THE WARRIOR - Missouri Veterans Commission

See Me
Submitted by: Nicole Stone, Social
Services
What do you see, nurses, what
do you see?
Are you thinking, when you
look at me—
A crabby old man, not very
wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway
eyes,
Who dribbles his food and
makes no reply,
When you say in a loud voice—
“I do wish you’d try.”
Who seems not to notice the
things that you do,
And forever is losing a sock or a
shoe,
Who unresisting or not, lets you
do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the
long day to fill.
Is that what you’re thinking, is
that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse,
you’re looking at ME…
I’ll tell you who I am, as I sit
here so still;
As I rise at your bidding, as I eat
at your will.
I’m a small child of ten with a
father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love
one another,
A young boy of sixteen with
wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now a lover
he’ll meet;
The Warrior
A groom soon at twenty—my
heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I
promised to keep;
At twenty-five now I have young
of my own,
Who need me to build a secure,
happy home;
A man now of thirty, my young
now grow fast,
Bound to each other with ties
that should last;
At forty, my young sons have
grown and are gone,
But my wife’s beside me to see
I don’t mourn;
At fifty once more babies play
‘round my knee,
Again we know children, my
loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my
wife now is dead,
I look at the future, I shudder
with dread,
For my young are all rearing
young of their own,
And I think of the years and the
love that I’ve known;
I’m an old man now and nature
is cruel—
‘Tis her jest to make old age
look like a fool.
The body is crumbled, grace
and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where
once I had a heart,
But inside this old carcass a
young boy still dwells,
And now and again my battered
heart swells.
Spring 2011
I remember the joys, I remember
the pain,
And I’m loving and living life
over again,
I think of the years, all too
few—gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that
nothing can last—
So I open your eyes, nurses,
open and see,
Not a crabby old man, look
closer—see ME!
This poem was found among the
possessions of an elderly gentleman who
died in the geriatric ward of a hospital.
It seems as though he was someone who
had a very fulfilling life only to spend
his last days feeling discarded. Chances
are, residents of a nursing home did
not move there by choice, so they are
already experiencing some depression;
add to that possible dementia, leaving
some feeling disoriented and confused
about the time, the people and the
environment; and add to that, staff who
have their mind set on a schedule with
only a certain amount of time to provide
care to all of their assigned residents.
Put yourself in the shoes of the patient
or resident. They are someone’s
parent, child and grandchild; they are
a pharmacist, a professor and a farmer;
for many, WE are their family. The next
time you walk down the halls, if you
have a few extra minutes, stop in and
say hi, share a cup of coffee or simply
sit with someone who is not able to
communicate. They will remember that
someone made them feel important for a
few moments.
The Warrior is published quarterly by the Missouri Veterans Home - Mexico, MO. Anyone wishing a free subscription may contact
the Home at #1 Veterans’ Drive, Mexico, MO 65265 or by calling 573-581-1088 x 1286.
Larry D. Kay, Executive Director Cheryl Lybarger, Administrator Susan Paden, Editor/Typist

Above
King Doe Fort and Queen Leona
McKinney were crowned at the
Valentine’s Day Party.
Above:
Nicole Stone, Clinical
Caseworker, gets busy whipping
up some snow ice cream.
Below
The best thing about 18” of snow is SNOW
ICE CREAM! Residents on second floor
enjoyed snow ice cream and a bonus bowl of
snow to make snow balls!
Below -
Britt Small poses with
Washington Post #218 which
sponsored his musical visit.
Left:
Friends of Teddy Splitt perform
for the residents in the dining
room.

Felicia Thewlis, LPN, was selected December
2010 Employee of the Month. She was nominated for
her dedication to the Veterans and her job. She goes
the extra mile to make sure the Veterans get the care
they deserve. It is not uncommon for her to agree to
work an extra shift to cover staffing when needed.
Felicia always has a nice smile and a positive attitude.
Alicia Early, C.N.A., was selected January
2011 Employee of the Month. She was nominated
for her dedication to the Veterans and her job. She is
always willing to transport residents to and from local
and VA appointments when we get in a “crunch”. Alicia
has an overwhelming knowledge of specific resident
needs for almost any resident within the facility
and she is always willing to change her work schedule
if needed to accommodate resident needs. Alicia’s
New Employees
Kamber Kleinsorge, LPN 11/15
Angelia Walker, FSH I 12/07
Valerie Gibbons, NA I 12/20
Carrie Reetz, LPN 01/04
Raymond Iman, Chaplain 01/04
Julie Haynes, LPN III 01/15
Elisha Bennett, NA I 01/18
Ivy Bockenstedt, NA I 01/18
Nickie Lewis, NA I 01/18
Melissa Winterbower, NA I 01/18
Kami Loucks, NA I 02/08
Stacie Milner, NA I 02/08
Tiffany Tice, NA I 02/08
Amanda Waldmeier, NA I 02/08
Sarah Williams, NA I 02/08
Ashley Wormington, NA I 02/08
WELCOME TO ALL OF YOU!
Employee Corner
positive work ethics and willingness to help extends
to her time on the floor providing direct care to the
resident. She is a true asset to the facility.
Ronda Whelan, Storekeeper, was selected February
2011 Employee of the Month. She was nominated
for being an excellent employee. Ronda always
has adequate supplies on the floors for staff to use for
the Veterans when it is needed. She assist in keeping
the outside buildings neat and clean so inventory can
be easily taken.
All these employees were recognized at a reception
at which time they received a certificate of appreciation,
a $25 check, a certificate for a day off with
pay and a reserved parking place during the month.
FOOD DRIVE
We want to thank everyone that brought in food for
the food drive which was held during the month of
December. We set a goal of a quarter of a ton of nonperishable
food items which is 500 pounds and we
were able to collect 528.2 pounds with the help of
staff, residents, families and visitors. The food was
delivered to Laddonia Food Pantry and the Mexico
Help Center. Again, thanks for supporting those in
need.
MVH 2010 Employee of the Year
Jessica Wages, Receptionist, was recently
selected by her co-workers as the 2010
Employee of the Year. She has been an
employee at the facility since July 2000. A
reception was held in her honor at which
time she received a check for $100, a
certificate of appreciation and a certificate
for one paid day off. Congratulations,
Jessica!

New Residents
Mr. Chester “Chet” Williamson was
admitted on January 3, 2011 from Columbia,
MO as the 1229th resident. He
served in the U.S. Army from 1943
- 1946.
Mr. Thomas “Tom” Nichols was admitted
on January 5, 2011 from Paris,
MO as the 1230th resident. He served
in the U.S. Army from 1945 - 1946.
Mr. James “Jim” Swon was admitted
on January 6, 2011 from Mexico, MO
as the 1231st resident. He served in the
U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 - 1945.
Mr. Ralph Kiesling was admitted on
January 10, 2011 from Jefferson City,
MO as the 1232nd resident. He served
in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 - 1954.
Mr. George Pease was admitted on
January 20, 2011 from Mexico, MO as
the 1233rd resident. He served in the
U.S. Army from 1945 - 1946.
Mr. Frank Crabtree was admitted on
January 24, 2011 from Mexico, MO as
the 1234th resident. He served in the
U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 - 1945.
Mr. Chester “Chet” Sommers was
admitted on January 26, 2011 from
Mexico, MO as the 1235th resident.
WELCOME
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943
- 1956.
Mr. Ornan Sheets was admitted on
January 31, 2011 from Blue Springs,
MO as the 1236th resident. He served
in the U.S. Navy from 1953 - 1956.
Mr. Charles Byers was admitted on
February 16, 2011 from Fulton, MO as
the 1237th resident. He served in the
U.S. Army from 1942 - 1946.
Mr. Emmett Stolte was admitted on
February 22, 2011 from Hannibal, MO
as the 1238th resident. He served in
the U.S. Army from 1941 - 1945.
Mr. Robert “Bob” Pikey was admitted
on February 23, 2011 from Cedar Hill
as the 1239th resident. He served in
the U.S. Air Force from 1963 - 1969.
MVH
FAMILY DAY
Monday, July 4, 2011
Watch for more details to follow in
upcoming issues

Happy Birthday to you......
MARCH
Edward Kempker 03/08
Rebecca Smith 03/11
John Upton 03/13
Leona McKinney 03/19
Laymond Nichols 03/26
Perry Reams 03/28
Jim Jones 03/31
APRIL
Roger Seekins 04/01
Floyd Mullins 04/04
Sanford Tilton 04/06
Clarence Masterson 04/06
Richard Branstetter 04/08
Lewis Wilson, Jr. 04/10
Bloyce Williams 04/15
Robert Twitchell 04/20
Roy Ezell 04/21
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
Alzheimer Support Group -
March 16th at 1:30 p.m.
Resident Council - Wednesday,
March 16, 2011
Family Council - Saturday,
April 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
Angelo D”Angelo 04/21
Neal Hunter 04/22
Forrest Turner 04/27
Robert Romaker 04/28
MAY
Paul Taylor 05/04
Charles Ward 05/05
Roland Kemmerer 05/10
Hugh Curran 05/12
William Fruhwirht 05/18
Lloyd Wilson 05/21
Charles Goodnight 05/24
Veronica Sommers 05/28
Floyd Lawrence 05/29
Harry Bell 05/30
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EACH OF YOU!!!
CENSUS
WWII 81
KOREA 41
VIETNAM 26
PEACETIME 12
DESERT STORM 0
BOSNIA 01
ARMY 96
NAVY 32
AIR FORCE 16
MARINES 14
COAST GUARD 01
NATIONAL GUARD 02

MEXICO VETERANS
HOME SALUTES...
Angelo D’Angelo was recognized during the month
of December 2010 for his time he served in the U.S.
Army from 1946 - 1948. He was on the Assault
Team and spent a little over one year in Japan. After
his time in the service he returned to high school to
finish his education and then went to Washington
University for a year. Later he worked at the Army
Finance Center, the Laclede Gas Company and for
40 years with International Business Machines.
Congratulations and thank you Angelo!
Edward Kempker was recognized during the month
of January 2011 for his time served in the Navy
as a gunman and a cook. Ed served on the USS
Sergeant Banks while in WWII from 1943 - 1945. He
received numerous awards including a Pacific award
with 9 stars and the Philippians Ribbon and he also
entertained on the ship with Cowboy Copus. He was
a man of many trades after the service. He & his wife
built a lake in Moberly, called Big K Lake, which
they stocked for fishing, he drove trucks for several
companies and he even sold pinball machines, pool
tables and other games to taverns. Thank you Ed and
congratulations!
Teddy Splitt was recognized during the month
of February 2011 for his time served in the U.S.
Army from 1957 - 1959. He also served in the
Army National Guard for 29 1/2 years as a Military
Policeman and a Criminal Investigator. After he
retired from the Army National Guard, he served
in the Army National Reserves as a Chief Warrant
Officer III for ten years. When asked what he and his
wife did after he retired, Teddy smiled and said, “We
went to see a lot of doctors.” Thank you Teddy for
your service and congratulations.

We say farewell to:
Mr. Paul Sanderson on January 2, 2011.
He was admitted on June 25, 2008 as the
1116th resident. Mr. Sanderson served
in the U.S. Marines from 1950 - 1951.
Mr. John “Mike” McGannon on January
5, 2011. He was admitted on January
29, 2007 as the 820th resident. Mr. Mc-
Gannon served in the U.S. Army from
1958 - 1962.
Mr. Clarence “Popeye” Haworth on
January 6, 2011. He was admitted on
April 3, 2008 as the 1097th resident.
Mr. Haworth served in the U.S. Army
from 1942 - 1945.
Mr. Bernard “Bernie” Wahl on January
15, 2011. He was admitted on March
18, 2002 as the 791st resident. Mr. Wahl
served in the U.S. Army from 1942 -
1945.
Mr. Robert “Bob” Wise on January 17,
2011. He was admitted on March 2,
2009 as the 1151st resident. Mr. Wise
served in the U.S. Army from 1946 -
1948.
Mr. Noble “Dean” Herbst on January
TAPS
21, 2011. He was admitted on September
30, 2010 as the 1217th resident. Mr.
Herbst served in the U.S. Army from
1941 - 1946.
Mr. Lee Bross on January 27, 2011. He
was admitted on October 16, 2007 as the
1052nd resident. Mr. Bross served in
the U.S. Army from 1966 - 1968.
Mr. Clyde Powderly on February 13,
2011. He was admitted on June 18,
2008 as the 1115th resident. Mr. Powderly
served in the U.S. Army from
1946 - 1947.
Mr. Frank Crabtree on February 16,
2011. He was admitted on January 24,
2011 as the 1234th resident. Mr. Crabtree
served in the U.S. Air Force from
1943 - 1945.
Mr. Charles Byers on February 17, 2011.
He was admitted on February 16, 2011
as the 1237th resident. Mr. Byers served
in the U.S. Army from 1942 - 1946.
Mr. Jack Sargent on February 21, 2011.
He was admitted on June 3, 2010 as the
1205th resident. Mr. Sargent served in
the U.S. Army from 1945 - 1947.

MEMORIALS
In loving memory of Rita Braloski: Nadine
Earls, Mary Brown, St. Louis Service Women’s
Post #404
In loving memory of David Scott: Dianne
Schmitz, Beverly Jo Forderhase & Family,
Nedra Conboy
In loving memory of Doris Rolle: Boone
Electric Coop
In loving memory of Frank Andres: Office
of Aviation Forces, Dorad-US Northcom/IC,
Susan Andres, Lana Upton, Mr. & Mrs. Fred
McAdams, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Rndoff
In loving memory of Clarence Haworth:
Dewey & Sandy Qualls, John & Susan Qualls,
Linda Qualls, Tim & Dolly Jesse, Mexico
Public Schools, Kent & Susan Harness
In loving memory of Dean Herbst: Carolyn
& Gary Hahn & Family, Harry Durbin, Walter
& Bette Sewell
In loving memory of Boydton Sudbrock:
Jerre Ann & John Sudbrock
In loving memory of Don Daly: EAA Mid
MO Chapter 1225
In loving memory of Jimmy Admire: Wayne
& Kathy McCluggage
In loving memory of Elsworth Smith: Mary
& Richard Riley
In loving memory of Wilber “Smitty” Smith:
Randall & Belle Smith
In loving memory of Harold Kaiser: Arlie &
Pattie Reinwald
In loving memory of Anna Utterback: Harry
Durbin
In loving memory of David Scott: Diane &
Jerry Valentine
In loving memory of Wilbert Groppe: New
Haven American Legion Post #366
“NOTES FROM HOME”
Hello to Everyone at the MO Veterans Home -
I can’t believe it has been over a month now that my
mother passed, so sorry, this note is long overdue.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for
providing the wonderful healthcare for R.B. We are
so thankful that she was there in Mexico with you
folks, R. was so happy there, she was exactly where
she was supposed to be. We hope P. is getting along
O.K. without R.--
Mom’s funeral was nothing short of spectacular, VFW
#404 & the U.S. Navy provided Military Honors and
her Waves group were her pallbearers. Thank you all
again, when I get up in your neighborhood, I’m going
to stop in for a visit.
T.B.
To the Nurses and Staff of the V.A.
On behalf of the H. family we send our gratitude for
the quality care you gave our Dad during his residence
there. It is so appreciated.
And thank you too for the pot of coffee and your
graciousness toward our reception after the services.
We extend our thanks and gratitude for all involved.
Sincerely,
L.D. & C. W.
To the Mexico Veterans’ Home -
Thank you for the excellent care, which my brother
received at your home.
You made the last few months of his life very pleasant
and he was always complimentary about everything.
Please accept this small donation in his memory. I
would like it to go to the Volunteer Program.
Sincerely,
Mrs. W.S.
Dear Staff of the Missouri Veterans’ Home -
We want to express our appreciation for the wonderful
care you gave to M. during his years at the Missouri
Veterans’ Home.
We can’t thank you enough for the loving way in
which he was cared for. It was so important to us that
he was able to spend his final years in such a caring
environment, with such a high standard of care.
Thank you again from the bottom our hearts.
Sincerely,
The Family of M.M.

DONATIONS
General:
Melba Hoffmister & Charles Vaughn $ 100.00
Mexico Missouri Chapter DAR 49.10
American Legion Auxiliary #34 5.00
American Legion Auxiliary #200 127.14
Tommy Bill VVA Memorial Chapter #833 200.00
Montgomery VFW Memorial Post #4436 300.00
The Survivors VVA #70 619.99
Humphrey Schwerdt VFW Post #2180 250.00
Thoman Boothe American Legion Post #338 2250.00
St. Charles American Legion Post #312 50.00
VFW Post #6276 50.00
Dennis Pendergrass 10.00
Lawrence Portwood 100.00
Martinsburg Bank 100.00
American Legion Auxiliary #347 150.00
William & Doris Griffin 100.00
Dorothy Walser 25.00
Indigent:
Ernest K. Gerhardt VFW Auxiliary #5923 $ 300.00
Adair VFW Post #2508 30.00
VFW Post #5923 300.00
American Legion Auxiliary #297 30.00
Special Project - Bus:
Leona McKinney $ 50.00
Daniel Boone American Legion Post #180 50.00
American Legion Auxiliary #366 175.00
American Legion Auxiliary #34 150.00
American Legion Auxiliary #424 50.00
American Legion Auxiliary #42 25.00
New Haven American Legion Post #366 5.00
Eolia Memorial VFW Post #4539 10,000.00
Joice Hesse 153.00
American Legion Hubbel Paris Post #510 642.00
Sons of the American Legion Squadron #366 200.00
Asa & Virginia Zumalt 50.00
Vernon Henry 50.00
American Legion Post #552 1560.38
Poppa Wheelie’s 2456.65
Cheer Baskets:
American Legion Auxiliary #34 $ 7.50
American Legion Auxiliary #424 20.00
American legion Auxiliary #366 25.00
Coffee:
American Legion Auxiliary #34 $ 7.50
American Legion Auxiliary #424 15.00
American Legion Auxiliary #366 25.00
Dollar Bills:
American Legion Auxilairy #34 $ 5.00
American Legion Auxiliary #366 12.50
American Legion Auxiliary #424 15.00
Bingo:
J.T. Ferrier $ 25.00
Janet Trainor 4.00
Annoymous 40.00
VFW Post #2657 25.00
VFW Auxiliary #2657 25.00
VFW Post & Auxiliary #4088 40.00
VFW Post #2173 25.00
VFW Auxiliary #2173 25.00
Annoymous 40.00
Bill McIntosh 228.25
Activities:
Mexico Elks Lodge #919 $ 140.00
Grand Lodge of the Elks 200.00
Bowlers to Veterans Link 800.00
Road Riders for Jesus 140.00
VVA #393 100.00
Medical Supplies:
DAV Charitable Service Trust $ 7500.00
New Haven American Legion Post #366 $ 2000.00
Staff Activity:
Lois Sublett $ 50.00
Doe Fort 100.00
Walter Arcynski 300.00
Sue, Roland & Gary Kemmerer 10.00
Phillip & Elizabeth Clark 25.00
Lewis & Minta Wilson 100.00
Bill & Barbara Lingle 50.00
Ron & Ann Marquette 20.00
Ed Kempker Sr., Bettie & Eddie Wingate 100.00
John & Jane Fitzgerald 100.00
Joyce Janis, M..L. & J.E. Stephenson 25.00
Barbara Fisher 50.00
Donald & Peggy Ancell 25.00
Joan Enloe 10.00
Joe Tate 200.00
Sally Naysmith 50.00
Steven Oppy 200.00
Carl & Charlotte Acton 40.00
Lawrence Thomas 50.00
Dorothy Jones 30.00
Anthony & Patricia Namlick 50.00
Margaret Rieken 50.00
Rosemary Augustine 50.00
Harold Wilson 100.00
Lou Ann Goodnight 200.00
Christmas Gift Shop:
Hurley Lee Spicer American Legion Auxiliary $ 25.00
American Legion Auxiliary #200 117.50
BBQ:
VFW Post #35 $ 350.00
Christmas:
Grand of MO running Bare MOCA #5 $ 50.00
American Legion Auxiliary #349 250.00
James Kallenbach 50.00
MacDouglass-Lowe Auxiliary 100.00
40/8 Voiture 292, MO 1000.00
Barbara Fisher 50.00
Les Singer VFW Memorial Post #10687 100.00
VFW Post #4182 100.00
DAVA #43 60.00
Lincoln County VFW Post #8828 250.00
Lincoln County VFW Auxiliary #8828 50.00
American Legion Auxiliary #174 250.00
Adopt-a-Vet:
Hermann VFW Auxiliary #4182 $ 25.00
Champ Clark Memorial VFW Auxiliary #5553 30.00
Vandalia VFW Auxiliary #2173 50.00
VFW Auxiliary #4182 25.00
Adair VFW Post #2508 30.00
VFW Auxiliary #9064 45.00

NEW MVH Staff
Phone Directory
Missouri Veterans’ Home Phone # 573-581-1088
Missouri Veterans’ Home Fax # 573-581-5356
Clinic Phone # 573-581-9630
Clinic Fax # 573-581-0315
PLEASE NOTE NEW EXTENSION NUMBERS
Adams, Don - Engineer 1241
Allen, Susan - Nursing Scheduler 1252
Ames, Teresa - Environmental Serv. 1287
Baldwin, Linda - Personnel 1254
Benne, Marlene - Staff Devel. Coord. 1262
Bledsoe-Sutton, Cherie - Adm. Coord. 1253
Britton, Doris - Physical Therapy 1259
Bybee, Carolyn - 2nd Floor Unit Mgr 1289
Clay, Teresa - 1st Floor Unit Mgr 1291
Davidson, Rita, LPN, Social Services 1273
Ezell, Brenda - Asst. Administrator 1283
Farnen, Jeanie - C.I.T. 1255
Flowers, Marisa - Supv. Health Info. 1264
Gore, Ken - Veterans Serv. Officer 1258
Kuda, Kathy - Medical Records 1260
Lybarger, Cheryl - Administrator 1251
Maggard, Nicole - Activity Aide 1295
McCluggage, Kathy - Accountant 1256
McManus, Matthias - Barber 1276
Paden, Susan - Volunteer Serv. 1286
Reimann, Darrin - Recreation Ther. 1271
Shirley, Carol - M.D.S. Coord. 1302
Smithee, Stacie, Dir. Social Services 1265
Stevenson, Patrick - D.N.S. 1263
Stewart, Bonnie - Account Clerk 1257
Stone, Nicole - Social Services 1272
Vanderhook, Phylliss - 3rd Fl. Unit Mgr. 1267
Wages, Jessica - Receptionist 1250
Westerman, Gary - Supply Mgr. 1279
Whelan, Heather - Time Keeper 1301
Whelan, Ronda - Storekeeper I 1280
Winkelman, Kathy - Activity Therapist 1270
Young, Sandy - Food Serv. Mgr. 1278
1st Floor Nurses Station 1221
2nd Floor Nurses Station 1222
3rd Floor Nurses Station 1223
Missouri Veterans Commission,
Department of Public Safety &
State of Missouri Employee of the
Month Announcements
Missouri Capitol Police Sgt. Kent Walker was selected as the November,
2010 Employee of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Sgt.
Walker was selected for this award for assisting local law enforcement with
the apprehension of a burglary suspect. Sgt. Walker’s awareness of his surroundings
and local law enforcement radio traffic deferred the matter from
developing into a potentially dangerous situation. Congratulations, Sgt.
Walker!!
Tracy Rosenow, Admissions Coordinator within Missouri Veterans Commission
- St. James Veterans Home was selected as the December, 2010 Employee
of the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Tracy was selected
for this award for her outstanding performance in fulfilling the responsibilities
of her position. During the time frame in which admissions at the St.
James Veterans Home were placed on hold due to upcoming construction,
Tracy faced a significant change to her normal schedule; however, remained
productive by offering her assistance to help wherever she could. Tracy
accepted a multitude of projects including assisting the St. Louis Veterans
Home with their admissions on several occurrences. While accomplishing
the extra tasks and projects, Tracy also maintained the St. James Veterans
Home admissions waiting list and ensured that the Veterans were appropriately
assisted throughout the admissions process as well as kept informed of
their status on the respective list. Congratulations, Tracy!!
Corbin Hottel, Activity Aide I within the Missouri Veterans Commission
– Cameron Veterans Home was selected as the January, 2011 Employee of
the Month for the Department of Public Safety. Corbin was selected for this
award for his outstanding performance in fulfilling the responsibilities of his
position. Corbin has been recognized as being kind, courteous and helpful
not only in assisting residents, but also in lending assistance at events within
the various departments of the Cameron Veterans Home. While there are
countless instances in which Corbin demonstrates this compassion, a specific
example to provide is when Corbin drove a Veteran 240 miles across state
lines so that the Veteran could attend the funeral visitation of a loved one
who had passed away. Congratulations, Corbin!!
Mary Johnson, Physical Therapy Aide at the Missouri Veterans Home – St.
Louis, was selected as the December 2010 Missouri Veterans Commission
Employee of the Month. Mary was recognized for her outstanding performance
as a Physical Therapy Aide II. Mary has worked at the St. Louis
home for fifteen years, starting out as a CNA and worked her way up through
Physical Therapy Aide I to her current position. Mary is also recognized as
hard working and caring individual. An example of this is when she initiated
an Award Certificate program for the Veterans on her restorative caseload.
Initially funded out of her own pocket, Mary awards Veterans with a certificate
if they work hard on their assigned tasks. When they get five certificates,
Mary rewards them with a canteen ticket book, also funded out of her own
pocket. Once the management learned of this great initiative, the facility took
over the costs involved. Congratulations, Mary!!
Alisa Davis, Admissions Coordinator at the Missouri Veterans’ Home - St.
Louis was selected as the January 2011 Missouri Veterans Commission Employee
of the Month. Alisa is being recognized primarily for her outstanding
performance as Admissions Coordinator. Her dedication and excellent
service to the residents started in 2005 as a night shift CNA on the Special
Care Unit. She then advanced on the staffing department, timekeeping, and
then Assistant to the Director of Nursing before taking her current position
as Admissions Coordinator. Alisa works tirelessly to assure census numbers
are incompliance with MVC directives and that the admissions process runs
smoothly for the new residents. In addition to her duties as Admissions
Coordinator, Alisa takes time to assist other departments and areas to make
sure the residents have the first class service they deserve. Congratulations,
Alisa!!

LOST & FOUND
The following items have been found inside or outside the
facility:
*Gold Vietnam War coin
*Remington electric razor in black case
*Hearing aid in blue velvety case
*”Police looking” black glasses
*Women’s gold watch with hearts on band and face
*Carriage women’s silver and gold watch with round face
*Black bag with the words “Music=Life” in white
*Key found in women’s locker room
*Silver Samsung “Sprint” cell phone
*Teal/brown “Gap” handbag
*Black and white checkered scarf
*Burgundy/tan “leather look” women’s gloves
If you believe any of these items might belong to you or a
resident please contact Social Services.
*One resident is missing a black “Veteran” hat...it has gold stitching
*One resident is missing his electric razor (believed to be Remington
brand)
If either of the above items are found, please return to Social
Services so they can be given back to the rightful owner.
******
A Note from Social Services
Hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of winter. As
spring approaches, it is time for our annual satisfaction
survey. Family satisfaction surveys were mailed out on
February 15, 2011 and resident surveys will be completed
the first week of March. Results will be calculated
and sent to the Missouri Veterans Commission to be
included in the yearly report for legislature. Results will
also be available to residents and families in the main
lobby in May 2011. We hope to validate current service
quality and gain ideas for improvements over the coming
year. Thank you for your participation and ongoing
support of Missouri Veterans’ Home.
Stacie Smithee, LCSW
FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR
CHERYL LYBARGER
A beautiful sight, a profound inconvenience, surreal, amazing,
regardless of how you describe it, mother nature blanketed our
area with 18 inches of snow. Thanks to the dedicated staff at
Missouri Veterans Home, committed to meeting the needs of
the Veterans we serve, it was business as usual. Well actually,
it was more like a party, for most of us. Although, if you asked
the maintenance department, I imagine they would disagree.
Staff from all departments hunkered down and remained on site
overnight, pitching in to help wherever needed. Our maintenance
department worked relentlessly to clear the parking lot and drive.
Our Plant Maintenance Engineer, Director of Nursing Services
and staff member Susan Allen’s husband, Bobby, provided taxi
service locally to assist staff in getting to and from work. Veterans
and staff all kept a smile on their faces and made the best of the
situation, most described it as being a really awesome experience.
The resident’s thoroughly enjoyed playing cards with staff in to
the evening hours and spending time with them on a different
level. The main concern expressed by a couple of Veterans was
whether or not the kitchen staff made it in and they were pleased
to know the Food Service Manager, Sandy Young and Cook III,
JoAnn Gregg bunked down in the Administration offices for the
night. There were nurses scattered everywhere, what a blessing.
And that Environmental Services Director, Teresa Ames,
instead of sleeping, she stayed up all night doing laundry. I can
tell you the next morning that Scheduler Susan Allen, Admission
Coordinator Cherie Bledsoe-Sutton and Assistant Administrator
Brenda Ezell wished that she slept, because they folded mounds of
laundry. These are just a few examples of MVH staff’s commitment.
I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate what each
and every staff member did to ensure the needs of our Veterans
were served during this, “I’ll describe it as, “a very stressful time
for our Administrator”.
Unrelated to the snowstorm, but significant to mention, Missouri
Veterans Home received our Survey results in January and I am
pleased to report that the Survey team did not identify any deficiencies.
The federal survey team conducted an annual visit from
October 19-22, 2010. The purpose of the annual survey was to
ensure the Home’s compliance with federal regulatory standards,
results of the in-depth survey found the Home to be in full compliance
with all 157 federal regulations. A deficiency free survey is
a rare accomplishment for any skilled nursing center. Way to go
Missouri Veterans Home Staff.
*******

Hotel MVH - February 1, 2011
What happens when Mother Nature blankets Mexico with 18 inches of snow? Missouri Veterans’ Home
employees get blankets (and mattresses) of their own and have a slumber party! While area citizens prepared
for the storm, MVH employees turned their attention to meeting the needs of the Veterans. Several employees
volunteered to come in early, stay late, and even sleep at the Home to insure continuity of essential services.
Laundry supplied linen, maintenance brought in mattresses, and dietary prepared to feed hungry workers.
While the weather became treacherous outside, a feeling of warmth and camaraderie spread throughout the
Home. Cards were produced for a friendly game of Pitch among staff and residents, mattresses were placed in
available offices, and maintenance labored to keep the parking lot and driveway of MVH safe. If they weren’t
spreading salt or shoveling a sidewalk, the maintenance crew was providing transportation to and from work
for employees who would have otherwise been stranded by the storm. The residents, meanwhile, checked on
employees to make sure everyone had a chance to eat, to rest, and to have a safe trip home. A sense of “family”
was very apparent in the actions of everyone involved.
Supervisor of Volunteer Services, Susan Paden, said that she stayed overnight because “In 1995 when we had
a similar storm, my children were at home while I was stranded in town. Now that my children are grown, I
thought that if I stayed to help, another mother might get the chance to leave and be with her children.” Rachel
McGrew, LPN, came off of vacation to make sure there was adequate staffing and ended up staying the night.
Jeremiah Hays, RN/Shift Supervisor, was scheduled to work 4 hours but stayed for 16. MVH Barber Matthias
McManus worked through the night to clear snow from the parking lot. Plant Maintenance Engineer Don
Adams was the chief taxi driver for all shifts. He stayed two nights at MVH and made numerous trips onto the
treacherous streets to transport staff. Scheduler Susan Allen’s husband, Bobby, even got involved by helping
out with transportation. Others who stayed overnight at “Hotel MVH” include: Leonard & Diana Williams,
Sheri Lovelace, Carolyn Bybee, Tami Grawe, Phylliss Vanderhook, Tina Huntington, Linda Day, Karen
Brandenburg, Brenda Durham, Lou & Teresa Ames, Vonda Chase, Alicia Early, Melinda Berrey, Mandy Totten,
Anne Vines, Amber Eisenhauer, Marlene Benne, Sandra Young, JoAnn Gregg, Tonya Horton, Joe Secrease,
Richard Berrey (2 nights), Crystal Fields, Gary Westerman, Joshua Rottmann, Cheryl Lybarger, Brenda Ezell,
Susan Paden and Patrick Stevenson.
An uncontrolled weather event such as this can be seen as a crisis by some. For the staff and residents of MVH,
however, it was seen as a chance to shine. Many employees came in early, stayed late, worked on their day
off to fill the role necessary to meet resident needs. Although they are not named individually, their efforts are
noted and appreciated.
The author of this article did not take advantage of the accommodations of Hotel MVH. She does, however,
feel a sense of pride in knowing that the people she works with care so much about serving those who have
served.
Left:
Melinda Berrey, LPN, Diana Wiliams,
RN, and Vonda Chase, ward clerk,
watch TV in the Activity Room.
Right:
Teresa Ames, Environmental
Services Director, keeps busy
cleaning.

Hotel MVH - February 1, 2011
Above:
Staff members Gary Westerman,
Sandra Young, and JoAnn Gregg play
cards with residents Bruce Wilson,
LaMont Wortmann and Harry Durbin.
Above:
An exhausted Administrator
Cheryl Lybarger expressed
thanks to all who worked
through the blizzard.
Below:
Resident Charlie Goodnight plays
dominoes with staff members Tami
Grawe, Sherri Lovelace and Tonya
Horton. CNA Alicia Early and her son
Jaren joined in the friendly game as did
RN Diana Williams.
Below:
While the weather outside was
frightful, staff and residents worked
to take care of each other inside the
warm walls of MVH.

Culture, change what??
Submitted by - Marlene Benne, Staff Development Coordinator
Culture change, a term that will become a household word at the Mexico Veteran’s Home
as we embark on a journey with staff, residents and families to transform our facility from
institutional care to an environment in which each veteran can live their life in a satisfying,
meaningful manner. Long term care is determined to change society’s perception of life in
a care facility as being a custodial existence, to life in a care facility being an extension of
home and all that the term home means to each of us.
Here in Mexico we are in the infancy of our culture change journey, exploring
possibilities, gathering information, and learning all we can. On January 27, 2011 a small
group traveled to Jefferson City to participate in a national webinar entitled “Artifacts
of Culture Change.” The webinar was facilitated by advocates for culture change in the
long term care industry. The education focused on a data information tool, “Artifacts
of Culture Change”. The tool has five sections; care practices, environment, family and
community, leadership, workplace practices, staffing outcomes and occupancy. Each
section has specific measurable outcomes, 79 in total.
Mexico’s culture change journey actually began in October of 2010. The Mexico
leadership team came together and completed the “Culture Change Tool” and scored
264 points out of the 580 possible. From that tool, the leadership team selected topics
(artifacts) for improvement. Some of the changes you may have noticed, or heard talked
about. Overhead paging was eliminated to reduce noise. Assignments are changing to
improve continuity of care through consistent staffing. A special project was selected for
2011 to remodel and rename the therapy room and upgrade equipment. As the leadership
team was further educated in the culture change process, a Culture Change Steering
Committee was selected. The Steering Committee has representatives from various
departments, many of which are front line staff, and is meeting weekly to keep the culture
transformation moving forward. The Steering Committee also developed a Learning
Circle which has assigned Stacie Smithee to gather information from the residents and
front line staff about the consistent staffing mode. The Learning Circle reported to the
steering committee that staff and residents are in favor of development of the consistent
staffing model.
Changing a culture does not happen overnight but like any journey it starts with a plan and
then the first step. We believe there are many things that can positively impact the lives of
the veteran’s who call this home. Home, a place you can decorate, and participate in the
task you enjoy. Home, a place where you can make decisions about when to get up, nap,
eat, bathe, and go to bed. Home, not a place to exist, a place where you love to LIVE!
They’ll Never Forget How You Made Them
Feel
By: Angela Lunde
Recently, Amy wrote she cares for her father who
has Alzheimer’s. Although Amy’s mother has passed away,
Amy’s father doesn’t understand why his wife isn’t around. He
continually asks, “Have you seen Mom?” Amy shared that she
has to tell him every time that she’s gone. “For my Dad it’s like
he’s losing her over and over,” Amy wrote.
Although Amy’s father may not be cognitively aware
of the loss, he does sense that something isn’t right. Yet, as Amy
points out, telling him each time that his wife has died is like
hearing it for the first time for her father. Consequently, he feels
profound sadness, probably confusion, or even anger, over and
over again.
If Amy’s father was able to retain the information
that his wife had died, then of course he would need to be
told. However, when we accept that Alzheimer’s is a disease
of profound memory loss, we can come to appreciate that
repeating information that only elicits painful emotions may be
unnecessary.
Although I completely understand Amy’s desire to
talk honestly with her father, I’m an advocate for validating the
feelings of loss in a person with Alzheimer’s without instigating
further pain or grief.
An alternative way of responding in Amy’s situation
could be something like this: “Dad, I can tell you are worried,”
This statement validates his emotions. “Mom has been a
wonderful wife and mom! Dad, I remember the time...(insert a
good memory, or funny story...)
These words begin to shift the emotion from feeling
worried to felling understood, thus shifting her father’s attention
to happier times. Amy and her father may now be able to engage
in an enjoyable conversation about the past.
An interesting study on emotions in person with memory
loss was conducted at the University of Iowa and published
earlier this year in “Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences.”
Individuals with memory loss watched clips of both
happy and sad movies. Although the participants couldn’t recall
even one detail about what they had watched, they each retained
the emotions elicited by the clips.
Happy movies left lingering happy emotions in the
persons with memory loss and sad movies left them feeling sad
long after the movie was over.
During the holidays, you might wonder if it really
matters whether you visit someone with Alzheimer’s since
the person will forget you were there. This study underscores
that while the visit may be forgotten almost immediately, the
emotions created by the visit may stay behind long after you’ve
left.
Amy, may you and your father find comfort and pleasure
in your times together.
“They may forget what you said, they may forget what
you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -
Maya Angelou

Above
Lottie and John Schindler
enjoyed time together at the
Valentine’s Day Party.
Above:
Residents join in singing to begin church
services led by Rev. Doug Good.
Left:
Receptionist
Jessica
Wages
strikes a
pose for the
camera!
Above
LPN Rachel McGrew stops to give
Charlie Goodnight a hug.
Below
Kathy Winkelman, Activity
Therapist, facilitates “Move &
Groove” with the residents of
second floor.

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Mexico, MO
Permit No. 244
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Missouri Veterans’ Home
1 Veterans Drive
Mexico, MO 65265
We are constantly updating our mailing list. Please
let me know if you move or change addresses, if you
are receiving more than one copy of the newsletter, if
you no longer want a copy or if you know of someone
who would like to be added to the mailing list just call
573-581-1088 ext. 1286 or e-mail susan.paden@mvc.
dps.mo.gov