VIDEO: Abdul El-Sayed Highlights Michigan Coast Guard Veteran, Speaks Out Against VA Layoffs
MICHIGAN – This morning, U.S. Senate Candidate Dr. Abdul E-Sayed released a moving new video honoring Tony Hall, a Coast Guard veteran living in Central Michigan – one of the first responders to the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy 50 years ago.
In the video, Tony recounts his harrowing 22-hour rescue mission in 35-foot waves on Lake Superior, searching for survivors from one of Michigan’s most storied maritime disasters in 1975. Decades later, the veteran who once risked his life is now fighting for his own care after layoffs at Michigan Veteran Affairs hospitals.Tony and Abdul met at a protest outside the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center earlier this year, where Tony has been receiving care for the last 15 years.
“[Trump’s] been firing a lot of people out of the VA,” said Tony. “I just lost my doctor who took care of my bladder cancer. I have to find a different doctor. My medication, you know, is that going to stop too?”
“For a long time, we’ve believed that we look out for each other,” said Abdul. “When you enlisted, that’s what you were signing up for. And it’s sad to see that get failed by a guy who doesn’t know the first thing about dignity and service.”
This evening, Abdul hosted the fourth stop of his statewide “Open Our Healthcare” town hall tour in Downriver, bringing together veterans, healthcare providers, and labor leaders to discuss the specific challenges veterans and their families face as the VA is under attack.
“On Veterans Day, we honor both the courage it takes to serve, and the promise our country makes to care of every person who has worn the uniform,” said Abdul. “That means ensuring every veteran, from those who served overseas, to heroes like Tony Hall who served right here at home, can get the care they’ve rightfully earned.”
The Open Our Healthcare town hall series is part of Abdul’s ongoing effort to elevate stories from across Michigan as he leads the fight for guaranteed, universal healthcare through Medicare for All.
###