I was having coffee with Bill, a veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He was looking for a ride to Mercy Hospital in Mason City. I asked him what his problem was. He said he had macular degeneration and needed a shot in his eye. I asked him why he didn’t go to the Mayo hospital in Albert Lea? Well, he said Mayo won’t take veteran’s administration-approved benefits, but Mercy, 45 miles away, would. Mayo, a nonprofit company who pays few taxes and who made over $450 million above expenses rejects veterans who have served our country. Their mission statement says the patient’s health always comes first — unless you are a veteran. Why?

Alan Arends

Albert Lea