Veterans speak out after recommendation for moving Battle Creek VA services
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — It may become more difficult for West Michigan veterans to get the care they need.
A recommendation from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission suggested a series of changes including relocating Battle Creek Veterans Affairs services out of Battle Creek.
The recommendation laid out a plan that could move inpatient, outpatient and mental health services from Battle Creek closer to the Grand Rapids area.
"Many veterans actually have moved here just because of the VA being here," said Dave Morgan, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Morgan is also the chairman of the Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation. He said he receives great care at the Battle Creek VA and hopes the facility can stay put.
"It's been here since 1924, it's a huge part of our community, a gem of our community, and we want to make sure they stay here and stay invested," said Morgan.
The Battle Creek VA's public affairs officer said this recommendation comes from the need for updated modern medical facilities.
The recommendation also includes a new outpatient facility in the Kalamazoo area that veterans in West Michigan could utilize.
Nearly 1,500 vets joined a town hall last week to express their concerns.
"There’s the transportation concerns. Veterans drive from Grand Rapids down here now to be served, so it’ll be the opposite if the facilities go up there," said Morgan. "Of course we're going to fight to keep the facilities here, as many as possible to be convenient for veterans in our community."
The VA’s public affairs officer said they would continue to offer transportation services for vets if the facility moved to the Grand Rapids area.
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Morgan also expressed concerns about the employees who work at the VA.
The VA is one of Calhoun County's largest employers with around 1,600 workers across West Michigan.
News Channel 3 reached out to the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs office, who partners with the VA, for their thoughts on the potential move.
In a written statement, Director Aaron Edlefson said the addition of new facilities in other areas is exciting, but they are concerned that the moving of services could create barriers to treatment for veterans who have been receiving treatment at the historic VA facility in Battle Creek for years.
The VA’s public affairs officer said no veteran will be left behind and it could be years before this recommendation even reaches the next step. It would have to go through a congressional vote before moving, then would take years after that to develop a plan.
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