Cuts to the VA Concern Vets in Wyoming, Where Suicide Rate Is High

The firing of probationary employees at the VA, including the manager of a small center in Cheyenne, has veterans in Wyoming concerned about their mental health needs, reports Channel 9 News:

The veteran suicide rate in Wyoming is 50% higher than the rest of the country.

In Cheyenne, there’s a small VA center dedicated just to mental health. On Feb. 24, the office manager was fired. A Marine veteran, she was one of thousands of probationary employees fired by email for their performance. 

But a recent [performance] review obtained by NBC News was glowing, her manager writing: “As a veteran herself, she listens with empathy. She is the first person our clients come into contact with.”

“I would be concerned with positions that are front-line positions that touch veterans every day,” said Justin Tripp, a 13-year Navy vet who is the state commander for the VFW.