Decades after the Vietnam War, West Texas VA is still providing crucial medical care to Veterans suffering from the long-term effects of their wartime injuries. Veterans from all walks of life are ultimately touched by war. Some walk away unscathed, but for others the injuries last a lifetime.
For Vietnam Veterans like Andres Rios, the journey of healing has been a lifelong process with VA playing a pivotal role in the recovery.
Rios, 76, reflected on the injury that changed his life forever and how VA has been there every step of the way.
“I was hit while manning an observation post when two rockets struck inside our position. I was patched up by a medic and woke up the next morning in a hospital with my legs bandaged up,” Rios shared.
Got out of his bed and rejoined his team
He was told back then he would carry the scars of battle with him for the rest of his life. Not one to let the experience define him, Rios did what others injured did during Vietnam: He got back up out of his bed, completed his rehabilitation and rejoined his team.
“The day I woke up and saw my leg bandaged up, I was worried I lost my leg. I was able to wiggle my toes and knew I would be okay. I rejoined my unit 10 days later,” he said.
Rios ended his time in a combat zone not long after rejoining his unit. He spent a few more months running patrols in the jungles of Vietnam before returning home and parting ways with the Army. For his combat injuries, Rios received the Purple Heart. Over 350,000 Purple Hearts were awarded during the Vietnam War.
“You never know what can happen in the military. I was hurt in Vietnam in 1969 and VA has been there taking of me ever since the day I enrolled. Nobody asks for a Purple Heart, but I’m grateful that VA has cared for me ever since,” he said.
After joining VA, Rios credits the staff and providers at the Odessa VA community-based outpatient clinic as the driving force that gets him and others to walk through the door daily. His long-term injuries compelled him to seek care at VA, which left him with a deep appreciation for what the providers and staff perform daily to support his health care needs.
“This Veteran is one of a kind.”
“You find those within VA have real compassion for the people who served their country. You tell them what’s wrong and the providers and staff will help you any way they can,” Rios said.
“Mr. Rios has always shown gratitude and respect for the Odessa Veterans and VA staff. He would give out pendants, smile and shake your hand,” said Sharon Davis, lead medical support assistant for the Odessa Clinic. “This Veteran is one of a kind. He makes other Veterans’ day by equipping them with the new VA information, keeping all visitors informed and in the loop.”
To learn more about how VA can help our Veteran community, visit VA or your nearest VA clinic.
