About a year ago I toyed with the idea of making a documentary concerning the highly lacking Veterans care in the United States. For those of you foreign to this concept, its absolutely terrible here. And I mean awful. To put it into perspective, I could go back to my native New Zealand and get better medical care by simply walking in off the street and requesting it. But not here, not in this country.

As someone that immigrated from a foreign nation to serve in the U.S. Military following 9-11, I expected a lot more for those of us that served overseas and in combat. Apparently I expected too much. So a year ago I started a charity for NATO veterans of the Afghan War (OIF), regardless of nationality. The charity took off, exploded as it were, and I resigned directorship (Thomas Gains) to a board due to my illness and for other, obvious reasons.

I have since been contacted by CNN to do a documentary on failing Veterans care in the US. I'm really psyched about this to be honest. I've been working hard to get the message out there for awhile now. I know more government money really isn't really the answer, but its a start.

Vary cool.

I am fighting those bastards now. Its truly criminal what is going on with the VA. You can bet if the health care/compensation package Congress has where 1/20th as #%&*$# as the VA it would be fixed in 30 days or less. My damned issues from Iraq and fighting the VA has gone on longer than ww2. Now that is #%&*$# up.


you had better do this thing for CNN. Need to get public focus square on this issue. It needs to be fixed yesterday. Not in 2025.

Way to go Detcord. Keep the faith.

Thought just occurred to me. If CNN is contacting you. You could likely contact other networks with the same material and have a shot at getting somewhere. Getting involved with fixing these issues is something that I personally have recently wanted to do. But my exploration of organizations, well just my local VFW was shall we say off putting. Ugh, its basically a bar full of apathetic old Navy drunks.

Good on you mate, for serving and for looking after veterans.

Well done sir.

Thank you, Det. I've enjoyed the videos and photos you've posted for a long time. These are stories that need to be told, as it's nothing short of criminal negligence.

Fantastic DetCord, congrats. Any documentaries on the subject would help in applying pressure to continue to make improvements in VA care.

Many Americans were awakened to the status of our higher education system by the PBS documentary "Ivory Tower" - so this CNN doc should definitely have an impact. Best of luck with it !

You mean all of the 20 people who watch PBS?

That's really excellent Detcord. I'm struggling with the VA myself.

Bloody awesome!

congrats Detcord, I would contact O'Reilly, he's big with Veteran's and Wounded Warriors. The more attention the better!

My Brother and his son have both had issues with vet care, pathetic

Thanks and Good Luck with this

Thanks, Det. It would appear that you continue to go above and beyond.

Det, I hope you get the help you deserve and publicity for all those suffering. My Dad was a state veteran's affairs officer and I have never had any trouble getting care at the local VA hospital, the Charles George medical center. I don't think I've gotten special treatment, as all the other men and women I've talked to here are satisfied.

Amazing. As part of your doc you should compare and contrast with other allied vet health systems.

Here in Oz veterans get something called a gold card. Pays for every medical expense.

the heck with a gold card at least here we should be giving our vets a Platinum card

This could be one of the most important 'missions' you've ever been on.

Helping the other Vets of this country get the care they deserve, could be something that would outlast your lifetime.
Godspeed DetCord.

"Send it".

Sorry for the off-topic response but to clarify, the cards aren't for all veterans.

Basically it's for the injured, disabled, ex-POW and over 70 veterans.

Repatriation Health Cards, White and Gold

Still a very good system though, even if the department responsible are notoriously difficult to deal with.

Back on-topic, great work DetCord, amazing how veterans can be neglected in a country where they are so respected and loved by the public.

- Horsey

Great job!...The first step is always more difficult!...Now your project is gathering momentum!...You can feel proud about yourself!