Gerald Keenan, 86, was scheduled for an appointment far from his home. He fell in the parking lot and died from his injuries.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cherished memories filled Gerald Keenan's life. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, created wonderful bedtime stories when his children were young and always anticipated "life's next greatest adventure."
Now Congressman Jeff Van Drew seeks answers on the events that led to Keenan's death. In a letter to President Donald Trump and the local Department of Veterans Affairs, Van Drew requested a review of how this could happen.
Keenan, 86, had to travel a significant distance for an audiology exam as part of his application for VA benefits. The VA scheduled the appointment for Dec. 10 in Cherry Hill — more than an hour from Keenan's Marmora home.
When Keenan arrived, he fell in the parking lot and fractured two ribs. He was placed in the Cooper Medical Center's intensive care unit and died Jan. 6 from his injuries.
"We deserve to treat our Veterans better than this, and unfortunately the system failed Gerald," Van Drew said in a statement. "We must do better."
The VA of New Jersey told Patch it will respond to Van Drew's concerns.
"Our hearts go out to Mr. Keenan's loved ones," said Acting Public Affairs Officer Christine Betros Farrell. "VA appreciates the congressman's concerns and will respond to him directly."
A Life Well-Lived
Keenan lived in many places. He was born in Philadelphia during the Great Depression era. His mother and family elders instilled a foundation of faith, respect, honor and decency, according to his obituary.
Other locations included Pennsylvania, California, Manhattan, Boston, Ocean City and, since 2001, Marmora. In Ocean City, Keenan was a member of the Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 of free and accepted masons and American Legion Post 524.
Keenan loved boating and all things maritime. He obtained his U.S. Maritime Officer License under the Department of Homeland Security. Keenan acquired many pleasure boats through the years, each somewhat larger than his predecessor.
The Veteran used a Latin phrase throughout his life: "Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam," which means "I shall either find a way or make one."
Difficulties with Health Care
Keenan had to travel a significant distance for his audiology exam. His wife, Roz, made several attempts to move the appointment closer because of Keenan's health.
She was contacted Nov. 18 with locations in Cherry Hill and Egg Harbor but didn't meet the seven-day contractual limit to schedule the exam. Keenan received a notice Nov. 20 that his initial appointment was relocated to Philadelphia, which was even further from his home.
The appointment was again rescheduled for Dec. 10 in Cherry Hill, where Keenan sustained his fatal injuries, according to Van Drew.
Van Drew requested that the government address three issues:
- A change to the current 100-mile radius to schedule compensation and pension exams.
- A physical Veterans Benefits Association presence in South Jersey.
- A review of the current process for accepted medical documentation for compensation claims.
"Gerald Keenan served his country with honor and distinction," Van Drew said. "It is unconscionable that we would have rules in place that would place burdens on older Veterans."
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