Veterans and their families react to the turmoil at the Department of Veterans Affairs

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(CNN) -- For years, the US Department of Veterans Affairs had been roiled by mishaps, setbacks and controversies. But recently, several veterans and their family members told CNN, they believed the department was finally improving.

Now, with all the political turmoil surrounding the appointment of a new secretary, they're not so sure.

President Donald Trump announced last month that Secretary David Shulkin would be replaced with White House physician Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson -- a nomination that was fraught with controversy until he withdrew last week.

Like military families across the United States, US Army veteran Matthew Pennington and his wife Marjorie believe the VA needs a strong leader to manage its 170 medical centers and 1,061 outpatient sites, which serve more than 9 million veterans each year.

"We're worried," Marjorie, her husband's caregiver, told CNN. "We need direction. We need somebody to be there. Yes, we have people at the lower levels, but they need guidance."

Shawn Moore, whose husband served seven combat tours in Afghanistan, said she's fed up with political back-and-forth over the VA secretaryship, and that the search for a head of the department is eclipsing the needs of veterans and their families.

"You're talking about people's lives, and when you put a political spin on it and focus on people's political agenda, you are forgetting about the veteran and the family members," she said.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/veterans-and-their-families-react-to-the-turmoil-at-the-department-of-veterans-affairs/ar-AAwwzmD?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=mailsignout

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1. Future of the VA may need some rethinking

As the old Vietnam Era Veterans start to die off, the number of patients should plummet. The current military personnel count is stable, at a number less than half of the Vietnam Era count. Plus, fewer veterans are eligible than in the '60's and '70's, due to means-testing.

So, how do we sustain the same number of hospitals, resources, for a dwindling base of patients? The needs are still "special" in many cases.

Free healthcare for all may be one goal that could satisfy the need.

That, plus other veterans' benefits, such as the GI Bill, Veterans Homes, etc.

I hope the VA Health system can be sustained for the future, without being privatized. Current "civilian" health system, plus veterans' vouchers, would be a big step down.