Latasha R Angle
March 2026
Latasha R
Angle
,
LPN
Primary Care
Salisbury VA Health Care System
Salisbury
,
NC
United States
They did not simply solve a scheduling issue; they safeguarded a veteran's dignity, comfort, and safe return home.
I would like to formally recognize Amber Joyce, Latasha Angle, and Jessica Liles, nurses in the Silver Clinic, for their extraordinary commitment to veteran-centered care and for exemplifying our ICARE values in action. Recently, on a Friday, a veteran arrived at the clinic at 11:45 AM after experiencing issues with VA transportation, only to be told that the provider could not see him because his appointment was at 11:00 AM. Rather than allowing this to become a negative experience, Amber, Latasha, and Jessica immediately stepped in. They collaborated to adjust the schedule, secured a 3:30 PM appointment with the provider, and coordinated an updated transportation pickup for 4:15 PM. Amber, who was already leaving for the day, noticed the veteran and his spouse were still waiting in the parking garage at 4:30 PM. Without hesitation, she returned inside, obtained the transportation company's contact information, and personally called to advocate for the veteran upon learning that the original driver could not make it and another one was 40 minutes away. Amber, Latasha, and Jessica remained actively engaged, maintaining communication with transportation and staying physically present with the veteran and his wife during the extended wait. The team escorted the veteran to the emergency department to obtain a stretcher so they could assist with changing his brief, ensuring his dignity and comfort were maintained as he is wheelchair-bound. They then returned outside and continued waiting with the couple. After further delays and multiple follow-up calls, transportation finally arrived at 5:45 PM, an hour and a half later than expected. The veteran and his spouse were safely transported back to the nursing home. Had it not been for their vigilance, advocacy, and compassion, this veteran and his wife would have remained in the parking garage with no communication and no clear timeline for pickup. The veteran's spouse expressed sincere appreciation for the staff's dedication and numerous apologies offered throughout the process. Amber, Latasha, and Jessica demonstrated integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence in ways that truly reflect the heart of our mission. They did not simply solve a scheduling issue; they safeguarded a veteran's dignity, comfort, and safe return home.