American veterans have risked their lives for the freedom of U.S. citizens overseas, but have to deal with a tougher battle at home. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General, more than 300,000 veterans have died waiting on healthcare.

“I would put my life on the line and fight for our freedom, but if I were to come back to no help, I’d be disappointed. However, that wouldn’t affect my decision about joining the military, because I would’ve known that I did what I wanted to do. I would’ve served my country and come back to live a good life,” said senior David Mayfield, who plans to join the army after high school.

According to the Associated Press, an estimated 867,000 veterans still have their healthcare applications listed as pending in the VA database. The mismanagement of the VA system is due to many deceased veterans that have not been removed from the system, as well as thousands of applications being removed without processing.

‘“This is certainly not the representation of the VA in Northwest Arkansas. I think many things have changed and they have made changes that are for the positive,” said Debra Lamb, EAST teacher.

Conditions have improved drastically over the past years, and some places have progressed more than others. Despite the nationwide statistics, a local family has had a positive experience with Veteran Administration in Fayetteville.

“The local VA was willing to fight the battle alongside my father-in-law. The nursing staff and caring doctors were wonderful. They gave my family personal care and gave a sense of home despite being in a hospice. He was well taken care of,” said Lamb.

Students, teachers, and a vast amount of members in the community volunteer at the local VA, giving the best attention to the honorable veterans.

“I have a son in service and deployed at this time. Whenever I stand to do the pledge with my hand over my heart, I see my son and all the servicemen and women. I would not hesitate to go to the VA, that is without a doubt, ” said Lamb.

With reports of information on how poorly the Veterans Administration has handled veterans and their healthcare plans, potential recruits have another factor to consider before making a decision on whether or not to join the military.

“They put their lives on the line, and I think that I’m the next one in line to do that. The number of veterans who had to wait is unfortunate, but it doesn’t change my mind on wanting to join the military. Whether I die or not, people would know me as a good person, a person who protected their country,” said junior Harrison Ross.