Propaganda alert: VA Center Greets Returning Reservists With Open Arms

[unhappycamper]

VA Center Greets Returning Reservists With Open Arms
09/04/2007 - American Forces Information Service (AFIS)
By Fred W. Baker III



WASHINGTON -

When Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Timothy Stoeckle deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004, he never heard a word from his employer -- not a card, note or thank you.

He eventually left that job and went to work for the Wilmington Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Delaware. Since taking that job, he has again gotten the call to serve, and the difference has been like night and day, Stoeckle said.

Cards, e-mails and care packages of support were constant during his most recent 120-day deployment to Afghanistan, he said. He was shown the same support when he was activated following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“They always said, ‘If you need anything, just ask,’” Stoeckle said. “It’s just comforting to know that folks back home care about you.”

As a way of saying thanks, Stoeckle nominated his employer for the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, and the center was among 15 businesses and organizations selected to receive this year’s award. The annual award honors businesses and organizations that provide exemplary support for their employees in the Guard or reserves.

~snip~

Wilmington VA Medical Center officials will accept the Freedom Award during a formal ceremony here Sept. 12.

[4_TN_TITANS]

1. What?

The government giving itself an award???

[NYVet]

2. It happens all the time. It is called a raise.

And Congress manages to get themselves one quite often.