*The following is a letter written by Weston Lindberg in response to "Senate Candidate Dian Slavens Uses Veterans To Make Political Points- Gets The Facts All Wrong," published in the Plymouth-Canton Patch. Lindberg is an army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I am a disabled veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and a member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. For over two years I’ve proudly worked for Representative Slavens and have seen firsthand how much she cares about veterans and our issues. I’m writing today because I was appalled to read a letter stating otherwise in the Canton Patch yesterday.
Mr. Bentley seems to be confused on some issues and I’d like to help set the record straight.
First, in regards to the important work Representative Slavens has done for veterans. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs used to require transitioning veterans who were coming home after serving their country to pay burdensome fees in order to become licensed in a number of fields. Thanks to Rep. Slavens, those fees are now waived and veterans can use their military experience to become licensed in Michigan. Returning veterans who wanted to go to college used to have to wait in order to reestablish their Michigan residency or they would be forced to pay much higher out of state tuition rates. Thanks to Rep. Slavens that barrier has been removed and returning veterans are able to attend community colleges and state universities as Michigan residents.
Second, Mr. Bentley really needs to work on his fact-checking. If he had taken some time it would be plain to him that there are serious issues with the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. In fact, even Senator Colbeck called the complaints made by the residents “disturbing”. http://www.wzzm13.com/...
It’s nice that Mr. Bentley took the time to talk with an administrator but these complaints were made by the residents of the facility and range from neglect, to theft, and even injury to veterans being cared for at the home. I think it’s a good thing that Representative Slavens values the word of veterans and their families over that of those who have most to lose (the doctors, caregivers, and facility administrator).
Thank you Mr. Bentley, for attempting to stand up for veterans, I for one would rather speak for myself. Dian Slavens will be an excellent State Senator for Michigan’s veterans and the residents of the 7th District.
Weston Lindberg