Page 4 - Desert Oracle November 2021

Executive Director’s Report

November is here and gone are our infamous 100+ degree days. Even

solar power production is more efficient. Of course, all the free food being
given out across the state has a certain staff member setting his schedule
based on the menu offerings across Phoenix. It is a shame that all these

people can’t get together and set up on different days to feed Veterans who
really need a free meal. Maybe someday.

In early October I was interviewed; really informed by the nurse at the Phx
VAMC that the blood I’d just given was to be used for genetic research for
Veterans. The program is called MVP or the Million Veteran Program. I
know many are worried about genetic testing and government access; yet I

admit to being curious about changes that may have happened while I was
travelling in service. I also have done the at home kit for Ancestry and
found some amazing things out, especially when in contact with long lost

cousins. Let’s save all that for another article. Rather focus on helping the
MVP program and hopefully find out why ALS and MS are so prevalent in
our fellow Veterans. A side note, no one even you get the results of your

test.

The Chapter will soon have apartments for Disabled Veterans in need. I
realize the market here is insane, but we are looking for those Veterans

that need our wheelchair friendly apartments. I.E., actual members.

Our end of year audit will soon be completed, and I can report that even

with partial staffing on site last year we gave out 975k in Durable Medical
Equipment and medical supplies. Great job Scott! Our Outreach
Coordinator spent so many hours reaching and helping, that more groups

have found out about us and given us money to keep on helping the
disabled community. Thank you, Dawn.

Be safe

Peter Quinn, Executive Director