2022 3rd Quarter VIRGINIA LIFELINE

Virginia

LIFELINE 3rd Quarter 2022

The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

FIRST RESPONDER VIRGINIA August 10-13, 2022 Hampton, Virginia

NATIONAL EMS MEMORIAL SERVICE July 22-24, 2022 Arlington, Virginia

Continuing Education, Competitions, Picnic, Business Meetings, Social Gatherings, and much, much more!

Early registration through July 20, 2022

72 EMS Fallen to be Honored During the National EMS Weekend of Honor

For more information visit firstresponderva.com

For more information visit national-ems-memorial.org/

RESCUE COLLEGE June 9-18, 2023 Blacksburg, VA

PATRIOT DAY September 11, 2022 New York City, NY

An Education for Life Make plans to attend the 2023 Rescue College June 9-18, 2023 at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

We will never forget our fallen “When two towers fell we rose as one.”

For more information visit vavrs.com

For more information visit neverforget.org

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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Deadline for future issues are as follows: December 15 for the 1st Quarter Issue March 15 for the 2nd Quarter Issue June 15 for the 3rd Quarter Issue September 15 for the 4th Quarter Issue

Contact the VAVRS Editor (editor@vavrs.com) if you need assistance submitting to the publication.

Advertising Rates:

Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS.

Member Squads…,…......no charge

Feature articles are encouraged.

Half Page………………..…$150.00

Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

Competition Rules and Entry Form The VAVRS Convention Committee is excited to offer several competitions during the annual First Responder Convention being held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, August 10-13, 2022.

Please visit VAVRS.COM or FIRSTRESPONDERVA.COM to download competition rules and entry form.

All pre-registration entry forms are due to the VAVRS Training Coordinator Brian Billheimer (brianbilheimer@vavrs.com) no later than July 15th. The competitions that have sufficient entries will be held and additional registrations may be available during the Conference. All participants must be registered for the First Responder Virginia Convention to compete.

You will be able to download the general rules for competing and competition entry forms.

Contests being planned include:  ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS)  BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS)  EXTRICATION  RESCUE TRUCK Light Duty—Less than 15,000 lbs.

Heavy Duty—More than 15,001 lbs.  AMBUANCE  RESCUE  EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATORS COURSE (EVOC)  WEBSITE OF THE YEAR  SCRAPBOOK  SPECIAL AWARDS Promotion of Safety Advanced Life Support Call of the Year Basic Life Support Call of the Year Rescue Call of the Year Harlan Senger Award President’s Trophy Page

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Potomac River Parade Features CBVRS’ Pat FitzGerald as Grand Marshall Submitted by Sara Hunt PR for Colonial Beach VRS Pat FitzGerald, a longtime member and officer of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, was a local celebrity on Saturday, June 11, when she served as Grand Marshall of the 71st Potomac River Festival’s Fire & Rescue Parade.

She was completely taken by surprise when a representative from the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce called to tell her that she had been selected for the honorary position. Riding in the parade in a 1922 Model T and waving to the crowds was “a lot of fun,” said FitzGerald.

A resident of Colonial Beach since 1971, FitzGerald taught health, physical education and driver’s ed at Colonial Beach High School for many years.

Also, she coached many girls’ sports at the school, which dedicated the varsity softball field in her name in 2017.

She helped establish the Colonial Beach Humane Society over 20 years ago to address the feral cat population in the town. Since that time, the organization has grown significantly and FitzGerald often coordinates fundraising efforts to benefit the animals.

At CBVRS, FitzGerald has held a variety of leadership positions including chief, assistant chief and many others. Currently, she serves as treasurer, a role she has held for several years. Active in EMS regional initiatives, she serves on the board of directors of Rappahannock EMS Council (REMS).

“All of us at the squad are proud that Pat was named Grand Marshall of the Potomac River Parade,” said CBVRS President Nicholas Szobota. “She’s a local treasure and very deserving of the honor.”

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District Ten Welcomes BOG Members Submitted by Linda Bazzle

Thanks so much to everyone that visited the District 10 hospitality room at 1040 Hospitality Lane in Fredericksburg. This meal was prepared by Diana Wills, member of Life Care and individual member of the VAVRS, Eddie Ann Orndoff AVAVRS President, William Bazzle of Madison and Life Member of District 10 and Linda Bazzle of Madison and Life Member of District 10. Also thanks to Carol Gothard, Administrative Assistant and Brian Bilheimer, training Coordinator for their help putting together the bags containing helpful books showing items and places of interest in Fredericksburg and VAVRS membership directory, also a few items of appreciation for attending the Spring Board Meeting. Hope you enjoyed and received much knowledge that you can take back to your Squads to use to better their commitment to the VAVRS and their communities

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From the

Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes The last six weeks have been interesting, to say the least. I attended a legislative breakfast and was unfortunately “exposed” by one person in attendance. Probably the good part of being sick was being able to continue to work from home and get everything that needed to be done could be done virtually. I was also able to get reports done for the Board of Directors meeting in June, etc.

The four of us on the “Essentials” legislative workgroup, three from the Legislative and Planning Committee and the Assistant Director of OEMS, met in late May virtually and came up with a couple of drafts which were submitted to the Office of EMS for further review. We do have some additional time, since this will be a General Assembly action, bills for the 2023 session can begin to be pre-filed on July 18th.

June 1st was the date of the budget session or the day everyone saw the conference report on the budget.

This session lasted about six hours which included additional tweaking on the proposal plus finishing up on about a dozen bills left over from the Special Session 1. The Governor got the bill on June 9th and has seven days to do what he wants to, i.e. veto the entire bill, veto line items, or make amendments. All of this needs to be done by midnight on June 16th (it is in the Constitution) and then there is a reconvened session to agree or disagree to what has been done. Confused? It has taken a little time for me to figure this out – thank goodness for the state Constitution and some smart people.

I did attend the Board of Directors meeting on June 4th, which was very productive, as most everyone agreed to the proposed policies and the draft of the by-laws and other items. June 9th was not as tolerable.

Approximately 6 hours in a meeting with the EMS Advisory Board’s Rules and Regulations Committee and Medical Direction Committee with MDC submitting about thirty five pages of proposed changes which the R&R Committee and staff had been working on for about three years. These were discussed individually.

The author found out very quickly he could not change the Code of Virginia by way of regulations. The Rules and Regulations Committee will meet again the end of June to go over these again in preparation to sending them to the Advisory Board. Another long day forthcoming.

Also the end of June will be another meeting of the recodification workgroup on Title 32.1 (Health) in which EMS is an integral part. This will also be a long day, each meeting reviews placement of different sections of the code. I know what you are thinking – how many sections will this workgroup change? Answer – NONE. This workgroup does not rewrite code will but attempt to put all of the code sections in the proper perspective so it will be easier to find them. That is what they say, but you would have to relearn where they are, in what chapter and section. Legislative Services warned the workgroup that this could be a two year process.

Finally, June 17th was an eight hour plus day of the House and Senate sessions. There were 35 budget amendments from Governor Youngkin that were taken care, a number of bills and memorial/commending resolutions and the election of two judges. The lawmakers will be back on September 7th for another go at electing some more judges.

This concludes this article and I hope to see you at the convention in Hampton in August. Best wishes for a great summer to each of you. Questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

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City of Manassas Celebrates Volunteers Submitted by: Eddie Ann Orndoff, Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary On May 10, 2022 the City of Manassas celebrated its volunteers at their annual volunteer reception. This is the first in person event since 2019. The City of Manassas celebrates all of its volunteers each year with a dinner and an awards ceremony.

This year three very active public safety personnel were recognized for their contributions to the safety, care and well being of the citizens of the City of Manassas and the surrounding areas of Prince William County and the City of Manassas Park.

Mary Kenney, has been a member of the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad for more than eleven years. As the squad faced the additional challenges of the pandemic, Mary became a CPR instructor as well as becoming an EVOC instructor. Mary served as our community relations program coordinator and rejuvenated our Junior Squad. Ms. Kenney is a real go-getter and is always willing to step up and help out where ever needed. Mary was recently promoted from Lieutenant to the position of Captain.

Mary Kenney

Adam Sampiller is the Chief of the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad. Adam became the Chief shortly before the squad moved into our new fire and rescue station last year. This move required a lot of attention to the details of moving equipment, furnishings and a great deal of logistical issues. Besides running duty on his regularly assigned crew he often fills in for others. Adam is a CPR instructor as well as an EVOC instructor. Adam is the chairperson for the membership and training committees. Adam is a retired paramedic from the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department and currently works as a paramedic for Fort Belvoir.

Chief Adam Mary Kenney Gary Orndoff has been a member of the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company for more than twenty years. Gary is currently serving as the Chief of the fire company. Gary is responsible for staffing on nights and weekends, onboarding new members and helping them through the process of becoming members. Gary’s mentoring and coaching of his fellow members is valued by all. Gary is currently the only living member to hold life membership in the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company and the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad. Gary started his public safety career with the rescue squad in 1974 as a Junior Squad member. Gary was the very first recipient of the Governor’s EMT of the Year award in 1986.

Gary Orndoff Page

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Scene Safety vs Scene Safety Submitted by Bubby Bish During the beginning of First Aid class and later we enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician class the first thing we were taught “Scene Safety”. Those days Scene Safety were electric lines, machinery, and vehicle safety. This type of practice was drilled in our heads by our instructors, our mentors and it became second nature to us.

Unfortunately, today it is not the case. Today, we have major violence on our streets and our streets are no longer safe. Yes, we still have all the other safety concerns we were taught years ago, but the street violence is a true threat to us all. There is not enough Law Enforcement Officers to protect us. Law Enforcement performs a terrific job, but the employment is low and there is not enough of them to protect us. Law Enforcement are searching for the person or persons who committed the crime. We as providers are working desperately to save the lives of those injured. Yes, there may be a Law Enforcement person on the scene, but what is he or she doing? They are trying to protect the scene, gather evidence, or interviewing people on the scene.

In a city in Virginia with the population of 36.000 people and 23 square miles had an event of six people shot in thirty minutes.

Guess what? Not enough Law Enforcement available to protect the scene. One week later, four people shot, within 24 hours. Guess what?

Not enough Law Enforcement to protect the scene.

With the summer months, it’s not going to be any better. We as First Responders need to research our training. How to have Scene Safety. We are in a new era. It is not like it was just five years ago. Most of our scenes are not safe. We need to meet with our leaders of Law Enforcement and develop a plan. A plan that protect us as First Responders. Don’t get me wrong, Law Enforcement are doing the best they can. We as providers need to be more aware of our surroundings more than ever. We truly need to be sure our scene is safe. We don’t know who the shooter is! We don’t know if the shooter is going to return to the scene!

There are so many unknowns! Yes, I am being proactive, not trying to come up with a plan after one of our providers get injured or killed on the scene. This is for real, not a joke.

Please be safe!

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Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad Takes Delivery of a Special New Truck South Chesterfield, VA Submitted by Brandon Baugus The Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad recently took delivery of a new ambulance. In past lifelines you’ve read where our members proudly wear our special breast cancer awareness uniforms throughout the month of October, but that just was not enough for us! Many of us have known someone whose lives were impacted by this terrible disease and we wanted to make a lasting year round tribute. Medic 635 is that tribute. It is the first fire/ems apparatus in Chesterfield County to have a special edition paint scheme. We went from our traditional maroon and purple coloring to a pink and purple to honor those who suffer or have suffered from breast cancer. Medic 635 was built

by PL customs a purchased through Goodman Specialized Vehicles. It is also our first medic mounted on an F550 4x4 diesel chassis.

We are extremely happy to have this new equipment in our station and are proud to continue serving the citizens and visitors of Chesterfield County.

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Nominating Committee Report: Submitted by Kim Craig, VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair The Nominating Committee met by Zoom meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 2022 Meeting was called to order by Chair Kim Craig Present for meeting on Zoom Call: District 1 – Kim Craig District 2 – Kay Laws District 3 – Fran Phillips District 5 – Bruce Stratton District 6 – Denise Davis District 7- Randal Eakin District 10- Kevin Dillard The following Candidates are seeking a second term for their respective offices and per the bylaws are not required to be interviewed for the position they are currently serving in. Candidates were approved by committee unanimously as qualified and are able to seek another term.

President – Wesley Melson Vice President – Joey King Treasurer – Andy Neagle Training Officer – Frank Smith Clarence Fox was interviewed by the committee for the VAVRS State Office, Chaplain and was deemed qualified with a recommendation from the Nominating committee in support of his nomination for Chaplain.

Clarence had change his intent letter from the Office of Secretary to the Office of Chaplain. This intent was done after the deadline of June 1, 2022, therefore Nominations will be accepted from the floor for this office as well as the recommendation of Clarence Fox for Chaplain from the Nominating Committee and is deemed qualified.

Gary Dalton was interviewed by the committee for the VAVRS State Office, Secretary and was deemed qualified with the recommendation from the Nominating Committee in support of Gary’s nomination for Secretary

The Nominating Committee will submit the recommended slate of officers as qualified candidates for each office to the Board of Governors at the August Convention in Hampton, Va.

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AVAVRS Convention Chair Submitted by Fern Puckett, AVAVRS Convention Chair Greetings, I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather that all regions have been experiencing the past few days. I look forward to seeing everyone this year on August 10th - 13th at the 2022 First Responder Virginia Convention in Hampton, Virginia.

The Convention committee has held several meetings during the year and has worked very hard to include social events, competition, vendors, and classes for all registered attendees. All information concerning Convention, can be found on www.firstresponderva.com

The joint Opening Ceremony with the VAVRS/VSFA will be held in the Convention Center on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in Ball Room A. Uniforms should be worn if available, otherwise, dress attire for this event. No-jeans, shorts or Capri's AVAVRS Meetings: 

Thursday, August 11th at 1:00 p.m., in Convention Center, Conference Room A.

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Friday, August 12th, at 10:00 a.m., in Convention Center, Conference Room A.

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Friday, August 12th, Life Member Gathering at Embassy Suites, Salon A at 11:30 a.m.

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Saturday, August 13th , at 9:00 a.m. in Convention Center, Conference Rooms 104-105.

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The VAVRS Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 3:00p.m at the Convention Center, Ballroom ABCD.

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Officers pictures is scheduled at 2:00p.m.

Notes of interest: 

A picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 11th starting at 6:00 p.m. The location and directions will be available at the Registration window at Convention.

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A Casino is scheduled for Friday, August 12th at the Convention Center starting at 7:00 p.m. Directions will be available at the Registration window at Convention.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2022 Convention. I encourage all members to make your plans to attend this year, and don’t forget to join in on all of the social events, competition, and classes offered. We are looking forward to another successful year. Please visit the Vendors and thank each one for setting up this year.

See you in Hampton, Virginia on August 10, 2022.

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Madison Rescue Squad Donates AEDs Submitted by Linda Bazzle

The Madison Rescue Squad has been deciding on ways to distribute the money that they have remaining in their treasury. They decided and voted to give every church within in Madison County an AED for their facility. This decision will let the residents of Madison County know the organization is still thinking of what is best for the community. The gifts will provide a way the agency will be remembered. Also, the AEDs will help them in their time of need in pre-hospital emergencies that may occur within their church.

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Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by Cece McCormick, Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Historian Hello from Waynesboro. Well, the weather is getting nicer and COVID numbers are down. Thank God. I hope everyone is in good health. It was nice seeing everyone at the District meeting hosted at our building. With Rescue College up and coming it will be here before we know it and then it will be off to Hampton for the First Responder Virginia Conference. We’ve done a few things here in Waynesboro like filling up the library boxes and making packages up for the warm shelters.

We made goody baskets for Officer Appreciation Week and brought them to the police station where we were greeted with smiling faces from a few officers that were willing to take a picture with us. We took snacks and goodies to the EOC and also made up snacks and goodies for the rescue squad and fire department during EMS Week.

We went out for birthday dinners. It was nice getting together to fellowship We have spaghetti dinners on the books for takeout from our building. We can’t wait to see everyone at the next District Meeting in Broadway. And then it will be Convention time can’t wait to See everyone.

God bless and everyone take care and stay safe.

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3 Annual First Responder Virginia Conference/Expo VSFA and VAVRS On-line registration is available @ firstrespondervirginia.com Hotel availability and conference schedule will also by posted.

Register early to take advantage of the $60 early-bird registration fee before July 20th.

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SOCIAL EVENTS

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Accelerated EMT Course Changing the Outlook on Recruitment Morgan Szymczk, MSC, Marketing & Communications Associate Director, LifeCare Medical Transports With an EMT staffing shortages throughout the nation, volunteer, municipal, and private EMS agencies are having to recreate their recruitment strategies and create innovative solutions to not only meet staffing needs but exceed them. The “Great Resignation” that many businesses suffered from during COVID, is still lingering and creating challenging dynamics for EMS providers.

While Hybrid EMT programs have been a great help to EMS agencies, they can still be difficult for those taking the first step into their EMS career with financial burdens and both professional and personal responsibilities. To ease the financial burden and create an environment for success, LifeCare is proud to have started their own EMT Academy.

This EMT Academy style course is an accelerated 4week EMT boot camp, designed to immerse students into the academic studies of emergency medical

LifeCare Medical Transports EMT Academy Students trained at the new REMS facility in Fredericksburg.

(Pictured: LifeCare employee Karel Johnson)

services. Students go through an extensive interview process and selected applicants are offered a full-time employment status with the company with a two-year commitment to cover the cost of the course. Receiving a training wage upon the start of the course, the students are allowed to focus complete on their studies as students.

After the successful completion of the course and testing of the NREMT, students are promoted to full-time EMTs. LifeCare is excited to be able to provide this opportunity across the state. Their first EMT Academy style course started on May 23 and will graduate its students on Monday, June 20th. During their course, the students were able to use the Rappahannock EMS Council’s new facility in Fredericksburg. Students used the immersive training Students trained using the REMS training center to focus on real-life scenarios giving the students ambulance to simulate transporting of a car a full perspective and immersive training opportunity. accident patient.

Interested in learning more about our upcoming (Pictured: LifeCare Employee Donte Salami) academies? Contact Morgan Szymczyk at melkins@lifecare94.com or 540-737-4883.

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LifeCare Recognizes Employees During June Picnic Morgan Szymczk, MSC, Marketing & Communications Associate Director, LifeCare Medical Transports LifeCare was honored to be able to recognize several of its employees on June 10th at the Fredericksburg office. During the employee luncheon LifeCare acknowledged four of its long-time employees with “Years of Service Awards”. Those employees included, Susan Dietrich (26 Years of Service), Andy Winn (23 Years of Service), Barbara Miller (19 Years of Service), and Cynthia Torreyson (15 Years of Service).

Kevin Dillard, President, and CEO of LifeCare stated, “It is such a pleasure and honor to be able to recognize employees who have dedicated so much of their time to not only LifeCare, but to our community. Each of these individuals have made a tremendous impact on our company and the community over the years, and we look forward to many more years of working and serving alongside them here at LifeCare”.

Along with the “Years of Service Awards”, LifeCare also recognized two of its employees who received promotions. Aaron Balderson who joined the LifeCare team in April was promoted to Captain / Director of Operations for the Fredericksburg Region. Along with Captain Balderson, Mike Hicks was promoted to Sergeant of the Fredericksburg Region.

During the picnic, it was also announced that Ryan Petty who has served as the Chief Operations Officer for LifeCare’s Hampton Roads and Southwest region had been promoted to Vice President of Operations for the company.

Kevin Dillard, President & CEO of LifeCare Medical Transports, presenting Captain Aaron Balderson with a certificate of promotion for his new role of Director of Operations for the Fredericksburg Region.

Before the program ended, LifeCare also acknowledged Jimmy Dillard for his lifelong service to the community both in EMS and as a Korean Conflict Veteran. Mr. Dillard has been a mentor to many at LifeCare as he continues to assist the organization and the community.

Ryan Petty was promoted to Vice President of Operations for LifeCare Medical Transports Page

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Kevin Dillard, President & CEO of LifeCare Medical Transports, presenting Jimmy Dillard with a Community Service recognition certificate.

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2022 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Wesley Melson Vice President - Joey King Secretary - Clarence Fox Treasurer - Andy Neagle Training Officer - Frank Smith Chaplain - Nick Brown Chaplain Emeritus - Page Entsminger Immediate Past President - Connie Moore Editor - Gary Dalton Parliamentarian - Scott Davis Facilities Manager - Andy Neagle District 1 Vice President - Marsha Graham District 2 Vice President - Jimmy Lee Pair District 3 Vice President - Kathy Eubank District 5 Vice President - Mike Smoot District 6 Vice President - Travis Pruitt District 7 Vice President - Romney Smith District 9 Vice President - Bryant Skeen District 10 Vice President - Kim Melson Executive Director - Barry MacDonald Office Manager - Mary Shively Training Coordinator - Brian Bilheimer Administrative Assistant - Carol Gothard Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Membership - Joey King Human Resources - Joey King Bylaws - Jim Cromer Life Membership - Kevin Dillard Publication - Gary Dalton Finance - Andy Neagle Rescue College - Steve Southworth Death Benefit - Andy Neagle Training - Frank Smith Scholarship - Kim Melson Rescue Hall of Fame - Ken Morgan EMS Exchange - Clarence Fox Legislative - Kim Craig EMS Advisory Board - Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Board - Kim Craig I T - Gary Dalton Nominating - Kim Craig National EMS Memorial - Scott Davis

2022 VAJVRS Officers President - Josh Thiel Vice President - Skylar Walker Secretary/Treasurer - Khaleigh Smith Historian - Brandon Linkous Chaplain - Mackenzie Melson Advisor Chair - Brandon Baugus

2021-2022 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Eddie Ann Orndoff Vice President - Kelley Snell Secretary - Maxie Kerns Treasurer - Fay Browning Chaplain - Ailease Short Historian - Stacey Frame Parliamentarian - Carolyn Brand Immediate Past President - Fay Browning Midwestern Vice President - Delores Hudson Northeastern Vice President - Doug Snell Southcentral Vice President - Layne Lusk Southeastern Vice President - Carl Cherry Southwestern Vice President - Sharon Castle Western Vice President - Nellie Sue Ritchie Official

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Membership - Kelley Snell Finance - Fay Browning Resolutions - Carolyn Brand Emergency Care - Laura Booze Nominating - Kathy Plummer Life Member - Fern Puckett Convention Chair - Fern Puckett Convention Co-Chair - Marie Householder Roll Call Chair - Rhonda Thompson Roll Call Co-Chair - Marcella Caudill Fundraising Chair - Christy Jeffries Fundraising Co-Chair - Heather Booze Outstanding Service - Christy Jeffries Bylaws - Carolyn Brand Page

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Send your “blasts from the past” photos to the VAVRS Editor.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I have never written to you before but have several questions: Question: I think my smartphone is spying on me, how can I tell?

Answer: Don't be worried about your smartphone or TV spying on you. Your vacuum cleaner has been collecting dirt on you for years.

Question: I am not a gifted conversationalist like you and when talking to people I often just cannot come up with the right words to say— help?

Answer: If you can't think of a word, simply say, "I forgot the English word for it." That way people will think you're bilingual instead of an idiot.

Question: I am tired most of the time. How do you motivate yourself to go out and do what you do everyday?

Answer: I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do, it's because I missed my exit.

Question: Heard you were loosing some weight is that true?

Answer: My goal for 2022 was to lose 10 pounds. Only have 14 to go. In fact, I ate salad for dinner. Mostly croutons and tomatoes. Really just one big round crouton covered with tomato sauce and cheese.

FINE, it was a pizza.... OK, I ate a pizza! Are you happy now? And, I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet food supply in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Question: Do you remember back when we were kids and every time it was below freezing outside they closed school? Yeah, me neither.

Answer: Life is like a helicopter. I don't know how to operate a helicopter either and it's probably my age that tricks people into thinking I'm an adult.

Question: Your wife says you never buy her flowers. Is that true?

Answer: To be honest, I never knew she sold flowers.

Question: Do you sing in the shower?

Answer: No, I never sing in the shower!

Singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping, and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked. So remember. . . . Don't sing!

Question: I got a math word-problem: If you're going down a river at 2 MPH and your canoe loses a wheel, how much pancake mix would you need to re-shingle your roof?

Answer: I see people about my age mountain climbing; I feel good getting my leg through my underwear without losing my balance.

Question: So if a cow doesn't produce milk, is it a milk dud or an udder failure?

Answer: You don't realize how old you are until you sit on the floor and then try to get back up. Besides, we all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. In fact, I'm at that age where my mind still thinks I'm 29, my humor suggests I'm 12, while my body mostly keeps asking if I'm sure I'm not dead yet.

“Thank you F. P. for your questions, hope you understand my answers. Also, say hey to J. C. for me! Love ya!

Answer: I love being over 70. I learn something new every day and forget 5 other things. In fact, I think I'll just put an "Out of Order" sticker on my forehead and call it a day. It is weird being the same age as old people!

Question: When you were a kid I know you wanted to be older . . is this what you expected.?

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Random photos sent to the Editor from Virginia Beach by Christine Tokarczyk, Andrea Tembreull and Kelly Halferty—Thanks Guys!

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023 Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends."

John 15:13

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.