I just got back from my annual physical with the VA. I go the Wyoming Health Care Center, in Wyoming, Mich., a suburb of Grand Rapids. It happens to be conveniently located by the M-6 expressway, just west of US-131.

I have been quite happy with the VA Outpatient Clinic. I have made use of services including primary care, laboratory work, vision care, pharmacy, hearing services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling. There are many other services offered, which as yet I have not needed.

There has been much in the news in recent years about challenges encountered related to VA care. My experience is vastly different. I am always treated with respect from staff, and provided with what I consider top quality care. I’m not naïve enough to think that the WHC is perfect, but I feel fortunate to have had excellent treatment there. It happens that I have good private health insurance, from an employer. I make use of private providers as well.

There are veterans out there who don’t know about their eligibility for services from the VA, or who hesitate to explore the system after hearing the shocking stories about the poor care provided by the VA in Phoenix, Ariz., and other locales. It may be that some veterans are missing out on good, available services as a result of such factors.

In my own case, I waited 20 years after my return from Vietnam to seek some help, and I regret not having sought assistance earlier. It was difficult, very difficult, to walk into the VA that first time and report my interest in learning if the VA had any sort of help to offer me. To do so proved very beneficial, in a variety of ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve been seen at the VA since then, and I feel fortunate to have it available.

Based on my experience, I encourage veterans that have not explored VA services to check it out.