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VETERAN'S WIDOW IS THANKFUL FOR SERVICE AT
FARGO
VA HOSPITAL -- "To this day, when I visit with
the other
veterans there, the staff treats me like a best
friend."
Story here...
http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=151248§ion=
Opinion&forumcomm_check_return&freebie_check&CFID=
12944058&CFTOKEN=67323126&jsessionid=8830d6ba74ba124e493c
Story below:
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We should be thankful for good service from Fargo VA hospital
By Doris LaFayette,
It’s a sad day when we read about the negative situations at our local
Veterans Administration facility. What does this do to the morale for
the entire staff or even our veterans? A few of the positive aspects
need to be looked at.
First of all, I need to tell you this comes firsthand as my spouse was a
veteran and received most of his medical care at the Fargo and
Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center. The care and concern
that was shown him by the doctors, nurses and the staff added several
years to his life. He was always treated with respect and when there
were any problems it was taken care of within the clinic or hospital.
There were things that they are not equipped to do here locally, but the
doctors always took the time to lead him in the right direction. Many
times the doctors and nursing staff would stay beyond their shift
(without compensation) to make sure all the patients/veterans were cared
for. The veterans all have names, not numbers. We were familiar with
most every department and the entire staff has our utmost respect.
We are fortunate to have our choice of good hospitals, doctors and
skilled staff in our area. There are and always will be internal
problems and mistakes are made, but most often they can be corrected; to
err is human.
There are many veterans, past and present, who have driven and still
drive hundreds of miles to receive their care at the Veterans
Administration Medical Center, not only in Fargo but also throughout the
United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Through my conversations with veterans from other states I am hearing
positive comments about their care as well. Some people have the
attitude that the VA is for freeloaders. I know several veterans, both
past and present, who could well afford any other institution but choose
the VA right here in Fargo. What does that tell us?
Of course, all the VA facilities are government regulated and do have to
abide by the rules. It is made clear that the Fargo VA is not a trauma
center; it is a walk-in clinic. It is not equipped or staffed to be a
trauma center. Contact your legislators. We elected them to represent
us.
All counties have veterans service officers who will help if there is a
need. There are also veterans service organizations that have qualified
people who can also be of service to the veterans and their families.
Talk about compassion: The staff has a memorial service for veterans’
families, including clergy, speakers, a choir made up of VA employees
and a candle-lighting ceremony. What an inspiring way to remember our
“special veteran.”
To this day, when I visit with the other veterans there, the staff
treats me like a best friend who just walked out the day of the
veteran’s passing. We all need to remember the 10th Commandment from
time to time.
There are times we need to remember to “broaden our horizon” and be
thankful for what we have had, what we still have and what we expect to
have.
Thanks to our veterans for their service and suffering, and God bless
each and every one of them.
LaFayette, Barnesville, Minn., is the widow of veteran Clarence M.
LaFayette. She wrote this column on behalf of his family. E-mail
doris@rrt.net
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Larry Scott
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