A patriot recently discovered the dreaded May 14th letter sent to the veterans home residents and employees was not one of a saddened former service member disheartened by news of the location’s planned closure. But rather a statement of his own doing, setting in motion the proposed closure citing underuse among other issues. Anyone working at the home agrees the consistent backlog of applicants and empty beds is an indication of underuse or under budgeting, or both, by some degree. He also cites inability to recruit adequate staffing easily, yet a mere 30-40 miles away reside 1/4 million residents.

Though we know not the true reasons leading up to the recommendation, we hope that Imbasciani and his staff will reconsider the value of this location. It provides a unique climate and tranquility many in their elder years require both medically and emotionally. Additionally, it’s ranked in the top 10 percent among the 15,000 SNFs nationally and is one of the highest ranked facilities in California, with a 5 star rating. Another huge blow to the employees and their families, totalling nearly 250 would be a great blow to the High Desert.

The anonymous user states “Dr. Vito Imbasciani, Secretary of Calvet, along with his Undersecretary Russell Atterberry and his Deputy Secretary Coby Petersen are the ones responsible for the recommendation to close the Veterans Home in Barstow. Though they are all 3 retired military themselves, they clearly have no regard for the Veterans they were sworn to protect. Here is their proposal as well as their phone numbers. This information is also on CalVet’s Website. Call them!”