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Perot Salutes Veterans, Hospital During Visit

Tribune Photo by JOYCE MCKENZIE

Billionaire businessman and noted philanthropist Ross Perot paid a visit Wednesday afternoon to patients, their families and the medical staff at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

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By Joyce McKenzie | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2008

Tampa - Billionaire businessman and noted philanthropist Ross Perot paid a visit Wednesday afternoon to patients, their families and the medical staff at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

Perot, a former presidential candidate who is often heralded for his support of American servicemen and women, rated the facility as one of the best run hospitals in the world

"When you see members of their families right there with them, it doesn't get any better than that," said Perot, the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Eisenhower Award for his humanitarian service. Earlier this year he pledged $3 million toward the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C, slated to be built in 2010.

The seriously wounded veterans' desire to get back on their feet, he said, is a testimony to the outstanding care they receive.

"The support of the staff here is just incredible," Perot said during a brief press conference in which Michael Kussman, the Department of Veterans Affairs' undersecretary for heath, hailed him for his many "behind-the-scenes efforts to care for veterans."

Steven Scott, the hospital's chief of polytrauma rehabilitation medicine, said Perot's presence was a moving experience for several of his patients.

"One, who is totally blind and totally burned, sat up when he heard him [Perot] enter his room," Scott said. "I then watched as the man slowly moved his arm up to the side of his head and actually saluted Perot. That, in my mind, said it all."

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