Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center - 2/1/10

I am a disabled veteran. I was not disabled by enemy or friendly fire, shrapnel, or any other wartime peril. My disabilities come from playing sports, overindulging in nearly everything I have ever indulged in, and listening to AC/DC at an extremely high volume setting. But since I spent 20 years making myself available for armed conflict, I am eligible for Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits, such as they are. This is because most of the events that have resulted in me being in the condition I am in occurred when I was on active duty. On active duty, in this case, meaning enlisted in the air force.

The extent of my disability was determined by comparing the condition I was in during my induction physical in 1972 with the state I was in upon retirement in 1992. According to the VA, I am only 70% of the man I was at 19 (who isn’t). If I could get a psychiatric team to follow me around for a few days, they would up that 30% disability significantly. But the 30% gives me full medical benefits, such as they are.

Today, I traveled to the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston on board the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van. I am entitled to ride the nearly 200 mile round-trip in the DAV van as part of the prize package from being disabled. It departs Myrtle Beach at 5AM and returns after the last rider’s appointment. Skooter hates being walked at 4AM nearly as much as I despise walking him at that profane hour. But the trip is free and free is good.

Today’s journey was for a routine CT scan of my lungs. Though I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, it seems I have what are called nodules festering one of my lungs. Growing up breathing air toxic with lead/silver refinery emissions combined with 20 years of inhaling jet engine exhaust may have contributed. Scanning my chest regularly inspects for any change in the nodules which could mean T-R-O-U-B-L-E . So far, they are just perched there to annoy me. On the plus side, this procedure can cost up to $1,500 each time, in the real world. I get it free with your tax dollars. Thanks.

Each time I visit the VA hospital I am in awe of the parade of heroes that pass by while I am in the lobby waiting for the return trip. There is a plaque near the entryway that reads simply:

This could not be more true. So many have sacrificed so that we don’t have to. If you are not appreciative of this, you suck. The Charleston VA Medical Center is named for Medal of Honor recipient PFC Ralph H. Johnson. A memorial honoring him is near the entrance. I always take a moment to pay my respects when I walk in.

There are many volunteers throughout the facility that give their time as tribute to the champions who are treated there. A sweet lady named Helen dispenses coffee and pastries to those waiting for their prescriptions. The driver of the DAV van that brought me there is a volunteer as well.

Today, I was inspired to share these thoughts. I am going to try find more things to encourage me to write. No promises.