Drove 3 hours, picked up dad, took him to the VA in Chattanooga. Up until today, my only experience with the VA was Birmingham ER. Was never ever impressed with it.

Today was a shocking experience. Big building. Newer. State of the art. Met at the door by a very large man who rolled dad inside and escorted my step mother to registration while I parked.

Appointment was 2p. Called back at 1:58p. Vitals and information taken immediately. 10 minute wait for physician. Very nice young lady. Super helpful. Another 10 minute wait. Escorted to get bloodwork. While that was happening I had to get added to his contacts so I can help schedule and stay on top of things. This is when DEI showed it's head. First black woman I encountered. Attitude. He's sitting 3' from me. She says wait for blood work then we can add you. So I walked down to the hearing center to schedule an appointment to coincide with our next appointment. I won't say she had attitude, but seemed she was put off she had to take her headphones off. Didn't listen, had too repeat when our appointment needed to be. Lady, I'm not driving 6 hours for a special appointment for hearing. I need it to be on this day, at this time, so we don't have to make multiple trips. She makes the correction, but again, isn't pleased with it. Go back to sit with dad to wait on bloodwork. They aren't there. They've gone to the back to get bloodwork. He comes back out 20 minutes later. They said they had difficulty, but got blood. I knew that would happen.

I go back to the desk to get added to the contact list. Attitude. Have a seat. Wait a few minutes and a very nice lady comes out and says I got off work 10 minutes ago. You gotta come back. I got ticked, she saw it on my face. I pointed at the DEI hire and said " Had she done what I asked 30 minutes ago, we'd have been done 20 minutes ago" Excuses made, but she opened that door and got my information added.

The skill positions at VA were fantastic. The DEI, anybody can fill these spots, were not. With all that said, Damn, I hope every VA hospital is ran as efficiently as that one was. Our veterans deserve that kind of facility and care.

Character is not developed in moments of temptation and trial. That is when it is intended to be used.