[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 12 (Thursday, January 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S335-S336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING RICKI CHANDRINOS

 Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, it isn't very often that we 
encounter an angel walking among us. However, Ms. Ricki Chandrinos was 
most certainly that. She was a tireless advocate working on behalf of 
veterans in our community, and her commitment to them will not soon be 
forgotten.
  It wasn't until the love of her life, John Chandrinos, her husband of 
35 years, began battling a terminal illness that she became 
passionately involved with the inner workings of the Veterans Affairs 
medical system. She muddled through the bureaucratic red tape to ensure 
that he received the care and benefits that he so richly deserved after 
defending the freedoms of our country for so many years. Tragically, 
her husband lost his battle, but her passion for America's heroes 
remained.
  After moving to Las Vegas, following the death of her husband, she 
found her calling late in life. Ricki became deeply involved with the 
veterans living within her neighborhood, Siena. It is estimated that 
she personally assisted about 500 of our Nation's most heroic citizens, 
but she undoubtedly touched more hearts than that during her lifetime.

[[Page S336]]

  This extraordinary woman educated herself on VA policy in order to 
provide the best assistance to these men and women and went so far as 
to accompany many of them to the VA to ensure that they were served as 
thoroughly as possible. However, she knew that this wasn't enough for 
her and that she could serve these veterans even more.
  Ricki arranged for speakers from the VA, American Legion, Disabled 
American Veterans, State of Nevada, and others to address the members 
of the Siena Veterans Club. Ricki knew that she would not rest until 
she had served the needs of these veterans, and serve them she did.
  Ricki left this Earth for a place much better, but her time on Earth 
was heaven-sent for all those whose lives she touched. She began her 
advocacy by her husband's side, and she has finished this tireless 
crusade to be by his side once again.

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