My Deepest Gratitude and Admiration

3/25/25

Dear Members of the Board,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the exemplary work of Ms. Faye Janzad, the Director at the Veterans Independent Living Facility and Veterans Assisted Living Facility. My uncle, Mr. Rogers E. Brumfield, who is a Vietnam era Veteran, has been under her care at the facility, and her efforts have significantly impacted our lives in a profoundly positive way.

Ms. Janzad consistently demonstrates a genuine and heartfelt commitment to the well-being of the veterans in her care. Managing my uncle’s PTSD episodes with compassion and expertise, she ensures he receives the highest quality medical treatment. Furthermore, she keeps our family well-informed and reassured, making us feel involved and confident in his care. Her extraordinary dedication extends beyond medical treatment; she also ensures that my uncle’s logistical needs are met, from transportation to appointments to assisting his financial affairs.

My uncle has relocated multiple times, closing his bank account each time, which disrupted his benefit payments. After moving to Louisiana, he discovered his brother had been relocated due to Hurricane Ida and sadly passed away the next day. Ms. Faye’s staff transported him back to New Mexico from the New Orleans VA Hospital, as the VA medical team did not want him traveling alone. Ms. Faye and her team facilitated the reinstatement of his benefits and helped set up a Navy Federal Credit Union account that I can monitor for him. I appreciated the safeguarding of his business affairs.

Last fall my Uncle Rogers became very ill but refused to go to the hospital. Ms. Faye shared the message with me as his Power of Attorney. I requested the ambulance take him. The VA Hospital staff communicated his health needs to me. Three separate VA medical doctors called because he refused medication, food and wanted to simply be left alone, even refusing a phone call from me. The medical doctors recommended hospice. The Assisted Living Facility under Ms. Faye was approved for hospice care. Under Faye’s direction, slowly my uncle’s health and appetite have improved. She even helped him with smoking cessation. Until recently, he had not taken a cigarette since October 2024.

As many of you may know, some veterans can become agitated when in a PTSD episode. Ms. Janzad seems to be the only person who has calming power over my uncle. She understands his mindset and knows when to interact and when to allow space. She has provided pictures of our family to my uncle and posted our phone numbers for his access to contact family at his convenience.

As a fellow veteran, my uncle’s care and well-being are of utmost importance to me. Examples of Ms. Janzad’s care and concern including sending videos of my uncle’s progress after a recent hospital stay. My uncle is from South Louisiana and loves food cooked only the way people in the south can. Ms. Faye made cornbread and a few dishes he would like. In a video, he said, “pretty good,” a high compliment from him. I know my uncle has good and bad days, and I am thankful that Ms. Janzad has been responsive and informative.

During my recent visit to see my uncle, Ms. Janzad went above and beyond by arranging a condo for my stay. This generous gesture speaks volumes about her dedication to supporting veterans and their families. Her ability to provide individualized care and her genuine concern for my uncle’s well-being have brought immense comfort to our family. Her exceptional efforts and leadership deserve recognition and appreciation from this board.

Thank you for considering my letter of commendation. I am confident that with leaders like Ms. Janzad, the Veterans Independent Living Facility and Veterans Assisted Living Facility will continue to set the highest standards in veteran care.

I appreciate Ms. Faye because we live so far away from my uncle.

Warmest regards,

Kema W. Evans