With scandal breaking in the United States Veterans Administration, Governor Mike Beebe wants to make sure people know the difference between the federal V-A and the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Those are two distinct agencies with distinct missions, and Beebe said in his weekly media address the state Department of Veterans Affairs has not contributed to the problems on the national VA.
"[O]ur Arkansas department is best known for operating two residential facilities in Little Rock and Fayetteville," Beebe said.
The Little Rock home closed two years ago. But with new funding approved by the legislature, Beebe said plans are in motion for a new veterans home to be located in North Little Rock.
Beebe said the Fayetteville Veterans Home recently passed a surprise inspection by the Department of Human Services’ Office of Long Term Care. No citations involving staff, safety measures or quality of care were given.
"Not only is this result unprecedented, it is especially impressive given the past training and staffing issues the home has had to overcome," Beebe said.
Beebe said it's not enough to just thank our veterans, "we need to demonstrate our appreciation to those who put themselves in harm's way with our actions, as well."
