Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 08/20/2001

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
My recent visits to the VA Medical Center here in Washington, DC, created such a feeling of good will that I had to write you about my positive reception there. I am a 90% service-connected disabled veteran of World War II, but have always hesitated to utilize the VA Hospital system because of all the "horror" stories I have received about the poor quality of care and service.

My first visit in early June was for an MRI and I anticipated a difficult time finding a place to park. Well, I learned of an existing "Valet Parking" system where you drive up to the front door and they park and return the car to you! It took a total of about two minutes to park my car. In the hospital, my reception by all personnel was most courteous, timely, and very professional.

My second visit on July 17 resulted in the same pleasant parking situation, and very helpful and professional assistance. The staff was very friendly, and the neurologist that examined me was very understanding and professional. She recommended an appliance that had to be secured from a different office, and this also went very smoothly. And I obtained this helpful device from Prosthetics expeditiously. 

This story is important to me, because the VA hospital system has taken some bad raps. I would like to set the record straight, and compliment Medical Center director Mr. Garfunkel and his superb staff.

L.S.
Springfield, VA

Dear L.S.:
I am very happy to hear of your positive experience at the local VA Medical Center. One of the major issues facing the Washington VA had been the lack of sufficient parking. The Medical Center Director asked that a study be done to determine if valet parking would alleviate the problem. A parking facility study was conducted in January 2001. Some of the findings in the parking facility study included lack of parking space, vehicles parked on grass, poor traffic flow and under utilized spaces. During peak periods, patients/visitors could be seen waiting 30-45 minutes for a parking space. Many of the cars sat idle in the drive aisles waiting for a car to depart. Each day, approximately 5-8 cars were seen to be illegally parked in the patient and visitor parking area. Approximately 45-60 cars were parked on the grass each day and many cars were either parked in the wrong lot or did not display a permit on their vehicle.

Several recommendations were made to enhance the parking situation at the VA Medical Center. The recommendations included space/permit relocation, traffic flow modifications, and implementation of a free Valet Parking Service. On May 1, 2001, the VA Medical Center implemented a free valet parking service that would accommodate up to 250 cars per day. The Valet Parking Service is designated only for use by patients. The valet attendants greet veterans, take possession of keys and the vehicle and park the vehicle in the assigned parking area. Upon return of the vehicle owner, the attendant retrieves the vehicle from its parking space and delivers it to the owner at the front of the facility.

With the implementation of valet parking, there has been overwhelming positive feedback from veterans. The veterans like the idea and more are using the service. Since the implementation, more parking spaces have become available and the parking problems at the VA Medical Center, Washington, D.C., have essentially been resolved.

Dear Sgt Shaft:
You asked that I send you a few paragraphs on our mutual friend, Charles A. McAleer. Here they are: An Appreciation.

Charles A. McAleer was a big man with a big heart and when it came to veterans affairs he was involved BIG time. He died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on July 2, at the age of 82.

He served in the military for three decades, starting as a National Guardsman before being called to active duty in the Army in 1941. He participated in invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Italy and remained in service to assist General Mark Clark in a compilation of the history of the 5th Army. He was recalled to duty as a public affairs officer in Korea and for an Army field band in Europe. He retired as a major.

Charley, as we has affectionately called, started his journalism career as a copyboy at the Washington Star. Much of his time was covering police/fire beats. He put his writing style to good use, producing prolific newsletters for his beloved colleagues in military and civilian pursuits: the 78th Infantry Division, American Legion Post 20 (where he served many years as Commander and/or Adjutant), and later for the defunct Star alumni group.

Charley performed gallantly in all his after-work activities. He is remembered for his contributions to the National Press Club Fellowship and Publication Committees. Here he gave to both that extra effort, assisting in multi-faceted activities, lending a not e of encouragement, support, even condolence, as he supplied answers as well as vital benefits.

Charley was special in many ways. He was a true patriot in the full sense of the word. He was a friends, especially when in need. He was always there when called. Now he has been called for more important world. May he rest in peace.

John Cosgrove
Commander, American Legion Press Club Post No. 20

Dear John:
Charley was a hell of a news man and a wonderful, sharing, and caring veteran. I understand that Post No. 20 will be having a memorial service for Charley at the National Press Club sometime after Labor Day. Those wishing to participate in remembering Legionnaire McAleer should call John Cosgrove at the National Press Club, 202-662-7500.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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