[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 13, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S697-S698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ARIZONA VA MEDICAL STAFF

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, on January 31, one of the most unique and 
interesting individuals I have ever known passed away while receiving 
hospice care at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. He was my 
brother-in-law, Joe McQuaid, a 92-year-old veteran of the Second World 
War.
  I will have more to say about this unique individual at a later date. 
But, today, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of the wonderful 
professionals at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System for the 
extraordinary care they gave to him in the last 2 months of his life.
  Joe McQuaid was a strapping 6 feet 4 inches. He was healthy all of 
his life until last November 15. On that day, after his daily exercise, 
he fell in a freak accident and broke his hip. He was operated on at 
the Tucson VA hospital, and his hip seemed to be healing just fine. But 
after being transferred to a local rehabilitation facility, Joe fell 
again and re-broke his hip. He was readmitted to the VA hospital, but 
his condition deteriorated rapidly and he passed away on January 31.
  The personnel at the VA medical center in Tucson could not have been 
more professional, skilled, and compassionate in the care they gave to 
Joe McQuaid in those final two months. They did everything possible to 
treat his injury and help him to recover. But once it became clear that 
recovery was not possible, they took wonderful care of him, admitting 
him to hospice care, attending to his needs, and ensuring that he had a 
gentle passing.
  As a veteran myself, during all my years in Congress I have always 
been very supportive of our VA system and

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our veterans. I have long believed that our nation has a sacred 
obligation to those who have borne the burdens of battle and national 
defense, and we must ensure that they have access to first-rate health 
care.
  So it was with great pride that I had this opportunity to witness 
firsthand the extraordinary care and attention that staff members at 
the Tucson VA center were giving to this 92-year-old veteran.
  At the risk of leaving out the names of others who cared for my 
brother-in-law, I specifically want to thank and salute Jonathan 
Gardner, the director of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, 
for his leadership of that institution and for his many years of 
distinguished service to the VA system. Also Julianne French, a 
registered nurse and administrative assistant to the chief medical 
officer, who was so responsive to my inquiries and calls. Also Dr. 
David Emelity, the acting chief of staff, Dr. Richard Hoffman, and Dr. 
Joao Ferreira, all of who took a deep personal interest in Joe's 
medical condition.
  And a special thank you to Glenda Riggs, clinical nurse leader in the 
intensive care unit, who cared for Joe and went out of her way to keep 
me and members of Joe's family informed at every step of his treatment 
and care. I can't speak too highly of Nurse Riggs' skill and 
compassion, and her tireless attention to all of her patients and their 
families.
  The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System has a wonderful team, with 
great leadership from Jonathan Gardner. It is clear to me that any 
veteran who comes through the doors of that center is going to get 
superb treatment.
  I am proud of all the people who work in America's VA system, and I 
am grateful for the care they give to our veterans. My recent 
experience, seeing firsthand the quality of care and the quality of 
staff at the center in Tucson, reaffirms my faith in the VA system and 
my respect for the great work they do.
  Again, I just want to thank the entire team at the Southern Arizona 
VA Health Care System. Thank you for all you did for this 92-year-old 
World War II veteran, Joe McQuaid. And thank you for the same high-
quality care you give to all of the veterans at the Tucson center.

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