News From the CDVA - Re: CA Wildfires

[boardman]

NEWS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
 
From the Desk of Secretary Tom Johnson:
 
The Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista was in the path of one of the San Diego County fires, called the "Harris" fire.  Thankfully, the fire did not reach far into Chula Vista, and the evacuation order for Chula Vista was lifted.  The Department’s first priority during this devastating event was to our patients, residents and staff.  The management teams at the Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista and the Veterans Home of California - Barstow did an outstanding job operating their Incident Command Posts (ICP) and preparing for, and carrying out, their responsibilities.  Our CalVet Home Loan Office was also engaged from the moment the first fire started monitoring the zip codes where fires were occurring to see if any CalVet Homeowners were in need of assistance.  My hat is off to all of the CDVA Team, including those at Headquarters who were monitoring the situation, for a job well done.  Printed below is the message Gil Acevedo, Administrator of the Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista, sent to his staff. 
 
Tom Johnson, Secretary
 

 
From the Desk of Administrator Gil Acevedo:
 
Chula Vista Staff:
 
I want to thank the staff for the great work and dedication during the recent fires in San Diego.  We are still waiting to know if everyone is OK and if your homes have made it through this very tragic event.  We got together and made it through this as a team!  I want to thank every single staff member for your dedication towards the mission and the residents.  I would also like to thank Maggie Hayko and the ICP for the long hours and devotion over the last few days.
 
I especially want to thank the Barstow Veterans Home staff who came to our aid and drove for 9 hours during very dangerous conditions to provide supplies, staff and a 30-passenger bus to us.  Lou (Administrator Louis Koff), you have a great staff, which I'm sure you are very proud of...your staff jumped right in and assisted our staff in many ways.  We in Chula Vista thank you for the great support!
 
We will be working on an after-action report.  If you have any input, please contact your Department Manager and bring your information forward.
 
Thanks again!
 
Gil