Letter: Vets home will defeat problems

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.

I am keenly aware that the departure of some management staff at the Southern Nevada Veterans Nursing Home has generated public controversy. While I deeply regret this, I am confident that these changes are in the best interests of the state of Nevada and the military veterans residing at the nursing home.

I am grateful to the community of Boulder City, veterans' organizations, our nursing home staff and all others who have dedicated so much to the success of the nursing home.

I and the staff of the Southern Nevada Veterans Nursing Home take very seriously our obligation to provide competent and compassionate service to the military veteran who has put his life on the line for our country. With a capacity of 180, the $20 million facility affords quality care in a clean, home-like setting to over 40 residents who answered the call to arms.

It has been very gratifying for our nursing home staff to receive accolades from families of residents regarding the high standard of care received by their loved ones while living at the nursing home.

The Southern Nevada Veterans Nursing Home has faced many of the same challenges experienced by many other new long-term health care facilities. However, just as these other facilities have overcome these difficulties, I am very confident that with the cohesive, close-knit staff that has been developing, our veterans nursing home will also be successful.

CHUCK FULKERSON

Editor's note: The writer is a Vietnam veteran and director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.