SALISBURY, N.C. -- Two nursing home aids are accused of punching an elderly man at a state-run nursing home for veterans in Salisbury.

Police said the victim is disabled; the man is unable to get out of the bed or even talk.

Veteran Buddy Kyles said the incident is the topic of discussion at the American Legion in Salisbury.

“It floored me that we could put someone in charge of people and they abuse them like that,” he said. “That’s a shame; you put your trust in someone and they let you down.”

While police continue to investigate Marva Taylor and Toni Hester, management at the North Carolina State Veterans Nursing Home has reacted quickly. Program Manager James Woodard said he doesn’t need a courtroom conviction to fire the women.

"It's almost an automatic dismissal; this is the way we operate," he said.

Police said another nursing home aid saw the women attack the man, but it’s unclear why. The victim has bruises and a bloody lip after the incident, officers said.

Veterans just can’t believe it.

“It don’t make sense,” said Willy Grentham. “It don’t really make no sense.”

Although assault is usually a misdemeanor charge, Taylor and Hester face felony charges of assault on a handicapped person, which carry a much longer prison sentence if convicted.