Legion Reacts to Resignation of Indiana Veterans Home Superintendent

INDIANAPOLIS, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the special status which veterans enjoy and the benefits they earned through military service, The American Legion Department of Indiana is always concerned by changes in policies and institutions designed to serve veterans' interest.

The resignation of the Superintendent of the Indiana Veterans Home is no exception. Home to nearly 300 of the most vulnerable veterans and veterans' survivors – the disabled and elderly – the Indiana Veterans Home deserves careful and thoughtful supervision. We appreciate the hard work performed by Superintendent Tony Stewart; however, the record of the home's delivery of health care services over the past few months, having been found wanting, should not be used as rationale for sweeping changes in its operation, ownership, or mission.

The American Legion devotes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to the home each year, providing volunteers, special activities and equipment that otherwise would come from public resources.  Our members comprise the majority of residents. We oversee activities there through our permanent Indiana Veterans Home Committee. Accordingly, The American Legion Department of Indiana expects, with good reason, to be included in discussions and decisions concerning the future of the home, and will exercise its responsibility to the residents there in every forum available to it.

SOURCE American Legion Department of Indiana