As a veteran, I am very angry and dismayed with the draconian reductions in personnel at the Veteran Administration. I cannot understand how these senseless and heartless cuts in VA manpower levels to bring employee numbers to 2019 levels, will improve the delivery of service to our veterans.

This is in combination as well with the massive cancellation by President Trump and Elon Musk of private contract services at the VA.

This whole process seems counter productive since 400,000 new veterans needing VA services have been added to their rolls since 2019.

These changes were abrupt and provided little time to analyze fully the impact of these cuts. I agree we must find ways to deliver services more effectively, but to do this we should be using a scalpel and not a sledge hammer.

Both Mr. Musk and President Trump seemed to have lacked the judgement and empathy to realize the devastating impact these policies will have on our service men and women.

Clearly these directives from President Trump and orchestrated and carried out by Elon Musk and his associates illustrate a disrespect and lack of empathy for our courageous and patriotic veterans.

Rich Stuart lives in Thomaston