2022 Staff Award of Excellence
The Canandaigua VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) Executive Committee presented its annual “Staff Award of Excellence” on August 24th to Carol Thompson, Advanced Illness Care Coordinator at the Canandaigua VA.
The Award is for outstanding support and assistance to the Volunteers and Veterans of the VA Medical Center in their mutual pursuit of providing a better quality of life for our Veterans and their families.
From greeting new volunteers and explaining their role, to sending monthly letters to volunteers with status information on Veterans they have assisted and who she knows they care about. She has long understood that volunteers come to the VA with a love and devotion to those they feel are important to help and are appreciative in return.
Those feelings and devotion toward our Volunteers, are no more or less, than the feelings and devotion she has for the Veterans that she treats, and the Veteran families that she serves. When you combine all of that together in one package, it spells award winning compassion.
In a role that would be difficult for anyone, her compassion shows in the care and consideration she took several years ago in developing the Legacy Lodge for Veteran families to rest and relax during their most critical times. Her compassion is evident in her words and actions memorializing Veterans that have passed at the annual Memorial Service, making it available for not only family members, but Administrators, Staff, Care Givers, and Volunteers.
The VAVS Executive Committee for the Canandaigua VA was delighted to present her this Award, thanking Carol for all she does, and for all she means to all of us. Pictured from left presenting Carol’s Award: Jerry McDermott, Vietnam Veterans of America VAVS Representative; Gabe Cinquegrana, Sons of The American Legion VAVS Representative and Committee Chairman; Mike Morrisey, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks VAVS Representative.
The 5-member VAVS Executive Committee represents Veteran Service Organizations and certified groups in the Community whose mission includes a mandate to serve Veterans. The Committee’s role is to organize and develop activities and funding in support of Volunteer recognition and appreciation, as well as to supplement Veteran patient needs at the VA.
Congratulations Carol from everyone at the Canandaigua VA. Thank you for all you do and for who you are!