Moving testimonials at American Legion convention

Two VA staff members shared personal testimonials of services received and services rendered by VA at the 105th American Legion Annual Convention. The following transcripts are from Bob Manness, Naval Reserve Veteran and executive assistant to the director (pictured above), and Dr. Ernest Sneed, a primary care physician; both work for the Southeast Louisiana Veteran Health Care System.

“Welcome to New Orleans. I’m Bob Manness. I’m a 20-year Navy Veteran and I’ve served at VA since 2000.

“One reason I serve at VA is my lifelong involvement with health care, learning first aid as a kid and then serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman. I am now working at VA providing administrative support so care providers can focus on Veterans’ care.

“Another reason I work at VA is service to fellow Veterans and family. My father, stepfather, uncles, brothers, several nephews, cousins and friends all served. To them, and to all of you, thank you for your selfless service and sacrifices.

“A third reason for my working at VA is the personalized care I receive. In 2012, I had an issue with my eye that I ignored until I noticed vision changes. So, I called my ophthalmologist at the VA hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. He told to go to the eye clinic right away. I went that afternoon and was immediately diagnosed with a retinal vein occlusion, an eye stroke. The following Monday I began receiving comprehensive care.

“Several years ago, I attended a Veteran event in Maryland with my hospital director. After being asked how we could better support them, one Veteran said “I need you to help me to learn how to live. The Marine Corps was very effective teaching me how to kill. But they did not teach me how to live afterwards. That’s what I need you to do.”

“That conversation motivates me to this day. Helping care for fellow Veterans means helping them live better lives.”

“Good morning. Welcome to New Orleans. Please enjoy yourselves while you’re here. Eat the great food. Remember to dance to the jazz music. When your doctor comments about your cholesterol or blood pressure, you can say that you exercised by dancing to the jazz music on the streets of the French Quarter.

“My name is Ernest Sneed. I have worked at VA for 27 years. I have worked in Baltimore and at Canal Street hospital here in New Orleans. The common experience at both places is the support I received taking care of patients. 

“It is an honor and privilege to share with Veterans their health and life goals and to see improvement in their lifestyle once those goals are achieved—Veterans like Bob Manness, who you just heard from.

“My most memorable patient was a WWII POW evaluation with his family. His medical records included the original Red Cross letter he wrote to his relatives from a POW camp in Germany during the war notifying them that he was still alive and doing well. We were successful in addressing all his needs to give him the care, support and comfort he’d earned under very difficult conditions.

“With the advent of the Patient Aligned Care Team model of delivering care at VA, the PACT team, we can now better assist Veterans and their families. My goal is to ensure they have access to primary care services.  

“The key to future excellent health care is a collaboration between VA care providers and Veterans with a goal of Veterans achieving their health goals and enhancing their quality of life. We have the tools and support with our PACT care model to achieve it. Please sign up with a PACT team as soon as possible so we can assist you.”