I spent some time at the VA Hospital in our area last week. I was
helping a disabled vet friend who needed some treatment and can
no longer drive. I was my first time in a VA hospital.

Place was amazing. Very busy and very big but as we went from
registration to check-in we never waited more than 5 minutes. People
were very professional and helpful.

While I was there I found out something I never knew before.
I was always under the impression that in order to be eligible for
any kind of care at a VA Hospital you had to be a "lifer" (retired
military) drawing a military service pension. I was informed that is
not so anymore. Any vet can utilize VA Hospital services. There's a
minimum service requirement (I think it's 24 months continuous active
duty) and the services are not "free". They accept most health
insurance plans and have programs for those without insurance in certain
cases.

I mentioned to the guy at registration that I never knew this and told
him I had 9 years of active duty plus 2 years in the reserves. He
encouraged me to come back and register and take advantage of the VA
services. He said you can still have your private primary care doc
but the VA will assign you a VA primary care doc as well.

Might look into it. I was very impressed with the place.