Helping veterans
Re “Helping vulnerable vets transition to a post-service life” (Other Views, Dec. 15): The opinion column makes some important points. I am a wheelchair-bound, disabled veteran from the Vietnam era. I am blessed not to have suffered the post-separation issues discussed.
I, however, spend three days a week at the Hampton VA Medical Center for treatment and therapy. The Trump administration’s decision to reduce the VA by 30,000 employees is the absolutely wrong response to this moment. There is no oversupply of professional caregivers at the VA. To the contrary, the waits for care can be excessive and caregivers are busy and overloaded. Further, the majority of caregivers sincerely care about the veterans despite being overloaded. I receive care from a physician who is an expert in spinal cord injuries. This same doctor has also chosen to forgo much income and prestige to care for veterans. My therapist is a true expert in caring for disabled veterans.
So, now, our president, who dodged the draft with his fake bone spurs and a rich daddy, wants to lay off desperately needed VA providers. Is this America’s way of thanking those who were prepared to fight for our country? You’re welcome, I guess.
Craig Snyder, Virginia Beach
Celebrate First Landing
A beautiful commemorative Virginia license plate celebrating the first landing of our forefathers at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach has been designed by a Virginia nonprofit. The license plate is now available to the public.
After an arduous and dangerous four-and-a-half months at sea, on April 29, 1607, the first permanent settlers of our great nation reached the New World, coming ashore at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach. Before moving inland to establish the first permanent settlement in America at Jamestown, the intrepid settlers planted a cross at Cape Henry and gave thanks for their successful voyage. In conjunction with the 250th celebration of America’s independence this license plate is a way for all Virginians to celebrate our heritage and the gem that is the First Landing memorial and the most visited state park in Virginia.
To make this plate a reality, 450 pre-paid applications must be submitted by Dec. 31. The $30 fee will be refunded if the goal is not met. Plates may be viewed and ordered at First Landing 1607 Project’s website, firstlanding1607.com.
James M. Boyd, Virginia Beach
Colonial Parkway murders
Re “More Than A Person Can Handle” (A1, Dec. 7): Your story about the 1988 murder of Leslie Ann Powell at the hands of serial killer Alan Wilmer Sr. provided important information regarding how that tragic crime occurred. The Colonial Parkway murders will forever live in infamy as one of the most horrific crime sprees in Virginia’s history.
Perhaps the most tragic sidebar to the murders is the fact that law enforcement had the killer in custody, but released him due to lack of evidence. Early in the investigation, Virginia State Police set up a successful stake-out operation and Wilmer was detained.
When police went to Wilmer’s residence, they spotted him cleaning and spray painting his older model truck. Shortly thereafter, Wilmer was given a polygraph test by the FBI and he passed. He was then removed from the suspect list, free to kill again. After that, Wilmer slightly changed his modus operandi, but the murders did not stop.
Did law enforcement drop the ball on the Colonial Parkway murders? Yes and no. Local authorities had enough circumstantial evidence to believe that they had found the killer but were waved off by the FBI. The killer got lucky.
Of course, any speculation about the case is pure Monday morning quarterbacking. Law enforcement was up against an extreme sociopath who could easily pretend to be a decent member of society — and could easily fool law enforcement.
Larry Hollowell, Norfolk
