Walter Reed - A Standard or Anomaly?

The current uproar about conditions at one building at Walter Reed Army Medical Center is interesting. It's not that long ago that no one would have given a shit about conditions - after all, they're only soldiers.

Personally, I feel very lucky. I've heard horror stories about Hines Hospital in the Chicago area and the hospital in Jacksonville, FL - but here in North Carolina I couldn't ask for better.

The VA Clinic in Winston Salem is relatively new, and the hospitals I've been to in Salisbury and Durham, NC, are old but well cared for. And with rare exception, the care provided is excellent. The staff can't do enough for you. Salisbury Hospital has free valet parking - they aren't even allowed to accept tips.

My only complaint about the local clinic is the lack of parking. they have large lots, but they treat around 15,000 veterans a day.

I go to the podiatrist, Dr Wilson, this morning - a true gentleman who treats his patients like royalty. I actually look forward to my appointments with him.