For Release: September 18, 2002
Contact: DMS Communications (603) 650-1492

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White River Junction VA Recognized for Quality Achievement

Hanover, NH -- White River Junction VA Medical and Regional Office Center (VAM&ROC) was recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs with a 2002 Robert W. Carey Quality Achievement Award. The national honor was presented at the award symposium and ceremony last week in Washington DC to Gary De Gasta, director of the White River Junction facility, and colleagues.

"This award would not be possible without our employees and is the direct result of the extraordinary dedication, loyalty and commitment of all our employees," De Gasta said.

"The Carey Award is a tribute to the outstanding commitment of the White River Junction VA to excellence in health care and service," said Ethan Dmitrovsky, MD, acting dean of Dartmouth Medical School. "The VA is an integral and valued partner of Dartmouth Medical School, enriching the stature of our programs in education, scholarship and patient care. Most importantly, this partnership permits us to serve our veterans and our region."

Vermont's federal legislators extended their congratulations. Sen. Patrick Leahy in a letter said, "This prestigious award clearly demonstrates how you have made White River Junction VA Medical Center one of the finest hospitals in the veterans' health care system...You have guaranteed that once a veteran steps through the door they know they will receive the best, most efficient care available anywhere."

Sen. James Jeffords, who serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said: "I am extremely pleased that the White River Junction VA has been recognized for the Carey Award, the most prestigious award given by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It's no secret to those of us in Vermont that we have one of the best veterans' health care networks in the country, with top quality care, efficient staff and great management. It's very nice to know that the rest of the country has noticed! Let me extend my congratulations to all the staff of the White River Junction VA for this fine achievement."

Congressman Bernard Sanders shared, "My congratulations to the staff of the White River Junction VA Center for the excellent quality work they do on behalf of Vermont's veterans. All Americans owe our veterans a deep debt of gratitude, and you are helping us to repay that debt."

The VAM&ROC will celebrate its accomplishment with a picnic luncheon on September 20 for staff, stakeholders and volunteers.

For further information contact: Evelyn Beck, (802) 296-5163

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