us but what we leave behind.

Have a safe weekend and God bless you and yours.