Visitor's Corner
May - June 2013

This Issue Will Be Covering Some Highlights From The VAVS Annual

Further down in this issue of the Visitors Corner will be some highlights of happenings at the VAVS Annual Meeting in North Carolina last month. George Braatz attended and has lots to tell.

We Can't Stress Enough About Reports From Our Reps

We don't want to sound like a broken record but we are not getting Monthly Reports from all of our Reps. These reports are very important, we realize also that they are not the most favored part of being a Rep, but very necessary. This newsletter is directed to our Reps. We try to communicate issues that are important and it is very important that you read it for information pertaining to you and your Deputy Reps.

If you need any help with these forms please let us know and we will help in any way we can. Feel free to make up your own forms and email them to us. We don't care what form you use, only that you write up some type of report each month. Many of our Reps have devised their own forms and they are so detailed it is a treasure to read each month. Writing down what you do right after you do it is also important. That way when you do your report the notes are right in front of you.

We will always respond when a report is sent via email to let you know it was received.

Could You Email Or Mail Msa Your Active Deputy Reps?

Some of our Reps have Deputies that we at MSA don't have on our records. If you would send us their names and addresses we can check them against our records so we are all on the same page. Also remember your Deputies must attend the Quarterly Meetings as well. Not all hospitals have the Quarterly meetings but most do. Each Rep can have (3 Deputies), do you have that many?

Emessay Notes Newsletter Is Now Available In Your STB Mailing

You might have realized by now that we are sending our MSA newsletter titled Emessay Notes with your copy of the Short Talk Bulletin. It was decided to expand our mailings to let everyone read this very popular publication funded by the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. They have been funding it for many, many years and we do thank them for this very important funding. It is just a two-sided sheet with tidbits of information about different things. Enjoy! It is also on our website at www.msana.com

YOU ARE NOT DRESSED FOR WORK UNTIL YOU WEAR A SMILE

The Promised Update On The VAVS Annual Meeting From: George O. Braatz, PGM, (OH) Executive Secretary

It was quite an honor for me to represent the Masonic Fraternity for the first time as a member of the Executive Committee of the VAVS.

There was much concern at the meeting about losing VA volunteers nationally. From 88,000 volunteers in October, 2012, the total decreased to 84,000 in February, 2013, or a loss of some 4,000 volunteers. While a few individuals thought this might be a statistical reporting error, there was much concern about all organizations reaching out and seeking new volunteers for our work at VA hospitals. Like the Masonic Fraternity, most organizations, which have programs at VA medical facilities, have aging memberships, and there is a need for all of us to seek new, younger volunteers to one day replace our existing ones.

"Recruitment is a full time, year-round priority," one leader said, adding, "There also is a retention issue as well as a recruitment issue."

One workshop stressed the need to recruit more youth volunteers. I was wondering how many of MSA's Hospital Reps make contact with DeMolay, Job's Daughters, or Rainbow for Girls in their areas and seek their help. Many of the youth groups are actually looking for a service project. Why not introduce them to MSA's Hospital Visitation opportunities?

It was announced at the meeting that Laura Balun would retire this year as Director of the Voluntary Service Office at the national headquarters in D.C. She has been with the VA for 32 years and has served as Director since 2004.

One final note: Each year, the VAVS name a "Volunteer of the Year," and it would be great if an MSA Representative would receive this sometime. If you know an MSA volunteer who performs outstanding work, and you would like to nominate him or her for this award, please let our office know. It requires some research and work, but we'd be pleased to help in assembling such a nomination.

What is a Veteran?

A "Veteran"whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including his or her life." That is an honor. And there are too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact.

(Found on the internet.)

Visitor's Corner May - June 2013