Message from the President,

The 2008 NASVH Summer Conference at the Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL was a great success. Once again, the Education Committee chaired by Anne Payne had a very commendable line-up of presenters on our agenda. Those who attended all the sessions had the potential to earn over 14 hours of NAB approved CEU’s. What a great way to show your dedication to providing the absolute best care for our veterans! The Executive Committee met on Saturday and Sunday. And the full membership was able to attend the Liaison Committee Meeting with people from the USDVA on Sunday morning. While we are not yet in full agreement with everything being proposed by the VA, we are in full agreement in some key areas. These key areas will impact on our ability to provide the best of care, and we really need a little more discussion with VA to get where we need to be.

The Business Meeting was held Sunday afternoon, with over forty homes represented. Let me say “Thank you” to the NASVH members for the confidence you have placed in me as your President for 2008-2009. During this year we will finally see the VA start to pay per diem to state veterans homes for the full cost of care and medications for severely disabled service connected veterans! This is an issue which has been supported by NASVH for many years, and it will allow these most deserving veterans to take advantage of the great care, camaraderie, and quality of life available in a NASVH member home.

This next year could be challenging as well, with new faces coming onto the scene in Washington. Start now to plan to attend the Winter Conference in the Washington, D.C. area. This conference typically offers more than 10 CEU’s, but while you are in the area you also have the opportunity to visit with your representatives on Capitol Hill.

NASVH is your organization, through which you can maximize your ability to do the absolute best in:

“CARING FOR AMERICA’S HEROES”
Please join us. If you have the ability to give a little more of your time serving veterans, please contact your Regional Directors and tell them you want to do more as a member of NASVH.

Sincerely,
Bill Crowley
NASVH President