Veteran’s Daughter Upset with Dorn’s Care of Father

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As lawmakers in Washington scramble to find a solution to the veterans administration’s problems. People across the country and in the Midlands are in need of care. Shanna Hastie reached out to ABC Columbia News because she says fed up with the Dorn VA Medical Center and its treatment of her father. Shanna claims that after more than 20 years on medication to treat schizophrenia, her father’s doctors at Dorn reduced his medications. That, she claims, sent him spiraling into a world of petty crime, random violence and going missing for days at a time. “I don’t want this this to happen to anybody,” said Shanna Hastie. “It hurts because people are taking advantage of him. He may pass away, hurt someone, but we have to wait until somebody dies for you to get the help you need.” Repeated attempts to update paperwork for Shanna’s father, Woodrow Hastie, Jr., an air force veteran medically discharged decades ago, in an effort to regulate his medication, have been ignored Shanna says. We took her concerns to the Dorn VA and received this response from a medical center spokesperson, saying, in part, “When we are informed of information like this, we take the appropriate steps to review the information and assist the veteran to ensure they receive the best health care that we can provide.” Kevin McIver, Public Affairs Officer Still, instances like Shanna’s are what some lawmakers believe has to change. At least two of them are proposing a new measure to have to have state agencies step in where they say Dorn falls off. “The state can’t provide all services Dorn VA is supposed to provide, but we can give those vets a lifeline when they’re needs aren’t being met,” Sen. Vincent Sheheen. “I think it’s very important to keep faith with those who have served us so well,” Rep. James Smith. Both lawmakers say their measure is simplistic in nature and hope it moves quickly through the general assembly as the session is set to end later this week. Meanwhile, the Dorn VA medical Center is hosting an event for combat veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan. The Welcome Home and Benefits Fair will be on June 20. This all-free event for veterans and their families will be at Fort Jackson‘s Weston Lake recreation area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes a free gate pass, paddle boats, lunch, games, face-painting, swimming and VA benefits information. Reservations are required by June 18. Call (803)776-4000 extension 7303 or 7243 to register.