Thank you, VA staff

Amid the many tragedies of this coronavirus season, we’d like to recognize the hard work and the caring support of the team at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Spokane. Our husband and father, Chuck Smith, was among those stricken with coronavirus at the Spokane Veterans Home. He was transported to the VA Medical Center where he passed away on April 29th.

We couldn’t be with him, because of the lockdown restrictions, but the staff did their best. The doctor and nurses stayed with Chuck the last night of his life, so that he would not be alone when he passed, which brought much comfort to our family.

We would especially like to commend the work of the physician assigned to his case, Dr. Thai, who arranged several Facetime calls with family members from his hospital room during the final days, giving us the opportunity to say good-bye.

We can only imagine the burden hospital workers must bear during this crisis, and we are grateful for the attention, sympathy and support we received. The VA hospital staff should be honored for their professionalism, integrity and conduct at this most difficult time.

The Chuck Smith family (Judy Smith, Erik Smith, Jennifer McCormack and others)

Olympia