Rep. Chet Edwards slams opponent's plan to let veterans use health benefits in private sector

Benning reports:
WASHINGTON – Rep. Chet Edwards slammed his Republican opponent's plan to allow use of veterans' health benefits in the private sector, saying Wednesday that it would "destroy the VA health care system as we know it." With the backing of several national veterans groups, the Waco Democrat said that rival Bill Flores' plan would drastically dilute the patient base at Veterans Affairs hospitals, increase costs and threaten the livelihood of the VA hospital in Waco and others across the country. 
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Ex-employee of state veterans home is acquitted of abusing resident

Drew reports:

AUSTIN – A West Texas jury acquitted a former employee of a state veterans home Tuesday on a felony charge of abusing a resident in late 2007.

The 12-member jury deliberated for about 45 minutes in finding Bryson Vanderbilt not guilty, said Howard County District Attorney Hardy Wilkerson. The verdict followed a six-hour trial.
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Elder abuse investigations linger in incidents at state veterans home

Jim Drew in our Austin bureau:

BIG SPRING, Texas – The Veterans Land Board promotes its seven state-owned veterans homes with a glossy brochure titled "Where Honor Lives."


But there was nothing honorable about what allegedly happened to World War II Navy veteran John Harris in the final months of his life in 2007 at the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez State Veterans Home in Big Spring.

A certified nurse aide said she saw a co-worker grab the 97-year-old from his wheelchair and slam him into his bed. Harris, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was taken to the hospital that night when he complained of hip pain, according to a state inspection report.

Army mechanic from WWII feared attendant, family says

Dallas County judge creating court for troubled veterans

Hoppe reports:

AUSTIN – Soldiers who survive combat only to fall into addiction, depression, rage - and, sometimes, criminal behavior - will have their own court in Dallas County, starting next month.


State District Judge Mike Snipes of Dallas attended training in Austin today to handle a new docket devoted to veterans.

If he can, he’s going to get them into a Veterans Administration bed instead of a prison bed.

“The veterans have unique problems that come from their service - not only in Iraq and Afghanistan. There’s still some from Vietnam,” Snipes said.