Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2013
I CARE - VA Goes Above and Beyond for Veterans
Actions often speak louder than words, and the actions of the extraordinary staff and volunteers in VISN 1 are a true testament that they do care about the Veterans they serve. Their efforts did not go unnoticed by Network Director, Dr. Michael F. Mayo-Smith, who said, “Many wonderful employees demonstrate these values in their day-to-day work. In this spirit, I have created the Network Director I CARE Awards.”
Ruth Wheeler was among the recipients. She received the award for demonstrating exceptional commitment
after dedicating more than 60 years and 21,000 hours of volunteer service for Veterans at the Northampton campus of VA Central Western Massachusetts HCS. She is the longest serving VA volunteer in the nation.
“I am in shock,” said Laurel Holland, LICSW, BedfordVAMC, after being recognized for demonstrating excellence. “Everyone participated in this. Everyone added an ingredient. I just stirred the pot. How sweet it is to get recognition for the work I love, employees I love, and Veterans I love.” Holland, along with other dedicated staff members in Bedford, created a tool to help Veterans navigate their VA care.
LaRhonda Harris, RN, BSN, Women Veterans Program Manager for the Maine Healthcare System, was awarded for advocacy for her efforts in developing an elective course at the University of New England (UNE) that covers the needs and issues of Veterans. “I was part of the brainstorming and groundbreaking efforts, but UNE staff and the Maine Military Community Network pulled this together. Hopefully, this will grow to other college campuses here in Maine,” said Harris.
Visit http://www.newengland.va.gov/icare to nominate an employee or group of employees you feel have gone above or beyond displaying the I CARE Core Values. Be sure to include a brief summary that explains the extraordinary actions your nominee has demonstrated.
What are the core values that help guide VA employees in decision making? VA Core Values are:
Integrity
Acting with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage.
Commitment
Working diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities.
Advocacy
Being truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
Respect
Treating all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it.
Excellence
Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.
