Conditions under investigation at Veterans Center

By Mary Joseph, NEWS 9

The Norman Library, filled with veterans, their families and concerned citizens, was the meeting place for the crowd raising their voices about the poor living conditions at the Norman Veterans Center.

Mike Simmons, a wheelchair-bound Vietnam veteran who has lived at the center for four years, said inexperienced staff caused painful wounds on his body and was left almost a full hour in his own waste.

"The bottom line is they're in a staffing crisis right now," Simmons said.

Throughout the emotional meeting, frustration was expressed over the lack of staff and money for the Veterans Center. Ultimately, those who met in the library Tuesday night believe the insufficient funds affect the men and women who have served for the country.

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs said they hired a private investigator Friday to look into the complaints at the center.