Mr. Keelan: I read your article about the Veterans Home with interest, as my father, a Navy veteran of the WWII Pacific Theater, resides there. The individuals you named, as well as many, many others, indeed provide wonderful care for the residents. But I can't agree with your overall endorsement of the VVH, because I have witnessed a profoundly disturbing pattern of lack of management, oversight, and routine, emanating from the top. I have also witnessed retaliation against employees who speak up and attempt to affect change and improvement in the VVH. Were it not for the extraordinary commitment, professionalism and discipline of some nursing staff, despite a lack of guidance from the administration, I might have removed my father form the VVH months ago. As it is, I am there daily, assisting, watching, communicating my father's needs to staff, and making my voice heard. Sadly, not every resident has a family member able to advocate as I do.

Amelia Silver
Bennington