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    Helping one veteran at a time

    Helping one veteran at a time

    Photo By Joseph Rivera Rebolledo | Occupational therapist, Griselle Rivera Ortiz, observes how Vietnam Veteran, Angel...... read more read more

    SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

    01.28.2016

    Story by Joseph Rivera Rebolledo 

    VA Caribbean Healthcare System

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Historically, helping people has always being a difficult task to many due to time restraints, financial situations or family commitments. However, for occupational therapist Griselle Rivera Ortiz, of the Community Living Center (CLC), at the San Juan VA Medical Center (SJVAMC), VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), what may be difficult for others, is her passion.

    During a visit to the CLC, Rivera Ortiz was able to demonstrate how that passion flows through her veins while helping and encouraging Vietnam veteran Angel Martinez to continue exercising during a therapy session to help Martinez improve and regain the strength of his arms, Jan. 28.

    According to Martinez, "The truth is that the entire team of therapists is beyond good, they fulfill their duties as expected."

    "My goal after all these therapies is being able to walk again," said Martinez.

    "The service here at the San Juan VA Hospital is very efficient, and I encourage all veterans to use the services provided at the VA Hospital, these are services they earned," said Martinez.

    However, for Rivera Ortiz, working at the CLC represents a challenge, a challenge like no other as her goal is to make sure the veterans reach their goals.

    "I am only an instrument to help the patients during the rehabilitation process. I depend more on how much they are willing to cooperate in order to achieve their individual goals," said Rivera Ortiz.

    According to Army veteran Pablo Rodriguez Ramirez, "The treatment is magnificent, like no other ... it is simply excellent."

    "I expect to get from these therapies the opportunity to be able to move my leg again and be able to perform the things I used to do and continue with my life," said Rodriguez.

    "I am confident I will achieve it through these therapies," concluded Rodriguez.

    "It is an honor for me being able to serve our veterans, especially when I see them achieving their goals and are able to return to the lives and routines back in the comfort of their homes and with their loved ones," said Rivera Ortiz.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.28.2016
    Date Posted: 01.28.2016 16:21
    Story ID: 187320
    Location: SAN JUAN, PR

    Web Views: 270
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN