1st Quarter 2024 VIRGINIA LIFELINE

Virginia

LIFELINE 1st Quarter 2024

The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

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Message from the President Greetings Everyone, I hope you all had a great holiday season celebrating with friends and family. It’s a New Year and the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Inc. has hit the ground running.

We are so fortunate to have an amazing Office Staff, Edward “Bubby Bish Executive Director, Carol Gothard Administrative Assistant and Brian Bilheimer Training Coordinator. All three of these folks work tirelessly for Our Association. We have many Volunteers that also spend a lot of time at the office to assist wherever needed. Thank you to the Staff, Gary Dalton and Any Neagle for all your hard work and dedication.

VAVRS members and agencies have experienced much sadness in 2023 due to health concerns and the loss of so many of our individual agency members and the passing of several Iconic members of the Association. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who continue to recover and to the families of those who passed, may God bless you all.

On Saturday November 4th, 2023 we held an Officer Orientation Session at the VAVRS State office, facilitated by Steve Southworth. We had good attendance from the majority of the officers along with most Committee Chairs and an outstanding group of Junior Officers and Advisors. Some of the topics covered were Code of Ethics, Legal & Fiduciary Issues for BOD, Finance/Budget, Bylaws and Policies, Training Priorities 2024 and District VP Responsibilities and a lot of round table discussion on ways to move the Association into 2024.

I would like to recognize a group of the “Unsung Heroes” of VAVRS, that is all of our Instructors.

These dedicated individuals spend hours upon hours in the field and classrooms all over the Commonwealth, usually on the weekends, away from their families, without compensation, other than expenses. In the VAVRS Mission Statement “Providing training to its members” is a bullet point. In my opinion we have some of the Best Instructors in the State. Thank you all, I know how hard you all work and it will not go unnoticed.

In closing, we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves, our crews and providers Trained and Safe, don’t let them down.

I’m honored to serve as your President, Thank you for the opportunity.

Stay Safe, John John H. Craig lll, VAVRS President

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2023-2024 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - John Craig Vice President - Andy Neagle Secretary / Editor - Gary Dalton Treasurer - Tarry Pribble Training Officer - Wayne Myers Chaplain - Kenneth Williams Immediate Past President - Wesley Melson Parliamentarian - Scott Davis Facilities Manager - Andy Neagle I T Coordinator - Steve Ayers District 1 Vice President - Jeff Grimm District 2 Vice President - Matt Chiardia District 3 Vice President - Kenny Frenier District 5 Vice President - Heather Palm District 6 Vice President - Lynn Hudson District 7 Vice President - Ted Harris District 9 Vice President - Tim Salyer District 10 Vice President - Nancy Orndoff Executive Director - Bubby Bish Training Coordinator - Brian Bilheimer Administrative Secretary - Carol Gothard Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Bylaws - Scott Davis Convention - Gary Dalton Death Benefit - Andy Neagle EMS Advisory Board - Kim Craig EMS Advisory Board - Bruce Stratton EMS Exchange - Wayne Perry Facilities - Andy Neagle Finance - Tarry Pribble Hall of Fame - Ken Morgan Human Resources - Andy Neagle I T - Scott Davis Legislative - Kim Craig Life Member - Kevin Dillard National EMS Memorial - Scott Davis Rescue College - Ken Morgan Rescue College - Steve Southworth, Co-Chair Scholarship - Diana Wills Strategic Planning - John Craig Training - Wayne Myers Youth Activities - Alfred Smith Youth Activities - Brandon Baugus, Co Chair

2023-2024 VAJVRS Officers President - Shade Johnson Vice President - Christopher Skeen Secretary/Treasurer - Haven Johnson Historian - Koedan Murphy Chaplain - Kaden Gray

VAVRS Junior Advisors Alfred Smith Brandon Baugus

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Bryant Skeen Steve Rohr

2023-2024 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Kelley Snell Vice President - Debbie Rohr Treasurer - Fay Browning Chaplain - Eddie Ann Orndoff Historian - Samantha Snell Immediate Past President - Eddie Ann Orndoff Midwestern Vice President - Dolores Hudson Northeastern Vice President - Doug Snell Southcentral Vice President - Clara Craig Southeastern Vice President - Carolyn Brand Southwestern Vice President - Patricia Moore

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Secretary - Maxie Kerns Parliamentarian - Warren Winner Finance - Fay Browning Bylaws - Warren Winner Nominating - Sharon Castle Life Member - Fern Puckett Convention Chair - Marie Householder Convention Co-Chair - Kathy Plummer Roll Call Chair - Rhonda Thompson Roll Call Co-Chair - Layne Lusk Fundraising Chair - Stacey Frame

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

Feature articles are encouraged.

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

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

Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

VAVRS – 2024 IMPORTANT DATES February 3, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors March 2, 2024 - 9am / 1pm - Oilville - EVOC Instructor Update (Tentative) March 23, 2024 - 9am - Charlottesville - Spring BOG Meeting May 4, 2024 - 9am - ZOOM - Board of Directors May 19-25, 2024 - EMS Week

May 22, 2024 - 1pm – Oilville - EMS Week Celebration (Tentative) June 7-16, 2024 - Blacksburg - Rescue College July 2024 – Finance Committee Meeting (Budget) - TBD July 20, 2024 - Crystal City - National EMS Memorial (Tentative) August 3, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors

September 18-24, 2024 - Virginia Beach – Convention (Tentative) November 2, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors

More to come — Stay up-to-date Visit our website - VAVRS.com Page

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Cleveland Life Saving Crew Member Bill Gilmer, VAJVRS Chaplain Kaden Grey, and Junior Advisor Marcus Combs selling tickets for a Four Wheeler.

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Another Picture From The Haunting On Main In Lebanon Virginia The Cleveland Life Saving Crew Attended.

Cleveland Life Saving Crew Setting Up A Trailer For The Honaker Christmas Parade.

Cleveland Life Saving Crew Set Up At Haunting On Main In Lebanon Virginia Page

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Over 24 VAVRS leaders attended an Officer’s Workshop held at the VAVRS State Office and Training Center in Oilville, VA on November 4, 2024.

HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU

Scott Davis Elected President of the National EMS Memorial

The VAVRS State Office was dedicated 25 years ago on May 30, 1998.

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Congratulations to Scott E. Davis, VAVRS Life Member on his election as the President of the National EMS Memorial.

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Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick, WFAC Auxiliary Historian Hello everyone from the Auxiliary of Waynesboro First Aid Crew. We have been a little busy in September with several of our members helping to pack food for the “Rise Against Hunger” campaign sponsored by several local churches.

They packed over 10,000 meals in two hours.

Great job!

On September 11th we displayed our 911 wreath “Never forgotten.“ The week before convention, we had one fundraiser for the Kawana Club. We also updated our bylaws and rules for the multipurpose room.

At the AVAVRS Convention, all of our members got to attend. We had a great time, even with some of the events being canceled due to bad weather.

During the AVAVRS awards, Waynesboro Auxiliary received First Place in the Western District for attendance, Second Place Award for our scrapbook and, and a very special award for Outstanding Service was given to our Historian-Cece McCormick.

During our extra time, the members that did not leave due to the bad weather gathered in the hotels big lobby. We enjoyed playing games and eating pizza. We had a great time. Hope to see everyone next year.

In October, we had our last spaghetti carryout meal for the year and are planning to have the first one in May of 2024. We made up Halloween candy bags for our Springdale Bingo Group, our 911 dispatchers and our duty squad.

In November, we attended the Western District Meeting in Broadway. Two of our members are holding district offices. We received First Place for submitting pictures. It was nice seeing everyone.

In December we had two Christmas banquets. We set a cut off date on fundraising in the middle of the month.

We are planned our Christmas party for December 17th and we will have updated information in our next article. This is going to be a very special party for three of our members. Everyone have a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year bring on 2024 from our Auxiliary to yours, God bless.

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Greetings from District 6 Submitted by Lynn Hudson, VAVRS District 6 Vice President As of this writing, several notable things have taken place in the district, starting with Vehicle Extrication in Rocky Mount over the first weekend in November. A total of 17 students from around the district completed the class. Special thanks goes out to Rocky Mount Fire Department for hosting the classroom portion, and to OmniSource for providing the vehicles and venue for the practical portion.

On November 12, 2023, Stewartsville Rescue Squad celebrated 60 years of service.

Incorporated on November 12, 1963, they are still providing service to their community. Congratulations for this important milestone.

We held our District meeting on November 19th at Stewartsville Rescue Squad. We had a few new faces present, and hopefully we did not scare them off. A highlight of the day was the awarding of District Life Membership to Mitch Vaughan from Vinton First Aid Crew. Mitch joined Vinton First Aid Crew on March 1, 1973, and celebrated 50 years of service this year. He is a Life Member of Vinton, and has been their BOG representative for over 20 of those years. He has held almost every office in his Mitch Vaughan, Vinton First Aid Crew (left) receives organization, as well as numerous District 6 Life Membership Award from VAVRS District 6 district level offices including Vice President Lynn Hudson (right).

Assistant District Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Mitch can be counted on to help anytime. His knowledge and experience are valuable in keeping District 6 moving forward. Congratulations to Mitch for his accomplishments, and we wish him many more years of service.

Also, on the 18th and 19th, a School Bus Extrication class was held in Rocky Mount. A total of 13 students completed the class, with most from District 6 and a few from District 5. Again, thanks to Rocky Mount Fire Department for hosting the classroom portion, and thank you to Franklin County Public Schools for providing the retired School Bus and the venue to perform the practical exercises.

By the time this goes to press, it will be a new year. We hope everyone had Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

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School Bus Extrication and Vehicle Extrication Course in District Six. Additional photos of can be found on page 14 of this issue.

Photos submitted by District 6 VP Lynn Hudson

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School Bus Extrication and Vehicle Extrication Course in District Six. Additional photos of can be found on page 13 of this issue.

Photos submitted by District 6 VP Lynn Hudson

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From the

Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes The “blitz” has begun! The drafting of proposed legislation has been going on for a period of time, but the “prefiling” began on November 10th and ended on November 30th . No one knows how many individual bills have been requested and how many will actually be introduced by January 10th 2024, the first day of the 2024 General Assembly session. This is the sixty day session.

As you can imagine, there are many different issues in the works throughout the state. HB2175 report on funding for Fire and EMS has been published, with the workgroup plus others meeting in weekly preparation for the upcoming General Assembly.

The Joint Legislative and Review Commission report has also be published for the enhanced retirement issues for approximately eight different occupations. VAVRS and VAGEMSA will be working together with the communications officers organization to get a bill through legislature during this session for the 9-1-1 dispatchers. Delegates Mike Cherry and David Reid are the patrons of the individual bills.

Other items of interest include a workgroup formed by the Chair of the EMS Advisory Board and includes some members of the board and others that were appointed by the Chair. I attended this first meeting on December 13th. Another workgroup has been initiated by the Peninsulas EMS Council and has been named the Virginia Regional Medication Kit Transition Workgroup. This group consists of the Regional EMS Councils, VDH, Board of Pharmacy, VHHA, VA Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, VAVRS, VFCA, and VAGEMSA. Executive Director Bish and I attended this first meeting on December 12th . This group will be meeting monthly to stay abreast of issue arising from DEA regulations and also FDA and the track and trace concept. Finally the third workgroup that has been appointed is the “Nomenclature Workgroup” with is made of members of the Medical Direction Committee and the Legislative and Planning Committee of the EMS Advisory Board. This group will be looking at language defining EMS physicians.

During a virtual meeting of the Regional EMS Councils Executive Directors it was announced that VDH was making available $600,000.00 to the councils to partially fund their shortfalls within their budgets. Chairman Tracey McLaurin, Lord Fairfax Council, has been tasked on these funds would be distributed amongst the councils.

SAVE THE DATE – January 17th – we have arranged the use of House subcommittee room on this date to meet and listen to members of the General Assembly between 9:00 am and 10:30 am. We are planning on having members speak to the group and possibly answer questions. If interested in attending, contact Carol Gothard (carolgothard@vavrs.com) at the office. Once this meeting is over and after session, you are free to go see your Delegate or Senator and discuss VAVRS and the EMS system. Looking forward to seeing many of you on the 17th. *Since this is a very new building – no food or drink are allowed other than in the cafeteria.* This concludes my article, hope to see you in Richmond during the General Assembly.

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The Talk That No One Wants To Talk about…

Mental Health in Fire/EMS Have you ever answered that call where a person is having a mental crisis? Ever try to figure out what is possibly going on?, and then you see that person that is having the crisis is You. That’s correct, it is you, your co-worker , your people you work with on a daily basis.

EMS and Fire is one of the most stressful jobs that individuals deal with daily. It is one of the jobs where so many people have a mental crisis and do not know how to deal with it or where to turn to get help. There is always talk about “burnout” amongst EMS/Fire, but there are times we miss the signs that one has to show they have it. The jobs and calls that EMS/Fire run and deal with can take a toll on one’s mind and happiness.

It can spell over in the home life causing issues and problems with their loved ones. The things that are seen by these individuals are things that no man or woman should see but we do because we took an oath to help and protect others when the duty calls. Every person who does this on a paid side or a volunteer side, has been on calls that they are willing to tell and talk about, but then there are the ones that we push way down inside and hope they will somehow fade away. We hide them, hoping they will eventually go away and things will get better and for a bit it may but sometimes certain things or calls will resurrect those memories. For a little while we get some comfort and rest, just to have another call bring back those thoughts and the hidden despair. Upon studies it has been said there are 5 truths about Fire/EMS and mental health.

As follows these are the 5…

1) The level of uncertainty is high. There is no guarantee of what is going to happen or when. It is always in the back of our mind.

2) It’s the physiological response that occurs when the tones drop. We all like to hear those tones drop, but what happens to our mind and body is surreal. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and adrenaline rises and the gas pedal is pushed, per say. Once the call is over and we try to return to our calm self or hit the brakes, it can be hard especially if there is another call before we have that time to decompress.

3) High Interpersonal Tension Fire/EMS must live with each other 24-36hours at a time, which is usually more then they live at their own home. This can cause stress and tension between the ones working at a very high level.

4) Frequent exposure to human tragedy, In a shift partners may see death from once to several times on their shift. This can be from young to the elderly and have a strong grip on the feelings we must deal with. Along with this death, we must be able to deal with the family in a professional manner and keep our emotions in check at all times. When this call is over we must move on to the next call that is toned out.

5) Underlying Fear, One of the fears that Fire/EMS deal with is not knowing what lies ahead. No matter how much information we get over the radio, there is that fear that we have not knowing what we could be walking into. Then there is the fear, did we do everything we could, did we do everything right, and if not will we be sued, will we be judged.

These questions within themselves are enough to keep us asking the same questions over and over in our head.

Among Fire/EMS, first responders, PTSD rates are triple and firefighters are more likely to take their Official

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own life than to die in the line of duty. Combining Fire/EMS duties made the individuals six times more likely to report a suicide attempt than just firefighting duties alone. It has been reported as well that 37% of EMS first responders contemplated suicide and 6.6% attempted suicide, making them 10 times more likely than the CDC reports.

In this line of work many think that we should be strong in order to handle the job. As many have figured out, the job itself can weaken a person, body and mind. People only let us see what is on the surface and not what is inside. Therefore, Fire/EMS must watch out for each other and look out for signs that can help determine what might be going on.

Some signs to watch for in your co-workers and family members would be: Lack of sleep or not resting at all Avoiding normal daily activities Isolating themselves from others Change in attitude Feeling insecure Inability to concentrate Anxiety Loss of appetite or weight gain Increase alcohol or tobacco If these signs are seen in any coworker or family member they should be addressed immediately. The mental state of ones mind should not be jeopardized in thinking everything is good.

Key points to help Fire/EMS survive and lack of burnouts is as follows: 1)Learn time management 2)Learn where energy is expended 3)Learn and accept where you have control and where you don’t in your life.

Healthy ways to help Fire/EMS to cope: 1)Talking and listening is one of the major ways to cope. Do not turn anyone away, as it could or you could be there last hope of faith to deal with what is going on.

2)Find a hobby to do to occupy yourself and to accomplish that will give one self worth.

3)Exercise if possible even if it is just a short walk and last one, one of the most important, get plenty of rest and take care of yourself first.

We are all doing the same job, saving lives, but lets watch out for our brother and sisters and make sure they are doing well in life too. All of us need a shoulder to lean on, an ear to hear us and arms to lift us up.

Stay Safe and Pray for one another!

Diann Hawk-EMS Capt. 600 DVFR Page

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

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Submitted by Alfred Smith, VAJVRS Senior Advisor President, Shade Johnson; Vice President , Christopher Skeen; Secretary/Treasurer, Haven Johnson; Chaplain, Kaden Gray; and Historian, Koedan Murphy.

(VAJVRS OFFICERS in the photo are in the order corresponding to their office.)

VAJVRS Vice President Christopher Skeen, and VAJVRS Historian Koedan Murphy.

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L-R: VAJVRS Vice President Christopher Skeen, VAJVRS Historian Koedan Murphy, VAJVRS Advisor Bryant Skeen, and VAJVRS Advisor Alfred Smith attending District 9 Meeting.

Since the Tropical storm, Ophelia, cancelled the scheduled installation of officers, we were fortunate to have Steve Rohr, Junior Advisor for Staunton Augusta, to still be available to perform a hallway installation. He gave an inspirational talk to the new VAJVRS Officers and duly installed them.

We are fortunate to have these young people to agreed to volunteer their services this year.

It was also nice to have in attendance: Scotty Caldwell, Board of Governor’s Representative from Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, Billy Johnson, Board of Governor’s Representative from Cleveland Life Saving Crew and Junior Advisor Marcus Combs from Cleveland Life Saving Crew.

VAJVRS Vice President Christopher Skeen, and VAJVRS Historian Koedan Murphy holding Cleveland Lifesaving Crew trophies.

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END OF THE YEAR TRAINING ROLL-UP Submitted by Brian Bilheimer, VAVRS Training Coordinator A great, and very busy year of training here at the VAVRS has come to an end. The VAVRS has trained many EMS providers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, and personnel working for departments of public safety from multiple counties throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Classes have included everything from basic EVOC classes to Advanced Vertical Rescue – Technician Level classes. The Association has supported three different district training weekends, as well as hosted a training day for Continuing Education (CE) hours at the VAVRS State Office and Training Center in Oilville, VA. The newly elected VAVRS President, John Craig, held a VAVRS Officers Workshop in November for all new and current VAVRS officers, with the intent of ensuring that all officers are aware of their roles and responsibilities within the association. We are very proud of the year we just finished and very excited about this year. We strive to provide quality training in realistic environments, to help promote and maintain the highest standards of excellence within the volunteer and professional community for folks serving the great people of this state.

Please take a look at the following end of year numbers for registered students in the classes offered by the VAVRS in 2023: Course Name Registered Students Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) 1428 Hazardous Materials Awareness 23 Search and Rescue 24 Technical Rope Rescue Courses 62 Farm Machinery (Basic) 52 Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) 72 Infectious Disease Control (IDC) Basic 175 Vehicle Rescue Awareness / Operations 226 Intro to Swift Water Rescue / Swift Water Rescue 35 School Bus Extrication 48 Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) 24 Special Events and Off-Road Operations (SEOR OPS) 22 As stated above we are very excited about the upcoming year. We will be working on or hosting the following training events: CEU Classes/IDC/DICO (January 27, 2024-State Office), EVOC Instructor Update (Tentative, March 2, 2024-State Office), EMS Week Celebration (Tentative, May 22, 2024State Office), Rescue College (June 7-16, 2024, Virginia Tech), and the FRV Convention (September 18-22, 2024, Virginia Beach). This is obviously in addition to all of our regular training classes being held weekly. Please remember to visit the vavrs.com website to find all current training classes, information, forms, policies, and general announcements pertaining to the VAVRS. You can also contact the State Office at any time for help at 804.749.8191.

Thank you and have a great New Year. See you at training.

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Elizabeth Monk Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth was born on June 2, 1928, in Russell County, Virginia. She graduated from Lebanon High School.

She married John Monk in 1966. John and Elizabeth had one son, Thomas F. Monk and he had a daughter, April D. Monk.

Elizabeth led a life of service. She joined the Lebanon Life Saving Crewettes in 1974. She served in many capacities including President, Vice President, Historian and Parliamentarian. She was recognized as Crewette of the year in 1993 and again in 1996. In recognition of her dedication and hard work, Elizabeth was named a Life Member of the Lebanon Crewettes.

She was a member of the Southwestern District AVAVRS. She held the positions of District Vice President, Assistant District Vice President, Historian and Parliamentarian. Elizabeth was also a Life Member of the District.

Not only did she serve at the district level, but she also served at the state level. She served on numerous committees including Nominating, Resolutions, Outstanding Service Award, Roll Call and Life Membership.

Elizabeth was awarded Life Membership in the AVAVRS in 1996.

She was also incredibly involved in the community. She was an active member in the Russell County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Heart Fund Drive. Elizabeth was also a member of the Ladies Home Demonstration Club and the Russell County Fair Association.

She received the Fraternal Spirit Award for Outstanding Service from the Woodmen of the World where she was a member.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth died at the youthful age of 95 as we were working on this article.

Rest in Peace, Elizabeth. You have earned it!

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“Mac” McGuire Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

James Patrick. “Mac” McGuire is another heavy hitter with the VAVRS. He joined Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1975 after a friend had invited him to come to the Squad. He saw what they were doing and how they took care of people and was impressed. By 1976, he was Squad Leader, Junior Squad Advisor, First Aid Instructor, CPR Instructor and Vehicle Extrication Instructor. Only two years after joining Forest View, he was elected Captain. Mac was its Captain for six years and its President for four years.

On a District Level, he was a District 3 Vice President for two years. Mac also served as the district Deputy Rescue Officer and Rescue Officer and was on the First Aid Contest Committee.

On the VAVRS state level, he was President, Vice President, Training Officer, and Convention Chair. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame and is a Life Member. Mac was one of the founding members of the Extrication Program.

He would advise the younger members of VAVRS to appreciate what a great organization they have joined.

VAVRS cares our fellow man, and we want to help them. It will teach them how to move from someone with an “all about me” outlook to someone who cares about everyone. It is a gift to have this this mindset. They can volunteer and help in their squads, districts and at the sate level. They can get a lot of support from Life Members and Passed Presidents as well. He says he was given an enormous amount of support from Page Entsminger, J. C. Philips, and Clayton Lester.

Mac says that the organization needs to get more young people involved, especially at the state level. The leaders need to lead, nurture, and instruct these young people.

He said the one thing that might surprise people is how involved he is in his church of twenty years, Skipwith Baptist Church in Richmond. He likes to be of service to his fellow man. His life of service attests to that.

Many honors and awards have been bestowed on him from VAVRS, the EMS Community and his home community. Too many to list!

Mac and his wife, Linda, were married on 10/19/74 and have been married for 49 years. They live in Glen Allen, Virginia. Mac and Linda have a daughter, Ashley, who lives in Rhode Island and a son, James, who lives in Hanover County. They have five grandchildren.

He shared many great stories during his interview. Sadly, on December 17, 2023 we were informed about the passing of Mac McGuire just days after this interview. Our beloved VAVRS Life Member and Past President will truly be missed.

Cards may be sent to Linda McGuire at: 9206 Hartley Hill Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-6388. Please keep Linda and their children Ashley and J.P. in your prayers.

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Ken Morgan Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant Ken is a Life Member, a Hall of Fame inductee, and the youngest President in VAVRS history.

He was born in Farmville, Virginia. In 1964, while in high school, Ken was invited to join the Junior Squad in Crewe. Ken was interested in first aid and the opportunity to get involved with the squad.

By 1965 he was an officer in VAVRS Junior Association. He joined Tuckahoe VRS in 1967 while attending the University of Richmond. At the state level, he has served as a District VP, Secretary and Vice President before becoming President. Ken has agreed to chair Rescue College for 2023 and 2024. He has been a volunteer for VAVRS for over 50 years.

Along with Page Entsminger, he wrote and compiled “Diamond Reflections,” a history of the first 75 years of VAVRS. He compiles an update every year.

When asked what VAVRS means to him, he answered that VAVRS is the heart and soul of prehospital emergency care in Virginia.

VAVRS led the way in providing emergency care long before the state government got involved. VAVRS is the leading spokesman for legislative issues pertaining to prehospital care in Virginia.

Ken’s advice to the younger members of the organization is to get involved. Ask questions.

Volunteer to serve on committees. Do your best if you agree to participate.

He feels that the future of the organization is clearly dependent on finding a way to get paid services in the leadership and seeing VAVRS as their “go to” association. All EMS providers benefit from the legislative work of the organization. The association must change its focus. Very few true volunteers are left.

One thing that most people do not know is that he has visited twenty-one countries with Rotary International, including Nigeria, India, Columbia, and South America.

Ken and his wife, Winnie, live in North Carolina. His daughter, Rebecca, and his four grandchildren live in Richmond.

When you see Ken, ask him about the 1977 Convention that was held in Richmond!

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Garland Lee Linkous Jr. Garland attended many VAVRS Conventions and served both as a VAVRS and AVAVRS officer. He performed “TAPS” during several VAVRS Memorial Services, was a long-time VAVRS EVOC Instructor and will be greatly missed.

Obituary Garland Lee Linkous, Jr., age 78, of Christiansburg died Tuesday, October 10, 2023. He was born in Baltimore, MD on May 29, 1945, to the late Garland Lee, Sr. and Ida Allene Shepherd Linkous.

He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Garland was a veteran of the U.S. Navy for 6 years and the National Guard 29th Division Band for 23 years, he achieved the rank of E7 Sgt 1st class. He was a life member of the VFW, American Legion, and DAV. He was a life member of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad.

He was a marriage commissioner having held hundreds of weddings. Garland owned and operated EZ Method Driving School and certified hundreds of students for driving permits and motorcycle safety. He also ran the Trailways bus station and Nancy’s Travel and Tours. He was also a Master Gardener and a sou chef at Virginia Tech and Mountain Lake. He was a master musician and could play any brass instrument, trumpet, strings, mandolin, harpsichord, and guitar. Garland filled in as a Pastor of Mt. Elbert United Methodist Church, Floyd Va. He operated the Christmas Kitchen for at least 10 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Richardson Linkous; a daughter, Leeann; a son, Chris; brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond Linkous, and Ernest (Kathy) Linkous; brothers-in-law, Bill (Sandra) Richardson, and George (Rocine) Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.

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This is the risk you take when you are the Executive Director and you do not send a report into the VAVRS Editor—All we can do is run recent photos of our director and his office!

Wanna bet he sends in a report next quarter?

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Celebrating our 89th Year of Leadership

The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees. When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I had some financial troubles in 2023 and I am sure glad that year is over.

Broke in Bristol Dear Tim, You think you had troubles, yesterday I checked my account balance at the ATM and it printed me a coupon for Ramen Noodles.

Dear Rescue Ranger, I sure do enjoy reading your column. I cannot say I understand all of the questions and your answers but it is sure interesting.

BB Dear Bubby, Those who like my letters are happier, more intelligent and better-looking than those who don’t; according to a study I made up.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Looking forward to a great year in 2024. Might lose a little weight, exercise so I feel younger and enjoy life with friends and family. Any New Year’s Resolutions you want to share?

Same Old Stuff Dear John III, I've decided I’m going to avoid everything that makes me fat: pictures, mirrors, scales…We all know mirrors don’t lie...I’m just grateful that they don’t laugh! And, wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for a short period of time and come out wrinkle free and two sizes smaller.

Also, not to brag, but I just got hired as a fitness model. They hired me for the “Before” picture.

By the way, I wanted to share that I just saw 3 people jogging outside and it inspired me to get up and close the blinds.

Another little ditty. I named my dog “5 Miles” so I can tell people I walk 5 miles every day.

Dear Rescue Ranger, I sure do miss you. Your wisdom has been a radiate beam for my life. Please continue giving advice, I learn so much from you.

BB Dear Brian, Well thanks. One bit of advise I give to you is to always get a second opinion when making life choices—for example—I went to the grocery store today and the cashier said my total was $208.47….I wanted a second opinion so I went to the self checkout and my new total was $43.20.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Yesterday my wife thought she saw a cockroach in the kitchen. She sprayed everything down and cleaned it thoroughly. Today I’m putting the cockroach in the bathroom.

Your Friend DE Dear Doug, I know we both realize that being a Trophy Husband is exhausting. This year I plan to be more decisive...the road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.

Dear Rescue Ranger, You know sometimes, not all of the time, we get back from a call and have to run right back out to another. We eat on the run, have little time to go to the gym, forget things, every part of our body hurts and we generally feel stressed most of the time.

Any advice?

Your Friend and Fellow Rescue Fanatic Dear Andy, Get a hold on yourself! In the span of 20 years, 114 people have died in weight lifting accidents at the gym. In the same 20 years, only 1 man died while eating a donut. Life is about the choices we make.

Educate yourself…

Don’t worry about your memory, I am not bragging but I can forget what I’m doing while I’m doing it.

Also, you have heard others say pain let’s you know you’re alive. I feel so alive right now!

Stress, not me. I know life is short, so I smile while I still have teeth.

It is said that exercise can add more years to your life. I just ran a mile and already feel like I’m 82.

Dear Rescue Ranger, My body creaks so much that my doctor wrote me a prescription for WD-40.

Broke and Broken Dear Kathy, Your body is just like a computer. Sometimes you just have to hit Control-Alt-Delete: Control Yourself - Alter Your Thinking - Delete Negativity

One more: Think of a number between 1 & 20, double it, take away one. Now close your eyes.

It’s dark isn’t it?

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

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

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

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