SALEM, Va. (WDBJ) – Jobs were cut at the Salem VA Medical Center as part of the Trump Administration’s effort to make federal agencies more efficient.
A man who was dismissed from his position as a recreational therapist Monday is speaking out.
“We know why we’re here, and we’re here to help our veterans get the best possible care they can get,” he said.
But that passion to serve was ended by an email from the United States Office of Personnel Management stating he was underperforming in his role.
“It was based on poor performance, which we did not receive in our evaluations. We had very good performances.”
For those who lost their jobs, the immediate reaction was heartbreaking.
“I closed my eyes and just my family,” he said. “My family and just being able to take care of them. Being able to provide services to our veterans. Again, it’s my dream to work for veterans. And now it seems very unlikely to be treating. Sorry, it’s kind of hard. Again, this is very difficult.”
Thursday, a U.S. District Judge from San Francisco ruled the mass firing of federal workers throughout the nation was likely illegal. The ruling brings hope and more questions.
“That ruling definitely has given comfort,” he said. “It just leaves more questions. It’s like, well, what’s going to happen next, and how long is this going to take? Where does it go from there? So some light still needs to be shed on the situation because that information just came out recently.”
He is just trying to figure out what comes next to support his family.
Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.