As a former TRS at the IVH from October 2015-May 2017, I can confidently say that the team (who remains mostly the same) is not only beyond exceptional, but absolutely necessary to residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Chaplains and TRS keep these residents engaged and hopeful with engaging activities and outings to keep life normal and thriving. It is a shame that it has come to these drastic changes of limited outings without providing the care and options for all to participate. A major draw to the IVH is the array of activities for veterans to do. It’s not just your typical BINGO (although popular and loved) it’s intentional and individual options that are now being stripped away! Dollars are not being allocated to the proper services and departments, and to have uppers calling this change “A bunch of Disgruntled Employees” is an outrage. Bring back trips, nursing staff to accompany those trips, drivers and full time TRS positions. Frontline workers are those that keep those relationships and connections that make IVH a desirable place! The Ulery building has a painted quote saying “Our residents don’t live in our workplace, we work in their home.” Make this their home!