Just goes to show that YMMV.
I am VERY pleased with the VA here in Alaska. My story is too long to go into but they have been excellent at taking care of me over the past ten years even when it involved helicopters and Lear jets (More than once).
Note: I ain't no hero. I am only at 20%
Chuckster, I now understand you live in AK; but, would still be interested if you care to comment on the massive homeless population in HI.
When I was working there a few years ago, it was explained to me that, in addition to indigenous Hawaiians and other locals, the City of Los Angeles was at one time buying one-way tickets to Honolulu for their homeless.
Over this past weekend I was able to mention this outstanding plan to a city official where I live.
MY RECOMMENDATION: Ship all homeless (who are picked up) to L.A., San Fran, Seattle etc.—since they seem to want more.
Problem solved!
I have heard terrible reports about our local VA so we weren’t surprised. We got it worked out though.
I think one of the reasons the VA is so good in Alaska is the large number of bases in that state.
kAbout 15 years ago, I was in Fairbanks for a bit. I had never seen so much military in my (sheltered, away from large population centers) life! It was awesome. Everywhere I went there was American flags and military. Got some sweet deals on Army winter long johns and uniform pants at Value Village even.
It seemed that everywhere we went was either an Army base or an Air Force base.
It seems that a lot of retired military decide to stay in Alaska. Is that your ken, Chuck?