“Given that 31 veteran residents of the Home have died from COVID-19 and an independent investigation of the outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home (HSH) produced useful findings and recommendations, we believe a similar, independent and thorough inquiry at CSH would help save veterans’ lives, prevent further infections, and ensure a healthier and safer care environment for both residents and staff,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Veteran residents of the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home – like all veterans in long-term care facilities – deserve a standard of care that honors and dignifies their service and sacrifices,” the lawmakers wrote. “Like the families of veterans who died or became infected from COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, the families of Chelsea Soldiers’ Home veterans who have suffered from this disease deserve meaningful, lasting accountability and reforms. An independent inquiry can help facilitate such results.”