I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to the VA and their employees for all that they do. Thank you to the administrators, doctors, lab technicians and all other support staff. I recently experienced a condition with my skin. It was the first time since adolescence that I had to be referred to a dermatologist. I am so grateful that my primary care doctor provided me with a referral to Clarksburg, at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.

In the meantime, he also provided me with medication as well as a cream to provide acute care until I could visit with the dermatologist. I was hesitant to take another medication, which was prescribed outside of the VA because of potential side effects. In a kind and professional manner, he strongly recommended that I take that medication as well. He let me know that for short term, that the side effects would be minimal, and if I did experience any side effects they would cease immediately, upon discontinuation. I decided to take his advice and the medication as well as the cream was extremely effective in treating the symptoms. The referral to the dermatologist allowed me to be provided with another cream as well as follow-up visit to the dermatologist, and my skin appears so much better. So, thank you to my provider Dr. K. and the dermatologist Dr. Y.

Thank you so much to the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Parkersburg. Much appreciation to the administrator, their DOC’s nurses, lab techs as well as all other support staff. A special shout out to those wonderful employees who work at the front desk. A special thank you to Dawn for remembering my name from my first visit years ago and addressing me as such on arrival and on check out.

To all the fellow veterans, Thank you for your service, and may God continue to bless you and the VA.

P.S. This is for Marina B: Go Navy!

Mark Powers

Parkersburg