WRBL: Ga. Sen. Harbison: Working with Rep. Bishop for VA Hospital

Friday, March 25, 2011

Columbus, GA – Georgia Senator Ed Harbison (D-15) says the veterans in Muscogee County and the Fort Benning area deserve a VA hospital, and that's why he is working with U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop to make national leaders aware of the growing need.

The senator moderated a panel of the state's top veterans affairs officials and Rep. Bishop at the Columbus Public Library Friday afternoon.

"There is a lot of feeling that we need a hospital here, and I agree with that," Sen. Harbison said. "We need to take care of them like they took care of us."

A VA claims processor was handy during the meeting to assist veterans with any "bureaucratic red tape" issues, according to the senator.

One local veteran, 1SG Milton Lockette, echoed the senator's recommendation. Lockette talked to News 3 about having to stand in line for health services.

"That means you have to go back and wait in line with the rest of them at a civilian hospital, when we spent most of our time trying to make this country what it is today," he said.