Brother Veterans,
This year the National Salute to Veterans will be the 12 thru the 18 of February. There will be no "VIP" day this year, but will be different events all day long every day. There are several groups that will be singing and playing for all to enjoy also. The Valentine program will still be in place so if you would like to come and help distribute Valentine Cards to the patients that will be available to you. Several Schools in the area participate in this program. The first grade thru the fifth grade students will make valentine cards that will be sent to the VA for the veterans at the VAMCs, CBOC’s, Vet Centers, and Vet outreach centers for distributions to veterans. If you would like to participate, please contact me and let me know and I will get you times that you can help.
Don't forget that May is 'National Military Appreciation Month". This will be the 12th Annual event and if you would like to help please let me know and I'll get you some information on events, times and places. For more information you can go to their Homepage here: http://www.nmam.org/participate.htm
There is a new CBOC (Veterans Community Based Outpatient Clinic) that will be opened in Carrollton soon. Gary Burton, Retired Navy Medical Officer, will be the Administrator for this facility. I spoke with him Wednesday and he is interested in putting some volunteers in the Clinic that will help. If you live in the Carrollton area and want to volunteer, contact me and I can get you certified for VAVS. It will be over a 25,000 square foot facility and should be opened this year.
Also the plans for Fort McPherson are in the works. Buildings 128 and 130 are being
renovated now and will see veterans in the near future. Bldg 128 will be a community
Resource Center and will house homeless veterans. The East Point facility is looking
to transfer patients from there to Ft Mac. Bldg 130 will be renovated into a 40-
Lawrenceville CBOC, on Riverside drive, has outgrown its walls (again) with no place to expand and will be moving in the near future. VA is looking at property close to the Gwinnett Medical Center.
The Oakwood CBOC has also outgrown itself. It is at present a 6000 sq ft facility but will be expanded to over 18,000 sq ft. This is great news for the Gainesville area.
There will be a "Day of Remembrance" for Veterans at the Atlanta VAMC on the 22 of May, 2012. It will be held in the Chapel at 1300 hours.
There is also a "Adopt a Waiting Room" project that is ongoing. If your Lodge would like to ‘Adopt’ a waiting room, making it more family friendly, contact me and I’ll get you all the information.
Don't forget Brother Jason Whipple, (Vet returned from Afghanistan). Brother Jason was sent from NC VA to the Spinal Unit in Augusta because they thought he would have to have an operation on his spine. It is a possibility that they may not have to operate after all. The infection may be taken care of with the medicine he is receiving. He will get an MRI on the 17th (next Wed) to determine if an operation is necessary.
Jason would appreciate any phone calls, visits, etc. Phone: (615) 477-
He is in Room 118, bed 2, Spinal Cord unit downtown VA. Call this Veteran Brothers, it would help make his day, keeping his spirits up and aid his recovery. Thanks to MWB Bobby Simmons for bringing this brother to my attention and many thanks to Noble Chuck Riggin (Alee Legion of Honor) for his assistance in this and the visits to this brother.
Thank you
Rick Conn, Chairman
Grand Lodge Veterans Committee
"Still Serving our Veterans"
Georgia Veterans Masonic Newsletter