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                                    Executive Directors ReportDesert Oracle May 2025We just held our Chapter picnic in Marana. It was windy, but thanks to our National Service Officer, Michael Wilson, we had great food to keep our minds off it. Thank you, Michael, King of the ribs and greens. Thank you to Mathew, our Office Manager, for ensuring we had the big pavilion, ice, charcoal, and all the support Mike needed to grill. Dawn, our Outreach Coordinator, also deserves kudos for all the shopping for things we needed. Let%u2019s not forget Dawn, Mathew,and MariaValerianofor serving so many of the guests at the picnic-eternalthanks!On Saturday, May 17th, Board member Diego Suazo, Matthew, and I operated a table at the 16th Annual Freedom Ride Arizona. This event honors our Military and 1st Responders. Operation Restoring Veterans%u2019 Hope is the recipient organization that works throughout the year to provide camaraderie and opportunities for positive sharing and counseling with our Veterans in need. These wonderful individuals help them engage in activities like kayaking and camping, allowing Veterans to share and hopefully overcome their challenges. It was an interesting event featuring a 1940s/50s pinup girl competition. While I am old enough to remember the themes, it was a fundraising technique I had never heard of. It was very charming and original. More veterans and veteran advocates are setting up organizations and holding events like this. The Chapter needs its members to join and participate as we start working on our annual event to draw attention to our organization%u2019s work and accomplishments.Every Veteran has an issue or two with the service they receive. Regardless, you cannot go out into the public and receive the care that spinal cord-injuredVeterans orVeterans with spinal cord diseases receive at the VA. Starting after WWII, like the 1950 movie The Menportrays,our predecessors in PVA fought to get us specialty clinics and centers to enhance our care. Now it is your turn. Sign the petition, give us your information so that PVA can keep helping you stay healthy and informedBe safe,the heat is alreadyhere, soenjoy yourtime.Peter R Quinn