Raoul Schander, 78, clutched a letter in his hands as he laid on the hospital bed preparing for transport to prep for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. As the surgeon greeted him, Schander handed him the letter and asked that he share it with the whole team.
“To my bypass surgery team. I probably will not be in any condition to thank each of you individually at the conclusion of this procedure, but I want you all to know that I have total and complete confidence in your expertise, competence and professionalism already demonstrated by all that has been done for me up to now and what is about to be completed. I feel very blessed to be receiving my medical care from the VA.”
An Army Veteran, Schander said, “I liked being a soldier.” He was stationed in Germany with the 32nd Signal Battalion from 1967-70. “When I think back on it, it was some of the best years of my life.”
Nothing like the care he has received from VA
Schander worked for over four decades in the private sector teaching management consulting and was covered by what he called several “Cadillac insurance plans.” But he said nothing gave him the thorough care and security that he has received from VA. Time at the medical center over the years also allowed him to witness top-notch leadership.
The letter to his bypass team at Minneapolis VA ended with, “I close my eyes this morning with respect, admiration and awe of your knowledge, dedication, skills, compassion and teamwork that in the end saves lives, many lives. Thank you for saving mine. With sincere respect and gratitude, Raoul E. Schander.”
Schander’s surgery went well. After recovering for a few days in the hospital, he was dressed and ready to go home when he was surprised with a farewell visit by his bypass surgery team (pictured above).
Schander’s surgery is one more example of why he tells everyone, “It’s the best medical care I’ve ever had.”
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VA delivers the care you have earned—whenever and wherever you need it.
I am a female veteran, serving from 1960 to 63 during the Cuban missile crisis. I have been going to the Southern Arizona VA for the past 33 years and have gotten absolutely outstanding care from the women’s clinic as well as the entire hospital! I really respect everything that the VA does for veterans!
VA Health Care is on par with providing world class care. The best possible! Thanks.
I don’t know why amongst some vets they believe the VA hospitals are not on par with civilian ones. As an SCI patient at the James A Haley hospital in Tampa I have received excellent medical care that went above my expectations from beginning to follow ups. Even my primary care doctor , Dr Cuneen never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge and insights to every ache, pain and condition I have. Didn’t start using the VA health system until 50 yrs leaving the service so I’ve dealt with a lot of considered ‘top notch Dr’s in the civilian world but his attention to details just blows me away. On a regular followup from another issue, he brought up that he knew of my emergency visit which I was not going to mention. He is fully prepped for my visits and doesn’t have to look for notes. He is awesome
I served in the USMC for three years, 1962-65, most of it in the Pacific theater. Never needed hospital care back then but since I’ve been in my 70’s and 80’s the old bod has started to tell me “you’re not 25 anymore, so take care of yourself.” I’ve been going to the VA hospital in Salem, Virginia for the last 15 years and have always been impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, the professionalism of their staff, their on-time performance and the expertise with which they use all of the equipment at their disposal – it’s a first class operation. A sincere “Thanks” to the Veteran’s Administration.
E.W. Scott
Please keep up with the good work. Can you please help me out I would like to know if I qualify for any kind of benefits please thank you very much I really appreciate
We as Veterans..do have the Best Healthcare in the Country to include our Pharmacy Teams
I don’t knows Mr Schandler but I echo his comments for the surgery I have just gone through