The VA's Palo Alto Health Care System welcomes Marines with open arms

By Dana Hull

San Jose Mercury News

April 21, 2012

When Marines leave the Corps, they are encouraged to enroll with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But many don't. The VA and Department of Defense are two distinct, sprawling federal bureaucracies -- with their own staffs, cultures and record-keeping. No system exists to automatically enroll members of the military in the VA once they leave active duty, which means that scores of military veterans aren't accessing the services they need and are entitled to.

On Saturday, nearly 800 veteran Marines spent the day at the VA's Palo Alto Health Care System as part of an effort to welcome Marines with open arms -- and get them in the door. The daylong event, which featured health screenings, dozens of community organizations and a family-friendly barbecue, was organized for Marines who live within a 150-mile radius of the Palo Alto facility. The Marine Corps paid the Marines a day's wages -- about $210 -- for attending.

"A lot of Marines don't realize the benefits of the VA," said Lt. Col. Alex Waugh, who helped organize the event. "When guys are leaving active duty, the focus is on getting out and what are they going to do next. It's a real challenge to get them enrolled." Read more here...