As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a time we are reminded to reflect on what we are thankful for. Many people think about things like, “I’m thankful for my family, my job, the roof over my head, my health.” While I, too, am thankful for those things, this message is to focus on my appreciation for the veterans who have served and helped secure the freedoms we all experience.

It is our honor and privilege to care for over 37,400 veterans in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Cheboygan, Clare, Gaylord, Grayling, Oscoda, Saginaw, and Traverse City. We continue to strive to provide the best health care and have improved access to telehealth and other services, including same-day service for primary care and mental health appointments. Our goal is to deliver exceptional care to our veterans and encourage them to “ChooseVA” for the health care and benefits they’ve earned. If you or a veteran you know are not currently enrolled in VA for care, I encourage you to reach out to a VA facility near you!

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and thank our VA employees. They are devoted, caring, and professional, which is evidenced through the positive feedback we receive on from veterans through a number of feedback venues.

I send this message with sincere gratitude for the service and sacrifices our veterans made for the freedom and liberties of our nation. I personally want to wish all of them and our staff a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.

BARBARA BATES,

Director, Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center