HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Reports are out about massive layoffs possibly coming to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some 80,000 positions are expected to be eliminated, according to reports out Wednesday afternoon.
Coincidentally, the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center held a town hall about services and upgrades.
It was held in Building 83, and one person 10 On Your Side spoke with was concerned about these possible cuts in benefits.
“We have so many people here that are out on community care,” said Joe Wafford, a retired Navy veteran with 27 years’ service. “I am one, and I know it’s not going to be cut back, but that’s what a lot of veterans think.”
10 On Your Side was not allowed in the meeting, and then we were asked to leave the property.
“I think the other day that they made a good decision to recommend the cuts, but leave it to the agency itself,” Wafford said. “Where can I cut it? Don’t come in with a chainsaw when you can do it with a scalpel.”
The town hall meeting was streamed on Facebook Live, with around 50 people appearing in the room.
Questions came in on Facebook, such as this one.
“Is dental going to expand its emergency services outside of its early morning hours?”
Walt Dannenberg, acting director of the Hampton VA Healthcare System, said “what we are doing is … discussing an expanded footprint for dental services at the new Battlefield clinic, and it is slated to open in April.”
Susie Sewell of Yorktown, said she had concerns about what the department is doing by cutting veterans.
“I’m concerned about what they are doing with cutting benefits for veterans and what we’re talking about it, not cutting it yet,” said Sewell, who served for 42 years active duty and reserve, adding “I really feel that we do need to downsize. We have too much bureaucracy, but I don’t think we need to be not hiring doctors, nurses.”
Said Dannenberg: “Again, the VA system is deeply committed to providing world-class care, and … we may not always get it right, but we want to be steadfast in resolving whatever issues come up.”
