Welcome to this special page for our Veterans,
and, for family and friends of Veterans!
In addition to my weekday afternoon, “Red, White and Blue Minute,” at 5:30, we will be posting a lot of information, including audio and video on this page.
This is the place where we will be putting Veterans’ organization activities, events, fundraisers, etc. Here is the place we can also say, “God-speed” to those troops heading out, as well as, “Welcome home,” to those returning.
This is all part of 94.5 KOOL-FM’s “Thank You for Serving” program. For us, everyday is Veteran’s Day!
The links below will take you to other parts of this page, or to other web sites.
So, please get involved! Send me your information so that we can put it up on this page. Email me at, camelbackjack@koolradio.com
Tell others to go to www.koolradio.com and click on the American flag to get to this page!
And, once again, to all our Veterans, from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you for serving our country!”
-Camelback Jack
Jack's Video Suggestions: 1. This video clearly demonstrates the heart behind our Thank You For Serving Page. It is by 15 year old Lizzie Palmer and I am told that it has been viewed over 3 million times. It is called, "Remember Me." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0
4. Ever wonder how to say thank you when you see a military person in uniform? Watch this video to see a simple way to do it from across a room or as you are passing by. http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php
9. “Freedom Never Cries” Singer songwriter John Ondrasik ( Five For Fighting) pays homage to the men and women who wear the cloth of this nation. This video plays on Ondrasik’s charitable web site where money is donated to military support groups every time this video plays. “Freedom Never Cries” was shot in Phoenix and produced by a local company, TriWest Healthcare Alliance. http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/706270
10. "Those Who Answer The Call" A moving tribute to our veterans. An employee at Press-A-Print, International, a printing company in Idaho Falls, Idaho, created this as a personal memorial of the men and women who serve in uniform. Through simple still photographs and a moving soundtrack, this slide show captures the nobility of those who serve in the military and, by reflection, the sanctity of our mission in VA. We in VA dedicate our best effort to help him - and her - who shall have borne the battle, and their widows and widowers and their orphans. - Anthony J. Principi Click Here to watch
Click the links below to get to other places on this page, or to other sites.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m. Miss Arizona to Bring Cheer to Hospitalized Veterans
Where: Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, 650 East Indian School Road (northwest corner of Seventh Street and Indian School Road). Enter through the Main Entrance on the Seventh Street side of the Medical Center, and meet in the VA Gallery, just inside the entrance.
Any visit to a hospitalized veteran is special, but patients at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix will be treated to a visit from Arizona's representative to the upcoming Miss America pageant.
Miss Arizona 2008, Erin Nurss, will spend time with veterans at the VA Medical Center, handing out small American flags and spreading holiday cheer. She will visit patients in the hospital and in the VA's Community Living Center, a long-term care unit for veterans.
"I want to give back to the men and women who serve our nation so selflessly," says Nurss. "It's tough to be in the hospital during and around the holidays, so I hope I can bring a little bit of the holiday spirit to veterans during my visit."
Nurss, who lives in Tucson, is a graduate student in the University of Arizona College of Public Health and is preparing to represent Arizona at the Miss America pageant next month in Las Vegas.
2008 Christmas Project- “Santa for Soldiers” 4th Annual (till the troops come home!) www.santaforsoldiers.com
Help make the holidays brighter for the soldiers serving in Iraq and surrounding areas! Join in with the team effort now crossing 31 state lines and multiple school districts! We are sending Christmas Stockings, Cards and Letters to the troops again this year.
We are hoping to deliver over 1000 stockings this year!!
LOOKING FOR CORPORATE SPONSORS!
If you can… help purchase stockings, make Christmas cards, write letters, and donate some goodies to help fill them! See attached list for suggestions. Cash donations will primarily be used for postage, but may used for additional stocking fillers. Donations and goodies can be sent to:
Santa for Soldiers
6521 N. 11th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Attn: Bridget Alcocer
Please let me know if you have a loved one serving overseas so we can be sure Santa delivers them a stocking!
Make sure to check out our website! www.santaforsoldiers.com
Feel free to call or e-mail me with questions!
480-624-5153 / 602-228-1855, or santa@santaforsoldiers.com
If you know of someone who is deoloying from the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
From Ginger:
I don't know if you remember me talking about our daughter and that she was going into the AF. Well she is there and has been since March. She is in Security Forces stationed at Lackland AFB at this time. She is supposed to be going to Minot AFB ND to guard missles and such. So this is a salute to her. Her name is A1C Lucinda Porr. We are very proud of her. By the way our 25 year old daughter is sort of following her 18 year old sisters footsteps. She has enlisted with the Navy and will be leaving after the holiday. She is also going into law enforcement. Her name is Nikki. So a salute to both of our girls
Please send out a Thank You to our son Tech Sgt. Tim Davern who is deploying to Afghanistan on Tuesday September 9th. Tim is a Medic in the Air Force stationed at Dover Air Force Base, DE. He graduated from Aqua Fria High School in 1998. He enlisted in the Air Force that year. Tim has served in Germany caring for our injured in 2007. He will be leaving home 2 young daughters, 8 and 4 years old. Tim also has 2 brothers here in Phoenix, Brian and Chris and 2 nieces and 4 nephews .Please send out a BIG Thanks to our son for his commitment to caring for our injured troops. May he return home safe to his loving family !
Thank you so much !
His loving parents,
Barb & Tim Davern
I work with Jason’s mom Marilyn Tucker. She is such a proud mom and I am also of Jason. Jason will be headed to Ft. Drum at the end of August, where he will be receiving training to go to Afghanistan. Please, Please, Please send thanks and honor to Jason for his service and to the Tucker family for their sacrifice. Also, please thank and honor all of our Blue, Silver & Gold Star Families for their sacrifice.
My name is Laurie Walker and I have 3 children over in Iraq right now. One is our youngest daughter Britteney, the second is her fiance Jonathan, they are getting married as soon as they get home and the third is our son in law Mike. If you can put this on your page I would appreciate it. We are SO PROUD of our children and ALL the other troops serving and ALL Veterans. My husband and I are both Gulf War Veterans, and now are children are there. We Pray each day for an end to this and ALL the troops to come home safely. God Bless Them All and God Bless The U.S.A. Thank you very much.
My Son MSgt Michael Bocconcelli is in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in Afghanistan
Thank you Paul Bocconcelli
Hi Jack....Just wanted to let you know our daughter is 17 and in the USAF. She will be going to Iraq sometime within the next 18 months. She is in Security Forces. She has been picked for the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP). All I understand about that is she will be working around nuclear weapons and/or bombs. I am attatching a photo of her. Feel free to post it if you do that. Thanks for supporting our troops...God Bless America...
Jack and Ginger Porr
He is a Marine Corp reservist and was deployed in December 2007 just shy of graduating from ASU but he was stationed here in Arizona until January 6th when he went to North Carolina. He was home a couple of weekends ago before he heads overseas – we have many AZ Marines going to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa that are heading overseas this week. While we wait for our young soldiers to come home we celebrate those that are ending their tours and being reunited with their loved ones.
Thank you for giving us a daily reminder of our Liberties and what has been and continues to be the sacrifice of these fine young men and women as they serve their country and protect our liberties. I am proud of my son for his decision and dedication to this country.
A proud and loving mother --- Semper Fi my son Thomas…..
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Please pray for Bravo Company – 1st Btn / 6th Marine Division, stationed out of Camp LeJeune, NC. They deployed March 13th to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for 7 – 9 mos. They will be assisting NATO forces who have asked for help in fighting the ever increasing Taliban & Al-Qaeda insurgents in the Hellman- Province.
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My son- LCPL, Joaquin Martinez is a Gunner for his company, and he’s a fine young man. He and his fellow Marines deserve the best and well wishes from all of us here in AZ.
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I just wanted to let you know that my 20 year-old Marine, Lance Corporal Scott Cianfarano has just deployed to Falluja, Iraq. He left Saturday with his unit, 1st Intel BN, UNIT 42502 stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. We send our prayers to Scott and his comrades-in-arms. May God keep them safe and allow them all to return home healthy and happy after their 7 month tour. It is difficult for a parent to send their sons and daughters off to a war-torn country. Our hearts and prayers also go out to all parents of servicemen and women who have had to say goodbye to their children.
Thank you for taking a role in honoring our brave soldiers. We make it a point to listen at 5:30 every day so that we can turn on our lights and pay honor to them with you.
God Bless,
Dr. Sam & Linda Cianfarano - Proud Marine parents of LCPL Scott
If you know of someone who is returning home to the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
This is Derek Powell! I used to be a KOOL promotions Assistant for about 3 years up until about 4 months ago. I am emailing you cause one of KOOLs ex PA's that joined the army has finished his tour of Iraq today and is coming home. I am wondering if there is any way to possibly give him a shout out at 5:30 during the salute to the troops?His name is Charlie Steen. He served about 30 miles outside of Bagdad patrolling in tanks. He is an incredibly well loved man from his friends and family and a very dedicated ex KOOL employee. Thanks ,Jack! -Derek Powell
Just wanted to thank you again for your support of the troops and putting my children Britteney and Jonathan on your web page. I am VERY happy to tell you that they are both home on American ground ! ! We went and met them as the ship pulled into San Diego. Both still had all ten fingers and toes....lol My son in law Mike will be home next month. Two out of three getting home is great, but it will be so much better when number 3 gets home too. And as we have spoken before, you may remember that my husband and I are both Veterans and went to the Gulf War. I now know how my children felt when we came home......
Again thanks for everything......you are a special person in our lives.
Laurie Walker
My son, David, is due back from the Kuwait-Iraq border about April 15th. Wish him luck. Thank you for your continued support. No matter your feelings about the war, still supporting the troops is an American constant and hopefully will stay that way. Love the show, Paula
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Nearly 30 Airmen from Luke's 56th Security Forces Squadron return to Phoenix Thursday, March 13th, after more than six months in Southwest Asia. The deployed Airmen will be greeted at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by family, friends and fellow Airmen. Their plane is scheduled to arrive at 6:45 p.m.
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E 6 Joel P. Arvizu will be returning from Afghanistan around the 23rd of March 08. He is in the Army. Please welcome him home
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Rob and Laurie Trygg are so happy to welcome home Laurie's son, Sean Case, PFC E3, returning home from Camp Bucca, Iraq.
A Special Thanks to TriWest: Just to recap some of the things TriWest does to support the local military community are:
Contributed $20,000 the Arizona National Guard Family Assistance Fund. This fund helps families pay for unanticipated expenses such as car repairs or a broken hot water heater while there loved on is deployed.
Contribute to the Air Force Aid Society benefiting Air Force families at Luke and Davis-Monthan Air Force Bases
Contribute to the Army Emergency Relief Fund benefiting troops at Fort Huachuca
Sponsor of the Arizona National Guard “Operation Warrior Outreach” Welcome Home luncheon for service members returning home to Arizona after deployment
Support Packages From Home and the local chapter of Operation Homefront, both collect items to ship to service members overseas
Sponsorship of the Hospitality Room at Sky Harbor International Airport
Annual sponsor the VA Medical Center Veterans Day Parade held on Nov. 11
Annual sponsor of Pat’s Run – held in Tempe every April in memory of Pat Tillman. This year, we provided transportation, lodging and race entries for two wounded Marines from San Diego to participate in the run
Provided Super Bowl tickets to a service member in Iraq and his family
OPERATION ‘CHANGE-OUT’ PROMOTES ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES Hundreds Expected at APS and Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System Event PHOENIX – To mark Energy Awareness Month, the Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System (PVAHCS),
Arizona Public Service Company and the Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Energy will kick off “Operation Change-Out” October 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Zoo.
This year, APS and EPA/DOE are joining the PVAHCS VA Welcome Home Event, held annually to welcome home veterans who have returned from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to free Zoo admission and free pizza, drinks, prizes and entertainment, a live animal show and the APS Clown Troop, veterans and their families will also be treated to a rather unusual gift: a starter kit of eight compact fluorescent lights. They are 75 percent more efficient than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Compared to standard bulbs, each kit will save a family about $250 in energy costs over the life of the CFLs.
“Today, people from all walks of life are beginning to realize the importance of reducing energy consumption,” said Ed Fox, APS Chief Sustainability Officer. “APS is proud to welcome home and thank our veterans for their service. We appreciate the chance to help promote an energy efficient lifestyle that will have paybacks for years to come.”
Donald Moore, Health Care System Director said, “In just the past year, more than 4,000 veterans have returned to the Phoenix area from overseas combat duties. As military families adjust to life back home, they are looking for ways to save. This event co-hosted by APS is a great way to welcome them home, thank them for their service and help them save.”
Event organizers expect upwards of 300 veterans and their families will attend the event. If all are used, the 300 CFL kits will save the veterans and their families $84,000 in energy costs.
At Operation Change-Out, APS representatives will also provide information about energy efficiency; APS rebate programs and special programs for limited-income customers.
The VA Welcome Home area with numerous community service agencies, will also give out information on services available to veterans.
In a larger military tie-in, the Yuma Marine Corp Station is taking advantage of APS energy efficiency incentives to purchase 3,350 CFLs that will be installed at the base, saving an estimated $117,000 in energy costs.
Together with the CFLs being donated to military families, these two efforts will save a total of over $200,000, while reducing greenhouse gases by an estimated 2.5 million pounds. Since 2005, the APS ENERGY STAR Residential Lighting Program has helped APS customers:
- Buy more than six million discounted CFLs at more than 300 retail locations within the APS service territory
- Save customers more than $200 million in energy costs- Reduce greenhouse gases by 2.7 billion pounds
- Save enough energy to power more than 125,000 average Arizona homes for a year.
APS also partners with local retailers to offer dozens of locations for free CFL recycling. For more information and a list of participating retailers, go to aps.com. The APS Residential Lighting Program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
The Phoenix VA Health Care System is the largest VA in the state of Arizona providing high quality health care to 70,000 veterans who reside in Maricopa County. PVAHCS is accredited by the Joint Commission and numerous other health care organizations. They have been in operation here in Phoenix since 1951.
Area Veterans Bring Home Gold from National Wheelchair Games
Athletes to be honored at VA Medical Center Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. Four Valley veterans of military service, whose trips to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games were sponsored by the Phoenix Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, will be honored for their medal-winning performances on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
All four wheelchair athletes took first place in at least one event at the games, which were held at the end of July. A reception for the athletes will be held:
Wednesday, Sept. 17
1:00 p.m.
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in the
Community Living Center (CLC), Sports Room
650 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
Enter the CLC from the Seventh Street side of the Medical Center, near the Main Entrance
The veterans, who also are patients of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, are:
Diane Brunswick, of Glendale/North Phoenix, who served with the U.S. Army from 1978-79. Competing in the Games for the first time, she took first place in:
Air Gun, Paraplegic-No Assistance, Novice Division
Weightlifting by Body Weight, Novice Division
Dan Koston, of Phoenix, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1975-79. Koston took first place in:
Nine Ball, Masters Level
Power Chair 200 (Hand Controls), Masters Level
He took third place in Power Soccer (Hand) at the Masters Level and also competed in Air Gun, Quadriplegic, Masters Level, and Motorized Slalom (Hand Controls), Masters.
Diego Suazo, of Surprise, who served in the Navy from 1990-94. Also competing in the Games for the first time this year, he took first place in:
Weightlifting by Body Weight, Novice
Suazo placed third in Softball, Novice, and also competed in the Novice divisions of Basketball and Trap Shooting.
John Tuzzolino, of Ahwatukee, who served in the Army from 1989-91. Tuzzolino, who was selected earlier this year to be one of a handful of previous veteran wheelchair champions to be featured on a special Cheerios box, placed first in:
Weightlifting by Body Weight, Open Division
He also competed in Open divisions of Field Discuss, Shot Put, and Softball.
During the Games, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in Olympic style to winning athletes. All competitors benefit by building their physical skills and conditioning, camaraderie with other disabled veterans, pride and increased self confidence.
For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide the first exposure to wheelchair athletics, and are an important step in rebuilding their lives after catastrophic injury. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a recognized leader in recreation therapy and rehabilitation, and sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities.
VA Employees Provide Gift of Song to Patients Through VA Voices
Established some ten years ago, this choral group, directed by Volunteer Choral Director Joanie Katzenberger and led by VA Recreation Therapy Assistant Michael Money, the VA Voices will sing on September 3, 2008 at noon for the residents lunchtime in the VA Community Living Center (formerly called the Nursing Home).
The center is located off of 7th Street just north of Indian School Road on the west side of the street.
The VA Voices will be performing:
My Favorite Things(senior version)
Are You Lonesome Tonight (senior version)
Sixteen Tons
God Bless America
God Bless the USA
America the Beautiful
Their patriotic attire along with their gift of song, truly provides comfort to our nation's hospitalized veterans.
Iraq Veterans Fight Brain Injuries with Unique VA Program
VA Medical Center uses computer games, puzzles and teaching on how the brain works to help returning warriors overcome problems with memory, attention and more
PHOENIX - Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan now have an array of tools to combat the difficulties and frustrations of subtle brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), thanks to a unique program started recently by the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System (PVAHCS).
Some of the tools they use may seem ordinary „Ÿ computer games like Bejeweled and Tetris, Sudoku and other puzzles, and card games like Uno and Skip-Bo. But neuropsychologists at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center are employing a specialized approach through their "Brain Boosters" groups to help veterans like William Green, a former Marine corporal from Chandler, and Grace Grubbe, an Army veteran from Peoria, to recover from brain injury.
It starts with screening that asks a few simple questions to identify returning veterans that may have subtle forms of brain injury, such as whether a veteran has been exposed to any blasts during his or her duty, and whether he or she has ever felt dizzy or confused since then. Other clues are headaches, short-term memory loss and trouble with bright lights. The screening tool is based on one developed at the PVAHCS a few years ago, which was adopted by the VA nationwide and updated to reflect current clinical knowledge about blast injury.
According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 64 percent of soldiers wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) sustain blast injuries, such as those caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These blasts often result in closed head injuries that, unlike penetrating head wounds may not be diagnosed immediately. Even in the absence of physical injuries, soldiers and marines may come home with residual concussions from repeated exposure to blasts, possibly accompanied by PTSD, and suffer from insomnia, memory loss and difficulty focusing.
All returning veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan are screened by a physician at the PVAHCS for brain injury. A more detailed follow-up screening helps find those veterans who need specialized treatment.
Neuropsychologists Kathleen Goren, Ph.D., and Mary Lu Bushnell, Psy.D., lead small groups of up to 8 veterans in weekly sessions that meet for 10 weeks, educating them on how the brain works and how injuries, post-traumatic stress and sleep deprivation can affect their cognitive, or thinking, processes.
"The brain boosters group is an opportunity for veterans to not only learn about brain injury, but to learn about what aspects they can control to improve their brain function," says Bushnell.
VA clinical staff then helps them use everyday tools to strengthen their abilities to focus, reason through problems and remember. "We provide hands-on activities so veterans can practice the new skills they have learned in the group," says Bushnell.
"This is a computer generation," notes Goren, and the VA program has an extensive list of games and puzzles to help with memory, concentration and problem solving that can be accessed on the internet. What's more, she says, the fact that the games are fun means veterans will keep practicing their skills and improving.
"The brain is much like a muscle that needs exercise," adds Goren. "Although the Brain Boosters group is relatively new, both Dr. Bushnell and I are very enthusiastic about its potential. We're getting very positive feedback from the veterans who have participated."
The VA Medical Center is starting more Brain Boosters groups, some focusing on specific areas, such as memory, communication skills, sleep and dealing with pain.
Former Marine William Green, who was in Iraq during the first several months of the war and was exposed to repeated blasts, has had problems with memory and attention, as well as nightmares, since he returned home. He participated in a 10-week group that recently wrapped up. He says that learning about the parts of the brain that are affected by blasts and PTSD was helpful, as were techniques to help calm himself and overcome the frustration of not being able to focus or remember. He will use Sudoku to practice and strengthen his abilities.
Grace Grubbe, a 10-year Army veteran who served alongside her husband in an engineering unit at the start of the war in Iraq, has physical and neuropsychological injuries stemming from her service. She also suffered from memory loss, as well as difficulty sleeping. "I think it's gotten a lot better because of participating in the group," she says.
She especially appreciated the detail shared by the doctors on how the brain functions: "It helped us focus more on healing that part of the brain that was not working well. The people at the VA are very caring and concerned. They answered all our questions and got us what we needed."
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Adds Own MRI
Just this year, the Phoenix VA Health Care System obtained their own million dollar MRI machine, negotiated space within the newer ambulatory care center and has requested an additional open tube MRI to doubly enhance services. The change came about when VA's shared MRI services were altered just last year with the closure of Phoenix Memorial Hospital, who had housed the VA MRI.
In order to celebrate this accomplishment, the first MRI unveiling in its new VA home will take place on Friday, August 22 at 9:30 a.m. in the outpatient VA Radiology Clinic on the second floor of the VA Ambulatory Care Center located on the NE Corner of Third Street and Indian School Road.
Congressman Ed Pastor (D-AZ) member of the House Appropriations Committee and Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) will be on hand to share in the VA's ribbon cutting ceremony. Additionally, VA Veterans Integrated Service Network Director, Susan Bowers, will also be on hand to share her congratulations.
About the MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI could be the one of the most exciting developments in Diagnostic Imaging since the discovery of the X-ray. In 2007 there were approximately 28 million MRI exams performed in the United States, which is double the number performed only eight years ago.
In many cases, plain X-rays, high-tech CT scans and Nuclear Medicine tests don't provide physicians with enough information. And each of those tests exposes patients to ionizing radiation.
MRI has the very special advantage that it does not involve ionizing radiation while still allowing that closer look inside.
With MRI, conditions that previously were only suspected or detected from signs and symptoms now can be clearly seen.
An example is Multiple Sclerosis, where even sophisticated CT scans see little if anything. With MRI, MS can easily been seen. So leaders in health care, like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Center of Excellence for MS) look to tools like MRI to help us better diagnose and treat patients.
VA's own MRI will help serve veterans with enhanced technology in house.
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Veterans Cemetery Seeks Your Assistance In Preventing Vandalism at VA's National Memorial Cemetery
Recently, several acts of vandalism have occurred at VA's National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road.
This cemetery, which serves the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, consists of 225 acres and 11,200 columbarium niches and as such is one of the larger national VA cemeteries on the West Coast. It is the ninth busiest cemetery operated by VA's National Cemetery Administration.
In the past few months the cemetery has been intermittently defaced by graffiti, columbaria niche covers shattered, grave markers stolen, rest rooms trashed and signage indiscriminately ripped off walls.
Although the cemetery is responding with contract security and the installation of security cameras, Director Wayne Ellis is also asking the public for assistance. "It is difficult to imagine why individuals would target one of our national shrines with criminal acts that deface these hallowed grounds," said Ellis.
Private Citizens are encouraged to notify the local authorities if they notice any suspicious activities while visiting the cemetery.
"The last thing we want to do is restrict visiting hours at the cemetery by having to close our gates. We're hoping our increased security and help from the public can allow our veteran's cemetery to be safe and ever vigilant resting place for our veterans," Ellis added.
The VA National Cemetery of Arizona was dedicated in 1988 and is the home to more than 51,500 deceased veterans and their dependents. The VA Cemetery currently provides up to 25 burials per day and has the capacity for at least 60,000 more in years to come.
VA Physician and Nurse Honored by Medical Residents
Both Clinicians Repeat at Residents' Choice of Best Practitioners
PHOENIX - Medical students and residents honing their skills as physicians honored two clinicians of the Carl T. VA Medical Center recently as Teacher of the Year and Nurse of the Year. Both have been chosen multiple years by the new doctors training through the Internal Medicine Residency Program operated jointly by the VA Medical Center (VAMC) and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center as the top practitioners, teachers and mentors.
Dr. Michael Garrett was named Teacher of the Year. Dr. Garrett, who has been with the VA since 1980, including as Associate Program Director and Faculty of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, was honored for his long and dedicated service to residents and students. "You have set a standard for excellence as a teacher, mentor and colleague for residents, students and faculty," notes his award.
"I was incredibly touched by the support of the house staff," says Dr. Garrett. "Being honored as Teacher of the Year is the highest honor one can obtain, in my little universe. It is a memory I shall cherish." Dr. Garrett resides in Paradise Valley.
Susan Wyatt, RN, who is co-charge nurse of the oncology unit at the VA Medical Center, was recognized as "the nurse who most closely fulfills the house staff's expectations of competence, knowledge, accessibility and overall medical ability."
She credits the great team of nurses with whom she works at the VAMC for her success. "I was out of nursing for 14 years and re-entered when coming to our VA in 2001. This hospital is a wonderful place to grow," she says, adding that, "When you work with such a great team, anything is possible!" She lives in north Glendale.
Packages From Home” Sponsors FUN Patriotic Friday’s“
You Serve Our troops With Care Packages…We Will Serve You..Because our Service Men and Women Serve Us So Bravely!”
We challenge every business establishment in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area to show support of troops in harm’s way by wearing patriotic red, white and blue each Friday throughout the summer.Wear your red, white and blue “finery” to show support for the troops! If you have a son or daughter in the military, where the t-shirt too!
…each person in patriotic finery will also donate $5.00 to $10.00 for the privledge of wearing our country’s colors!For those business establishments who raise the most money to send care and comfort to our troop, PACKAGES FROM HOME WILL SERVE YOU A KOOL LUNCH..
Please go to the Packages From Home website for details.www.packagesfromhome.org
“Let Us Serve You…While You Serve Our Troops!”
Military Family Relief Fund Provides New Hope to Arizona Families
Arizonans seeking to support our troops can now do more than display a bumper sticker! The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund offers a way to mobilize support for local families of service members during times of crisis. The organization coordinates the distribution of funds to support families right here in Arizona.
“Everybody always asks what they can do to help, and now the opportunity is right here for them,” said Diane D’Angelo, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. “It only takes a few minutes to participate but everyone has the power to make a world of difference for Arizona’s heroes and their families.”
The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund can provide up to $10,000 to families whose loved one has been injured or killed while fighting the Global War on Terror. All funds come from Arizona tax credits or direct contributions from citizens seeking to give back to those who have answered the call of duty. Contributions can be made through either the organization’s website or direct mail program.
Military Family Relief Fund recipients use the support in a variety of ways. From mothers facing financial calamity after their loved one has been killed, to parents purchasing overseas plane tickets to be by their injured son or daughter’s side in the hospital - the fund will be there when people need it most.
For more information or to schedule an interview with a representative of the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund, visit www.azmfrf.gov or call Stacey Dillon at PRfect Media 480-706-6880.
VA Diabetes Trial Researchers Find Cardiac Benefits of Tight Blood Glucose Control Not Significantly Better than Conventional Control in Older Diabetics
Study co-led by Phoenix VA underscores importance of getting control of diabetes early
PHOENIX − In the largest long-term U.S. clinical trial to study the association between intense control of blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Department of Veterans Affairs researchers found that patients who use conventional treatments to maintain their blood glucose at acceptable levels do not have significantly more cardiovascular events – such as heart attacks and strokes – than diabetics on more aggressive therapies to control glucose.
The study also achieved impressive levels of patient adherence to diet and lifestyle changes, along with control of high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of death and complications from diabetes. The improvements in health were achieved despite the fact that study participants were mostly older, overweight or obese and had high blood pressure and poor lipid control. In fact, forty percent of participants had already had prior cardiovascular events.
The VA Diabetes Trial, which involved approximately 1,800 veterans at 20 Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers across the country, was co-chaired by William C. Duckworth, MD, Director of Diabetes Research at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona. He and three other principal investigators, including Peter Reaven, MD, of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, will present findings of the study at the American Diabetes Association’s 68th Scientific Sessions in San Francisco June 8.
“While we found that intensive treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes suggested some benefits from glucose control, it did not reach significance for a reduction in the primary endpoint – a composite of specified cardiovascular disease events – in this population,” said co-chair Dr. Duckworth.
VA Diabetes Trial Improves Health of High-risk Population, Compares Glucose Control
The predicted cardiovascular event total was between 650 and 700 events, whereas the actual in the standard group was 263, and the intensive group was 231 events. “Based on historical studies, we believe this was largely due to the excellent blood pressure control, lipid control, improved diet and exercise, and treatment with aspirin,” Dr. Duckworth said.
All veterans who participated in the study were at or below targets for lipids and blood pressure within the first two years and maintained them for six years. The greatest success was in blood pressure control, with median levels reaching 127/70 mm/Hg within six months and staying there throughout the trial. By the sixth year of the study, 40 percent were still exercising regularly and 60 percent were adhering to dietary advice. The percent of participants who smoked dropped from 16 percent to 10 percent by the end of the study.
In addition, all participants were at – or better than – goal for cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad cholesterol” and high-density lipoprotein, or “good cholesterol.” Median LDL declined from 106 mg/dL at entry to 78 mg/dL, HDL rose from 34 mg dL at the outset to 40 mg/dL in the standard group and 39 mg/dL in the intensive group, and triglycerides fell from 157 mg/dL at the outset to 135 mg/dL in the standard group and 128 mg/dL in the intensive group.
The average glycated hemoglobin value (also known as Hb A1c), a measure of blood glucose over the prior two to three months, was 9.5 percent upon entry into the trial; the standard group reached 8.4 percent and the intensive group reached 6.9 percent within six months. These levels were maintained throughout the trial.
The findings shed light on treatment approaches for physicians, who must weigh various options and combinations of therapies for older patients with established diagnoses of type 2 diabetes. For some patients, intense glucose control can lead to hypoglycemia, in which blood-sugar levels become dangerously low.
Many studies across various populations have shown a direct relationship between glucose levels and cardiovascular disease, but prior clinical studies have failed to demonstrate a significant cardiovascular event reduction from good glycemic control, notes study co-chair Carlos Abraira, MD, Professor of Medicine at the VA Medical Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This study was designed to compare good control (Hb A1c less than 9 percent) with excellent control (Hb A1c less than 6.9 percent) in an older veteran population.
“This was a complicated study in which all of the patients had multiple health problems, including 40% with prior cardiovascular events. Our first goal was to reduce all other cardiovascular risk factors in order to then compare outcomes between standard and intensive blood glucose treatment groups – and we achieved that goal superbly,” said Carlos Abraira, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Miami VA Medical Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and co-chair of the VA Diabetes Trial.
The VA Diabetes Trial was supported by the Cooperative Studies Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development Service, and also by the American Diabetes Association, National Eye Institute, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Roche Diagnostic Pharmaceuticals, and KOS Pharmaceuticals.
It's a labor of love for VA employees who volunteer their time to provide comfort to our nursing home patients via the gift of song.
VA Medical Center Celebrates VA Research Week By Opening Research Lab to Media;Cutting Edge Technology on Display
PHOENIX - Cardiologist David Simper, MD, is carefully growing stem cells in his laboratory at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, watching over them like a protective parent in the hopes that they will help unlock the secret to repairing or preventing deadly complications suffered by people with diabetes.Dr. Simper is relying on adult stem cells, taken from blood samples provided by healthy adults and those with type 1 diabetes, to reveal differences in their ability to form new blood vessels. Using the most current form of technology called flow cytometry, he is trying to identify how the cells work and how they might ultimately be used to repair damaged blood vessels in diabetic patients or construct new vessels.This is just one of the many clinical research studies being conducted at the VA Medical Center, which is opening its research laboratory to the media this week.Dr. Simper and other researchers at the VA Medical Center are using a bench-top flow cytometry system that represents the latest version of this technology. To use the flow cytometer, a beam of laser light is aimed at cells treated with fluorescent dyes as they flow through the equipment, suspended in fluid. The laser excites the cells into emitting and scattering light, which is picked up, amplified and analyzed for fluctuations in brightness. Researchers can extrapolate various types of information about the physical and chemical structure of each cell, based on the individual surface markers of the cell, as well as distinguish, sort and count certain types of cells. While flow cytometry takes measurements on one cell at a time, it can process thousands of cells in a few seconds.Other VA research week activities include poster presentations, tours and a special barbecue.
Media Note: To arrange for a tour of the research laboratory, contact Paula Pedene APR, Public Affairs Officer, at (602) 200-6279 or via e-mail at paula.pedene@va.gov.
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I had an email tonight from the OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker at the Carl J Hayden VA Hospital. She asked me for help and I in turn am turning to you wonderful Arizona Angels. Below is a list of things that are needed by this hospital to take care and help our Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. If you can send any of these things they would be GREATLY appreciated. She said the need is great and they are seeing more everyday. Please take a few minutes and look at this list and see if you can send just one thing on it. Just imagine if each of you send one thing from this list that is one Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran that will be helped.
Here is the List:Gas Cards Shell or Chevron ($10 or $15)
Gift Cards to Target and/or Walmart (Any Amount)Courage After Fire Books. They use these for family support and helping those Veterans who have returned with PTSD. Many of our VA's use these and I have heard some really great comments. This book can be purchased through Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding
=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Keith%20ArmstrongPlease include a note with your gift that includes your name, address and Soldiers' Angels. Mail to:Brenda Gust, LMSW
OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker
Phoenix VA Health Care System
650 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012Thanks for helping our youngest Veterans.
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Globe VA Health Care Clinic
The Phoenix VA Health Care System comprised of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix and six community clinics, is announcing the ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Globe VA Health Care Clinic.
The ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the new clinic located at 5680 South Hospital Drive, Suite 111 in Globe.
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 18 Director Susan Bowers and Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Donald Moore will cut the ribbon along with other invited guests.
The clinic will serve veterans in the Globe-Miami area.
"This opening allows us to serve these veterans in a wonderful new setting that truly enhances our environment of care," said Phoenix VA Health Care System Center Director Donald Moore.
"VA Health Care has been rated as some of the best health care in the country," said VISN 18 Network Director Susan Bowers. "We are grateful that this new clinic will allow us to better serve smaller communities, like Globe and Miami, with improved access to that care," she added.
Bowers has VA medical center jurisdiction over seven different VA facilities in three states and multiple counties.
Moore is the director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System which encompasses all of Maricopa County, which has the largest penetration of veterans in the state of Arizona.
VA will share some medical services, via contract with Cobre Valley Community Hospital.
The Globe VA Health Care Clinic currently has 424 patients at the new clinic. There are 1,031 registered for VA health care in the Globe-Miami area.
Legally Blind Vietnam Veteran Earns VA Volunteer of the Year Honors
PHOENIX - You can count on Barney Albert to be at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center at least four days a week, making coffee for veterans, buying them donuts or muffins out of his own pocket, and just talking with them to help answer questions or pass the time as they wait for their medical appointments.
After all, having served in the Army during the Vietnam era, he is one of them. While serving with the Army in Germany, an explosion took the sight in his right eye. He is legally blind and, although he doesn't live far away, he has to ride a bus two to three hours a day to volunteer at the VA Medical Center.
On many days, he talks with veterans who are losing or have recently lost their sight about how VA can help them lead normal lives by using assistive devices and rehabilitation training to help improve their confidence. He also calls veterans who have been in VA's rehabilitation program for awhile to find out if there is anything they need. Sometimes he just spends time with veterans, visually impaired or not, letting them know that he's there to help.
"I like helping people, and it works out really well," says Albert. "I've seen a lot of hurt people (in the clinics); sometimes they don't have anybody, so you just sit down with them and talk."
Lauren Stivison, his supervisor who nominated him for the VA Volunteer of the Year honor, says the trust that other veterans and employees have for Albert is amazing.
"Veterans trust Barney because he has first-hand knowledge about blindness and the benefits of certain procedures and programs," says Stivison. "He has always shown the utmost respect for veterans and employees."
Albert is one of about 1,000 people who volunteer their time to the Phoenix VA Health Care System, logging nearly 150,000 hours each year.
"We could not do what we do without each and every one of them," says Sheila Beran-Parker, Voluntary Service Specialist. "I believe in angels, and I count our volunteers as angels."
Besides spending his own money to help make veterans as comfortable as possible while at the VA Medical Center, he shares his experience as a blind veteran who has benefited from top-notch VA health care and rehabilitation programs offered by the facility. He had a cornea transplant about a year ago, which has given him back some of his sight. He also received rehab services through the VA Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center, a Tucson-based, world-class VA inpatient program for visually impaired veterans. He also receives VA outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services.
In earning this honor, Barney Albert was recognized at the annual VA Volunteer Awards Luncheon and was presented with a lovely plaque and additional recognition.
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If anyone is of Polish American heritage please read below. If you knew Mary Ellen Pitotrowski please read below and help if you can.
Help honor those Polish Americans who served in the military. Please provide biographical information about your friend, Yeoman Mary Ellen Piotrowski who served in the US Navy including her education and military training. I am particularly interested in more information about her as individual, her career after leaving the military, her community involvement … some information that made her the unique individual she was. Can you help me or refer me to someo! ne who can?
With the assistance of Fred Thomas, Public Relations Office of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, I am searching for biographical information about Polish American Veterans with the goal of publishing a book honoring their service and achievements. Our objective is to include Polish American men and women veterans from all branches of service doing a wide variety of jobs.
Do you know of any other Polish American veterans who should or are interested in being included? The criteria for inclusion are:
The individual must be of polish ancestry (surname need not be Polish)
The individual must have served or is currently serving in the military.
The biographical information needed is:
1. Name, rank and branch of service
2. Year of birth/death(?)
3. Education
4. Military service - include information of their assignments especially anything unique or interesting.
5. Awards and decorations
6. Employment after discharge from military and community involvement.
7. Picture, preferably in uniform - please send me a photograph (which I will scan and return to you) or a scanned copy for inclusion in this publication.
Thank you for your assistance.
Very truly yours,
Alice H. Deck as Alicja Deck-Partyka
author of POLAND, A Unique Country & Its People
You can contact Alice at (410) 838-4234 or email: deck.partyka@lycos.com. She currently has 115 pages of her book and is looking for more.
=================== What is VA Doing to Provide Help to Our Returning Warriors Five Years Into the War?
March 19, 2008 marks the fifth year of the OIF invasion
Since 2003 our country has been at war, but for many of us the impact is minimal. Not so for our veterans who have seen combat on the front lines, some who have even repeated their combat tours two and three times. For them life is different.
This war and its injuries differs from previous conflicts. There is an incidence of polytrauma from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally thanks to improvements in medical care on the battlefield or shortly thereafter, these service members are surviving wounds they might not have a couple of decades ago. But these improvements can pose challenges for the VA Health Care System, which takes care of these veterans over the long term.
Today, there are nearly 9,600 Persian Gulf, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-Afghanistan service) and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who receive their care from the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Of these 8650 are men, 950 are women and 3200 have had multiple deployments. As these "Returning Warriors" seek VA for their health care needs, we are responding with a variety of venues including:
Five Years of FREE VA Health Care: Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.
The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. VA has several doctors who can talk to you about our nationally recognized health care.
Mental Health Therapy specifically designed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including Cognitive Processing Therapy a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps patients work through their memories and maintain their accuracy. In time, people can change their memories. When they are traumatic, it is often easier to have the memories reflected in a more negative tone which isn't often accurate. To avoid depression VA tries to get the patients to keep their memories balanced. This therapy is often 13 weeks long.
VA also offers Exposure Therapy for PTSD. Exposure methods work by helping anxious patients confront their fears with the aim of reducing the fear or anxiety that can be managed. This therapy also incorporates relaxation therapy. The CTHVAMC has several PTSD experts who can help describe the processes used to help these veterans.
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Program Coordination: Returning veterans are triaged by the OEF/OIF program manager who determines the level of case management care required. These OEF/OIF veterans are then case managed by a Nurse Case Manager, Social Work Case Manager or both. The CTHVAMC case managers are here to assist the OEF/OIF veterans with their post deployment needs. This case management consists of oversight of medical and mental health care to ensure the veteran is getting comprehensive services that are coordinated for better outcomes.
The program is also responsible for community outreach to the military and the community at large. The goal is to educate returning service members. Sometimes they may be overwhelmed with information and efforts to "get back to normal" when they are discharged. So VA steps in to remind them and their families about VA benefits and health care options.
Our VA also screens all veterans for symptoms of brain trauma, which may not manifest itself right away. Earlier identification and treatment of veterans with more subtle forms of brain injury means a better chance of recovery. In fact, the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center was on the forefront of developing a screening tool early in the war. We have also recently established the "Brain Boosters" group that has begun to help veterans. The CTHVAMC case managers can share heart warming stories of how we are responding to the unique needs of these veterans.
Audiology and Speech Pathology Services (ASPS): This area provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services on an expedited priority basis (less than 30 days) for OEF/OIF veterans concerned about communication or cognitive problems. This includes hearing loss following military noise exposure or memory loss following traumatic brain injury. When indicated, they provide hearing aid services and other options for amplification, and memory devices that may assist the veteran in their daily routines. ASPS tries to assist the combat veteran so that the veteran can pursue his or her goals in life. For example, custom hearing protection is provided if routine noise exposure continues in the veteran's post-service occupation or recreational activity. ASPS makes every effort to accommodate the OEF/OIF veterans' schedule which may be limited due to their work or college schedules.
Sleep Research for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-Afghanistan Service) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Insomnia is very common among persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is the signature injury of the war and sleep disturbance is frequently reported by Iraq war veterans. VA is determining OEF/OIF needs and preferences for insomnia treatments, and ways to deliver treatments to them.
This study was funded by the VA Office of Research and Development, Health Services R&D Service, QUERI Program. The preliminary findings suggest that veterans prefer a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological insomnia treatments. Veterans also prefer electronic methods of receiving non-medication treatment such as the Internet and MP3 files. These preferences may reflect the technology savvy of this new era of veterans. An Internet-based, non-medication intervention option could supplement the medication treatment available in routine care. The CTHVAMC has an Insomnia Research expert on our staff that can show you more about this study.
These programs are just a glimpse of what we are providing. We can also offer interviews with veterans who are utilizing VA services to share the effects of the care they are receiving.
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Just wanted to let you know we officially formed the East Valley Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America this week and appreciate your help in getting the word out. We are Chapter 1011 and new members are welcome!
Art O'Hagan, President
Chapter 1011, East Valley Vietnam Veterans of America... April 16th @ 6:30 pm (sharp)...Mesa Main Library, Saguaro Room (2nd Floor), 64 E. 1st St. (North of Main St. between Center and Centennial)...new members welcome!
November 15
Freedom Inn hosts VA Talk – Martha Alderman, a benefits counselor with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, will discuss a benefit of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that can provide money for assisted living housing and health care among other expenses. This presentation, titled “Veterans Benefits and Assisted Living,” will be delivered on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Freedom Inn at Sun City West, located at 13810 West Sandridge Drive. Contact Sherri Williams at sherriwilliams@brookdaleliving.com or 623-584-2338 for more information.
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Announces New Location of Globe VA Health Care Clinic
The Phoenix VA Health Care System comprised of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix and six community based clinics, is announcing a new location for the Globe VA Health Care Clinic. The clinic will soon be located at 5680 South Hospital Drive, Suite 111 in Globe and is anticipated to open for business by the end of April 2008.The clinic will serve veterans in the Globe-Miami area."We are delighted to be able to provide this enhanced clinic for our veterans in the Globe-Miami area for our veterans," said Phoenix VA Health Care System Center Director Donald Moore. "We are constantly working on ways to enhance both the access to care and timeliness of our care for veterans and this new clinic will help us to achieve those goals," he added.The clinic currently serves 424 veterans and is anticipated to grow its services with the new location. A ribbon cutting for the clinic will be held sometime in May 2008.
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VA Medical Center Opens New Patient Care Ward with Nursing Education Emphasis Using state-of-the art monitoring technology, 4C improves care for patients moving from ICU and will help teach new doctors and nursesPHOENIX - Combining leading-edge technology, a model nursing education program and functional beauty, the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center has a beautiful new ward. With its advanced technology on Ward 4C, VA can now offer enhanced state-of-the-art patient care while maximizing the facility's bed space, especially during the peak winter season. The 25-bed Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit on Ward 4C at the VA Medical Center features a new tele-monitoring system that lets nurses keep a close watch on cardiac and other patients. These patients may no longer need intensive care, but are not yet stable enough for a general medical or surgical care unit. Thus, the availability of such a high level of care outside of the medical center's intensive care unit (ICU) will make more ICU beds available during winter months, when demand is highest when influenza season and when the winter visitors hit. "This is more than a regular telemetry unit," explains Michael Chesser, MD, Medical Director of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit. He says the unit fills the "middle ground" between ICU and general patient care areas by providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients "who are a little less stable than typical (medical and surgical) patients."Dr. Chesser says the impressive new telemonitoring system will allow nurses and other health care professionals to monitor several aspects of patients' status, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. Caregivers can monitor patients at the bedside or from the nurses' station, and technicians in the medical center's ICU or Emergency Department (ED) can also track patients' physical status.The patients, many of whom will be recovering from heart attacks, strokes or serious diabetic reactions „Ÿ likely will be receiving intravenous medications that can have a significant effect on the body. The "extra set of eyes" offers additional safety to patients and allows them to continue their recovery in a comfortable, less restrictive environment."ICUs are typically very busy units, with a lot of noise and activity," says Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, Associate Chief of Nursing Service, Operations. "So this type of unit is a better environment for the patient." Ward 4C offers semiprivate and private rooms that are spacious and beautifully decorated. Veterans in wheelchairs will find it easy to get around, including being able to wheel into the showers in their bathrooms. A few private rooms can be used as pulmonary isolation rooms.The VA's new Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit also will provide a state-of-the-art teaching environment for medical students, residents and nursing students. In August, the unit will launch a model teaching program in collaboration with the Arizona State University College of Nursing. Five VA nurses will be clinical adjunct faculty at ASU, working alongside and teaching student nurses. Staff nurses at the VA will be able to attend educational sessions at the nearby College of Nursing as well.Jess Fowler, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit, adds that the combination of nurses providing a higher level of care and being involved in teaching students will help support nursing retention at the hospital."They are increasing their nursing competencies, and that helps motivate staff."Fowler says the VA Medical Center expects to save "several hundred bed days" each year by having the new unit, and freeing up more ICU beds.
