Page 5 - Desert Oracle January 2020

Executive Director’s Report

2020 is here and we have said good bye to many friends and colleagues. As the
years go by we lose more yet after 19 years of conflict, one might think that we
would not have fewer members than 20 years ago. What is it that keeps new

potential Veterans from joining the different organizations that have helped to
ensure their benefits and an overall better quality of life if they are disabled?

The other Veteran organizations are suffering from the same issue, yet PVA has
such a large presence with our own clinics and in most cases superior National
Service Officers. Our overall presence at the hospitals and SCI/D Clinics should
let them (non-members) know that the Chapters are there to help and that the

work that has been done should form a debt to help support the next Veteran
who needs help. I was told in rehab that when another Veteran taught me

something, I was obliged to teach two Veterans what I had learned. Why is it
taken for granted today?

The Chapter has created a membership committee to start working on increasing

our membership. If you have ideas or would care to help, contact the Chapter
and let us hear your ideas. AZPVA@AZPVA.ORG

We are considering a couple of offers to sell our building. Our goal is to move
closer to the Phoenix VAMC and hopefully provide a better platform for the
Chapter to increase its programs. We could use more time with our elected
officials and outreach where a speaker (member) is needed.

At this time we are waiting for all three hospitals to get permanent Directors. It
seems Arizona is a tough state to keep Directors. Two out of three Clinics have

permanent providers for SCI/D Veterans. The third is on a three month rotation
until a doctor is found to take the position. Annuals are tough to come by as it
seems you need to need hospital time to get scheduled for one. Long term care

seems to need more space than anticipated ten to twenty years ago. The
Phoenix VA is still trying to find room to expand and cover the 93k Veterans plus
the winter visitors of about 24k more. “Thank you for your service” does not seem

to apply to this situation.

Happy New Year

Peter Quinn, Executive Director