Excecutive Director

Sometimes I think that the above title is all wrong. I don’t really direct anything, the job directs me. Every day, while driving to work, I make a mental list of the things I want to accomplish. Mundane things like making sure there is enough soap in the bathroom to important things like reports to National or the Board. At the end of the day while driving home I revise my list because the happenings of the day have re- prioritized it or pushed items farther down. I have the best of intentions to complete the list, but you know what they say, “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.”

This month we’re starting a new Government Relations Director. Mike Sprouse is our handcycling specialist, but he’s a man of many talents and I think he’ll do well on the job. However, there are the issues of providing him all the information he needs and the time spent settling him into his new position.

I think the perk I like most about this business of helping veterans is that coming to work is an adventure every day. You never know what will be waiting for you when you walk into the office. Vets call with their needs, sometimes it’s something as simple as a phone number, or it could be a ramp or a chair. We do our best to accommodate them all. The thing I dislike most is the telemarketers. I receive about three phone calls a day, usually when I’m in the middle of something else, and there’s ‘dead air’ for a few seconds before a recorded voice tells me I’m eligible for great savings by buying whatever. Annoying? You bet! That’s why we’re publishing the information on the bottom of page 15. It won’t stem the flow completely, but it’s a help.

In his report this month, Steve has told you all the good things that are happening to us, I can only add to that by saying how good things seem to come to good people. Not me, forget that! I’m speaking of the great paralyzed vets who run this office. When I see Steve, Jerry, and the rest of the Board happy about a donation, I can’t help smiling. They give so much, they deserve the best.
Don’t forget, July 9th. Sanford Stadium, 7 PM. Sanford River Rats v. The US Military 9. We’ll be watching for your arrival.

I truly hope that you had the best possible Fourth and are enjoying a pleasurable summer season.

Remember the old Irish Blessings? I’m not Irish, here’s mine.
May your air conditioner always run, may you never be burned by the summer sun,
May all your drinks be perfectly chilled and the summer re-runs keep you thrilled.


Mary Ann Troiano

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