Page 3 - Desert Oracle Nov 2018

From Executive Director Peter Quinn

November is here and Thank You to all who have served in our military and
their families. Everyone says Happy Veteran’s Day to those that served
and tends to forget those who have been left behind or bear the brunt of
being a Caregiver. So to those of you who fit these categories I would like
to say Thank You.

The Arizona State Fair is over and the Chapter and our Service Officer
managed all the weekend nights for the month. It was interesting to talk to
the other Service Organizations and listen to their views on issues like how
they handle hospital issues. The foresight of prior PVA leaders makes our
hospital matters much easier than going to an Open House to voice our
concerns. Our history is rich and diverse and should be mandatory reading

for all PVA Board and employees. We have it posted on our Chapter
website www.azpva.org/about/history. Happy reading.

Our Loan Closet has opened the door for collaboration all over the state.
Besides working with our own VA hospitals, we are teaming up with other
Veteran organizations to provide furniture, new clothes and even have
access to a food kitchen/teaching program for Veterans. This program has
helped us become a solid resource for our Veteran community.

One of our next goals will be membership outreach. Our membership
numbers have fallen and our average age has added another year. We will
be doing outreach at many events to look for members. From fairs to Walks
we are sending out groups to talk to other participants to try and find or
reconnect with other Veterans and add to our family. We know they are
here; it is just a matter showing PVA’s value to them.

In January there will be information sent out to all of our members inviting
them to serve on the Chapter Board of Directors. All the information
needed to be on the ballot (along with write ins) will be sent via snail mail
so that no one gets missed.

Members of the Chapter Board and others will be going to Memorial
Services for Edward Ramirez, they are scheduled for 11 am, November 7,
2018, at the So Little Chapel, 6135 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ
85253. May he rest in Peace