WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is recognizing 10 of its Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers for providing the highest quality of care to veterans.
These centers, formally designated “Vet Centers of Excellence,” were selected by an external panel of experts.
“Vet Centers make a difference for veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “As we’ve seen so tragically since September 11th, the lessons learned in Vet Centers have helped ordinary Americans touched by trauma.”
Vet Centers provide psychological counseling for military-related trauma, community outreach, case management and referral, plus supportive social services to veterans and family members. They welcome veterans back into their communities with honor by providing quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner.
There are 206 Vet Centers nationwide that annually serve more than 130,000 veterans and handle at least 900,000 visits from veterans and their family members. Since the first center opened in 1979, the Vet Centers have assisted more than 1.6 million veterans.
Vet Centers are open to all veterans who served in a combat zone or area of armed hostility. Vet Centers also provide counseling to veterans who experienced any form of sexual trauma while on active duty.
“These are the centers that have excelled in quality readjustment counseling services,” said Dr. Alfonso Batres, chief officer of VA Readjustment Counseling Service. “Their work is essential in providing the best quality care to our nation’s veterans.”
Recipients of the 2002 Vet Centers of Excellence
Robert Erwin, Team Leader Anchorage, Alaska, Vet Center
Cheryl Burgor, Team Leader Santa Cruz Vet Center Capitola, Calif.
Maria Crane, Team Leader St. Petersburg, Fla., Vet Center
Betsy Tolstedt, Team Leader Evanston, Ill., Vet Center
Gregory Burham, Team Leader Missoula, Mont., Vet Center
James Garrett, Team Leader Albany, N.Y., Vet Center
John Townsley, Team Leader Raleigh, N.C., Vet Center
Hilario Martinez, Team Leader San Antonio, Texas, Vet Center
Linda L. Parkes, Team Leader Spokane, Wash., Vet Center
Johnny Bragg, Team Leader Morgantown, W. Va., Vet Center
