VA employees undeserving of criticism.

* Reading "Loud & Clear" one would think that all VA employees are uncaring and callous to the needs of veterans. This is both inaccurate and unfair. Those I know--the staff and doctors at the VA medical center in Northport, N.Y., and the satellite clinic in Plainview-are concerned, hardworking, and sympathetic. Unfortunately, Congress and the Administration have turned their backs on us. Its great for a President and elected officials seeking glory to visit the troops in the field or on aircraft carriers, but none of them seems to give a second thought to what happens to the wounded after discharge. Our fight should be with those who withhold the necessary funding, rather than with those who are trying to fill our needs while under-staffed and under-equipped. And our letters should be sent to our elected officials, at every level, to press the case of the veterans. Leon Schwarzbaum, North Woodmere, New York 

Editor's Note: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi and the thousands of dedicated, hardworking professionals at VA medical centers and clinics across the country do indeed deserve praise far doing their absolute best to provide top-notch health care to this nation's sick and disabled veterans.