It was standing room only as a throng of American Veterans packed a meeting room at the Columbus City Hall on Wednesday. They were gathered to hear about the new services provided at the Wakeman Clinic.
Local veterans attended and were able to sign up for appointments at the clinic. Staff members were on-site and helped guide the vets through the process of scheduling an appointment.
Veterans asked questions ranging from what care is provided at the Wakeman Clinic, to what health benefits spouses of veterans receive.
"I think any time when we miss the opportunity to provide services for our veterans is overdue," says Ginny Creasman, medical center director for the Wakeman Clinic. "But do I think it's the right time? Yes. It just happened to be that the current climate within the healthcare program and within the DOD, and the ability to create a partnership with our DOD representatives, allowed us to bring this clinic together."
Ron Bailiff served in the Navy in Vietnam. He received a kidney transplant and has needed medical care since then. He used to go to some doctors through the Veteran's Choice Program, but they've since opted out. While he has found some other local doctors who are part of the Program, he is glad the Wakeman clinic has opened.
"Now we have Wakeman, it will be more convenient, and I think most the guys in Jennings County, anyway," Bailiff says.
Bailiff has three children in the Army who are watching the VA closely, to make sure veterans are treated well.