Veterans protest cuts to Michigan VA hospitals services

Veterans and supporters protested outside the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan, on Thursday, March 20. They braved sleet and snow to voice their anger over federal budget cuts affecting VA hospitals across the country. Dave Schmidt, a Navy veteran, was among the crowd. He expressed concern about job cuts at the VA, stating, "How are we going to get better service with less employees?" Recent cuts included the dismissal of over 2,400 employees, which the Trump administration said would make the VA more efficient. Many veterans feel these reductions threaten their access to essential health services. Protesters chanted slogans like “Save our veterans” and called for an end to the cuts. Kim Rowan, an organizer of the protests, said these issues are personal to her as the mother of a veteran. She emphasized the need to support those who have served. Michigan has five VA hospitals that serve regional areas, making their existence crucial for many veterans. Another veteran, Tony Hall, shared his fears about losing access to medical services that he relies on. He said, “If I lose that, I’m done.” The protests reflect a growing concern among veterans about the impact of job cuts on their care and support.