Letters to the Editor

Don’t judge all VA medical centers by the actions of a few

I have been a patient of the VA health care system both locally here at the Pahrump VA Clinic, as well as, the VA Medical Center and hospital in North Las Vegas for the past two years.

I’m aware of all the negative comments and problems with Phoenix and other VA systems regarding treatment of veterans, appointments, waiting times etc…

This letter is my comment regarding the clinic here in Pahrump and the North Las Vegas Medical Center.

My physician here in Pahrump is a dedicated individual who cares about my well-being and that of my fellow veterans. I have been referred to specialists at the VA Medical Center on several occasions.

My appointments have been made within 2 to 3 weeks and the local VA clinic provides transportation to North Las Vegas for me to attend my scheduled doctor appointments. When I had private medical insurance, it was a month or more to see a specialist.

The point I am making is while some VA hospitals may be under investigation, it doesn’t mean that all should be condemned.

My personal experience at the clinic and hospital is one that can attest to the caring staff and doctors who are dedicated and are to be acknowledged for their professionalism.

It is my hope that you will publish this letter as an example of how veterans are treated in the greater Las Vegas area.

Sincerely,

Paul Garcia,

U.S. Army Veteran

Relay for Life thank you

The 2014 Relay for Life Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the Relay cancer walk held on May 16 and 17 at Petrack Park.

A big thank you to all the sponsors who contribute to the American Cancer Society and help us put on this event every year, we couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you to the media who advertise all our fundraising events – KNYE Radio, The Mirror, Pahrump Valley Times, Pahrump Life Magazine and the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce.

And a huge thank you to all the Committee Members who not only work tirelessly throughout the year, but then spend two days putting on this large event consisting of feeding 83 Survivors, overseeing activities all night long, keeping track of all the walking teams, putting on the Luminaria Ceremony, registering all the participants and Survivors, and the actual logistics of putting the event on.

Thank you every participant for helping make this year’s Relay such a success and thank you all the team captains for their hard-working efforts of recruiting new members and all their fundraising events throughout the year.

Thank you Matt Luis and all his crew. Thank you all the volunteers that pitched in here and there, you are much appreciated.

The Survivor dinner was catered by the Elks Lodge and breakfast Saturday morning was served by the VFW Post.

And, of course, a big thank you to our staff partner Shannon Moore and our Event Chair Chanda Wieland.

Marian Maxfield

2014 Publicity Chair