Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Washington D.C. are under attack from the Director of the VA. He does not seem to understand the great importance of the fellowship and comradely that takes place there. Information does flow from the institution itself however, the greatest source of information, instructions, contacts comes not from the institution but from the veterans that you meet and talk with, who have gone before you. Veterans who have gone before me have guided me all thru my Air Force career. I am very good at the radar systems of the F15 & F16. Good enough to have a Lieutenant Colonel and his entourage seek me out because my alignments were so very accurate, they increase a pilots "kill" ratio (and consequently brings another son home). It was a veteran who had gone before me who taught me. The same thing happens in combat (if you don't listen to combat veterans you won't be around long!), and success in life works the same way. The veterans at the VA guide the incoming new veterans. These veterans are afraid of the unknown (whats going to happen to me!). I know that with myself I thought it was over. I thought I was going to die, soon! With the skill and training of the medical staff and the guidance the veterans gave me I am still here 12 years later and going strong. Here is the problem. There are several issues all caused by the Director; 1) We want and need our benches, chairs and trash cans back. Chairs have been removed from many places thru out the VA. No thought has been given to cardiac patients who need to rest for a few minutes to slow their heart rates. Or the elderly, be they veterans, dependants or Loved ones that are standing around waiting for their cars in what has turned out to be the hottest summer on record in the history of the United States. That's just one example there are many others. 2) Where are the vouchers he promised. He closed the patient cafeteria , telling us vets that we will get vouchers so we can eat free in the main cafeteria. We are still waiting. Many veterans when they first arrive have no money no SSI no income what so ever. The cafeteria gave me free meals although not has many as I needed or wanted but enough to help keep me alive. Where is that help now for other veterans! 3) He cut down the trees. There are no shade trees any more. These trees had to be 30 years old. Veterans gather and talk, play cards, chess, checkers and exchange war stories and most importantly exchange information! Under these trees. There are other things hes doing that the employees have been complaining about. He is tearing the VA apart quickly before we can mount a response. He has made it abundantly clear to me that he has not intention of replacing these things. Our signatures are placed here to show that, we the veterans of the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center and others agree that; 1) We want and need our benches, chairs and trash cans back. 2) We want our vouchers that were promised. 3)We want to be able to commune, fellowship as we have always done. This is an important function that should not ever be stoped!