Visitor's Corner
January - February 2012

Message To Hospital Volunteers

It is my pleasure to begin a new relationship with the more than 180 hospital volunteers who donate so much of their time on behalf of the Masonic Service Association.

I hope that in the months and years ahead, I may earn the same respect you have shown for Richard Fletcher, who has retired after 24 years as Executive Secretary of MSA.

Each of you is the heart and soul of the MSA.  Your dedication in visiting our service veterans is unmatched in the VA Hospitals across the country.  So many veterans rely on you for a kind word, a friendly handshake, a few minutes of conversation, or a needed service, and you always fulfill that confidence they have in you.

I join the millions of Masons across North America who are extremely proud of each of you and what you do for our veterans.

Keep up the good work, and please contact me or the MSA office if there is anything we can do to make your important job easier and more effective.

Sincerely and fraternally,

George O. Braatz, PGM
Executive Secretary

 

We Hope Your Year 2011 Ended On A Positive Note

   It is hard to believe that 2012 is here and lots of changes for the MSA Office and for our Reps in the field. But change can be good if we make it that way.

 

2012 Desk Calendars

   You should all have a supply of the 2012 Desk Calendars and have distributed them to Veterans and others who request them. It is such a handy item to place on their tables next to their beds.

   We do have some extra's if any of you would like more. Remember it is a great thing to give when you meet a new Veteran.

 

Want A Beautiful Shroud? Please Ask

            In 2011 we were given Shrouds to cover deceased Veterans while waiting to be taken to their final resting place. It gives dignity to the Veterans and to their families.

            We would like each of our Reps, who have not received one or more, to ask for one just to have on hand to use when needed.

            Let us know if you want one and if so send us your request via email, mail or call us and ask for the Shroud. We do ask that you request just 1 and more if you feel they would be useful.

            These Shrouds were made available by Corrine Bush, when she was First Lady of Oregon, to show dignity for deceased Veterans and MSA would like to continue supporting this program.

 

A Test – A Test – Check For A Big Spelling Error – A Test – A Test

Somewhere in this newsletter we have made a spelling error or two. Did you find it? If so let us know and you will be recognized.

 

Your Masonic Hospital Visitor For 2012

            We are always looking for pictures to put into Your Masonic Hospital Visitor. I know there are many rules about the privacy of our Veterans but in many cases permission can be obtained. We like to feature our Reps and their attention to our Veterans any time we can.

 

Perorts – Reports – Perorts

            We know that reports are not what we want to hear about but let's start 2012 off by doing them anyway and send them to the MSA Office. With all of the changes happening in the MSA Office it will give the Executive Secretary a better idea of what you are all doing out in the field and he can assess the results. The only way we know about activities is when we hear from you.

            Whenever you need a new supply of reports just ask and we will be happy to send more.

 

Annual Joint Review

            The Annual Joint Reviews will begin for the Reps in the VA Hospitals. They are mandatory and when we get a copy we will send a note back to you and then you will know we saw it also. It also gives our Reps a chance to interact with the Chief of Voluntary Service.

 

Quarterly Meetings Must Be Attended

            The VAVS has been asking for compliance on attendance at the Quarterly meetings by our Reps and Deputy Reps. If you miss more than one per year the MSA is in danger of losing its certification. So, please, make sure you and your Deputies attend these meetings.