Last week the Department of Veterans Affairs sent letters to thousands of veterans asking them to reapply for benefits they’ve already earned and deserve. When pressed for answers, the VA blamed a “computer glitch” that left 35,000 combat veterans ineligible for VA health care services.

In the middle of the whirl of Thanksgiving festivities, Black Friday advertisements and Christmas preparations, I hope these letters from the VA don’t get lost. This poorly timed outreach seems to be an afterthought. Hopefully it wasn’t too late for any deserving veteran in need of care.