My Veterans Addendum
Just a few other thoughts about this story: I had an excellent relationship with the Cleveland VA Hospital counselors and I sadly miss them, as they did so much good for people. I called the Cleveland VA a few years ago to inquire about the counselors I had dealt with back during the time of this story, Jan, Steve and Charlie, only to find that they had all transferred to other parts of the country; a loss for Cleveland, but a gain for those other parts of the country. The veterans housing program that I participated in was the first in the country.
I don’t know where all of the veterans are, but I sure hope those who had progressed so much have been able to maintain their lives, without going back to any dependency on drugs or alcohol. And I hope that those who were not success stories at our building regained their footing and continued to fight the battle against addiction elsewhere, but not on the streets. My thoughts are often with you guys and will continue to be with you for the rest of my life.
After the building was vacated, I received a call from one of the VA counselors. He said that the VA had something special for me and that he would be in to see me shortly. He showed up with a signed card, a cake and a special certificate that I have on my living room wall to this day. I just want to share with you what it says:
“Department of Veterans Affairs”
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented to
(my name)
For his participation and service in the
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Program. As the FIRST participant in this initiative
to provide veterans housing assistance, (he) provided
the veterans with a unique opportunity to reside in the community, obtain employment and live a more productive lifestyle. (His)
contributions to the veterans are greatly appreciated by the veterans
and staff of the Domiciliary Service.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio
December 1, 1994
(It is signed by the Chief of the Domiciliary Service
and has the seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs.)
I don’t know where all of the veterans are, but I sure hope those who had progressed so much have been able to maintain their lives, without going back to any dependency on drugs or alcohol. And I hope that those who were not success stories at our building regained their footing and continued to fight the battle against addiction elsewhere, but not on the streets. My thoughts are often with you guys and will continue to be with you for the rest of my life.
After the building was vacated, I received a call from one of the VA counselors. He said that the VA had something special for me and that he would be in to see me shortly. He showed up with a signed card, a cake and a special certificate that I have on my living room wall to this day. I just want to share with you what it says:
“Department of Veterans Affairs”
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented to
(my name)
For his participation and service in the
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Program. As the FIRST participant in this initiative
to provide veterans housing assistance, (he) provided
the veterans with a unique opportunity to reside in the community, obtain employment and live a more productive lifestyle. (His)
contributions to the veterans are greatly appreciated by the veterans
and staff of the Domiciliary Service.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio
December 1, 1994
(It is signed by the Chief of the Domiciliary Service
and has the seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs.)
Labels: veterans, Veterans Administration
posted by Randy at 11:51 PM
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