Army Veteran Robert Brownridge wrote an appreciation letter to the Wilmington VA Medical Center giving accolades to Wilmington VA staff that went above and beyond during his appointments.

“I want you to know how wonderful your staff is to me and I really appreciate them. I know they will continue to offer the best possible service. Nowhere outside VA approaches the treatment and coordination I experience every time I am treated at the Wilmington VA,” he wrote.

Brownridge and his wife Elaine Burns drive from their home in Ontario, Canada, to the Wilmington VA to receive care. This is about an 11-hour car ride for them each way. 

“It is worth the drive. You do such a great job for your Veterans,” said Burns, a retired Canadian nurse. “A lot of his issues have been found that wouldn’t have been found if the medical providers here weren’t so in depth.” 

Since they have a long commute, Brownridge tries to plan his doctor’s appointments close together. VA staff also try to help make it convenient and easy by rearranging appointments as needed.

Staff assisted on appointment mix up

During one visit, Brownridge mixed his days up and mistakenly thought his appointment was on a Monday when instead it was on Friday. Medical support assistant Andre Clark in Optometry was able to get Brownridge in on that Tuesday. This saved him from driving all this way and missing his scheduled appointment.

Brownridge also recognized Vascular Surgery Clinic nurse Michele Bennett and Vascular Surgeon Naveen Balasundaram in his letter of appreciation. “Michelle Bennett and Dr. Balasundaram are a great team and went above and beyond for me.” 

Receiving great care is a big help to Brownridge, who loves traveling with his wife and competing in the Senior Olympics for swimming. This past year, Brownridge qualified for the Senior Olympics.

“I am able to swim farther than I can walk at times,” he noted.

Veterans interested in enrolling in VA health care can enroll online at How To Apply For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs, call 877-222-8387 or visit their nearest VA eligibility office.

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2 Comments

  1. William Braniff June 9, 2024 at 20:26

    Good story. I am a Canadian Vietnam Veteran but I reside in the US. Maine actually. I have received the best possible care from the VA. If I have a problem or need an appointment I can depend on the BA to fit me in. There are thousands of us Canadians who served in Vietnam and some, but not enough use tge VA benefits afforded to them.
    Thank you Maine VA.
    Bill

  2. Charles Hannert June 9, 2024 at 18:20

    Why doesn’t he come to the VA in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Saginaw etc. All a whole lot closer I would guess ?

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