Posted August 18th, 2008; 5:00pm

The investigation into the Norman Veterans Center is complete.  And most of the allegations are now cleared.  You may remember complaints against staff and the administrator prompted a full investigation over some serious charges.  The Department of Veterans Affairs did an extensive investigation after family members said their loved ones were being abused an neglected here in Norman.  The allegations were unsubstantiated, and the man who was under fire throughout the investigation speaks out for the first time.

Bob Weeks, the Administrator at the Norman Vets Center said, "It was a difficult time."

Administrator Bob Weeks says its taken a toll on his staff.  The report conducted by independent investigator, Gary Glover, concluded that the facilities are adequately cleaned, staff is adequately trained to take care of veterans and keep them away from infections, plus they do not give patients the wrong medicines.

"There was never any doubt in my mind that they would be unsubstantiated because the staff here at the Norman Veterans Center, these are hard working people who are doing the best they possibly can to take care of the Veterans," Weeks described. "A lot of those people were effected and morale was effected and they were hurt by the allegations."

Even weeks himself was under fire from 8 allegations of erratic behavior, yelling at employees, and threatening residents.  Only 2 of the complaints partially confirmed.

"Obviously I did something that alienated these family members and residents and whatever I did I apologize for them," Weeks explained.

One issue that was validated is the shortage of staffing.  Last year the ODVA requested lawmakers to approve the hiring of 81 new patient care assistants, which was turned down.

Mark Beutler, the Director of Communications for the Oklahoma Public Employees Association said, "32 of those would've been dedicated to the Norman Veterans Center, so if there's one thing that does come out of this report there's just not enough staff and the fault lies directly with our state lawmakers."

Though cleared of any wrong doing, Weeks wants to use this to improve the Vets Center.

"During this whole ordeal I prayed to be stronger, to be a better administrator when it's over, and I prayed for the people that I've hurt," Weeks concluded.

Throughout the investigation Weeks said anyone could come tour the Veterans Center and see for themselves.  That's something that he still stands by, and hopes many lawmakers will take advantage of.  The report says the staff fully cooperated with the investigation and provided any information that was requested.

If you would like to read the complete report go to: http://www.opea.org/Websites/opea/Images/VeteransReport.pdf