Smoking Ban At VA Sites Has Some Veterans Fuming

LEEDS, MA - SEPTEMBER 19: A veteran smokes inside the smoke shack at Soldier On in Leeds, MA on Sep. 19, 2019. The VA is rolling out a nationwide smoking ban at all its hospitals and medical centers beginning Oct. 1, a blanket prohibition that covers the grounds, parking lots, visiting cars, and even the designated smoke shacks where veterans congregate. But where VA officials see a long-needed ban for health reasons, many veterans - particularly older ones - see a hastily implemented change that will compound their stress, interfere with camaraderie, and be difficult to enforce. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)