Resolution 042-1962RESOLUTION N0. 42-1962
RESOLUTION REQUESTING RE -OPENING OF VETERANS
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT KEY HEST, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, There are approximately 55000 veterans, widows, and children
of deceased veterans residing in the County of Monroe and State of Florida,
the majority .residing in the City of Key West, Florida; and
WHEREAS, A great number of said veterans, widows and children had been
receiving daily services from the Veterans Administration Office, which was
situated at the Federal Post Office Building, Key West, Florida; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans Administration has closed the Key West Veterans
Office as of December 29, 1961; and
WREP�AS, The reports of the activities *of the Key West Office indicate
the average monthly interviews conducted were 672, or an average of approxi-
mately 5 per working day, and
WHEREAS, Among the many duties of the Key West Office which the Veterans
Administration Representative was called upon quite frequently was to seek
admission of veterans, widows, and children in the U.S. Naval Hospital in
Key West, Florida, a check of records revealing a total of 113 patients
occupying hospital beds for a total of 2,133 bed -days during the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1961; and
WHEREAS, A great number of the said hospital cases are of a great
emergency nature wlherein the life -of a veteran may be imperiled unless
immediate action is taken, and, the next step being to contact the nearest
Veterans Administration Office, which is in Miami, Florida, and approximately
167 miles from X ::7 Wes-:,, and, to process the necessary papers which, due to
the grea:J distance of theemergency and Miami Officecauses a delay on one day or
more; and
WHEREAS., The papers f^r admission in the hospital may arrive at a time too
late to be of earthly bonefit to the veteran, widow, or child; and
NHER.FAS, The Veterans Administration has now terminated the local Veterans
office which been staffed once a month; and
WHEREAS, :in the event of an emergency the only recourse open is to contact
the nearest Veterans Administration Office in Miami, Florida, which is approxi-
mately 167 miles from Key West, Florida; and
WHEREAS, The needs for our area would be to take care of approximately
175 interviews weekly;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT tTHE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY , requests the re opening of the Veterans Administration
Office on full time basis in Key liest, Flc ida, inasmuch as we feel an absolute
need of Veterans Administration assistance exists, and request that immediate
action be taken by.those in authority in order that the Veterans Administration
Office may again serve those who served first.
ATTEST:
BY:
ADOPTED: