Brooklyn veterans call on Department of Veterans Affairs to keep open area VA medical centers

Veterans in Brooklyn attended a rally Sunday afternoon to call on the Department of Veterans Affairs to reverse the proposed closure of two major veteran medical facilities in New York.

News 12 Staff

Mar 14, 2022, 2:24 AM

Updated 944 days ago

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Veterans in Brooklyn attended a rally Sunday afternoon to call on the Department of Veterans Affairs to reverse the proposed closure of two major veteran medical facilities in New York.
"I come here five days a week, this is a place where vets talk to other vets about things we can only understand," says veteran Mickey Wedlock.
"We cannot let them take this from us."
Veterans emphasized the facilities are more than just somewhere to seek medical attention. They are also a much needed community.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis emphasized the huge role veterans play in the United States, saying veterans are America's backbone.
"We will not allow them to close this facility, this is unacceptable. Our veterans make up the greatest nation in the world," says Malliotakis.
As of 2019, there were 138,000 veterans living in New York City, with 75% being senior citizens - according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Brooklyn VA Medical Center and Manhattan VA Medical Center service roughly 1,000 veterans daily for outpatient appointments.
Under the Veterans Affairs proposal, the Manhattan and Brooklyn VA Medical Centers will close entirely.