ROAD 2 RECOVERY 2008

American Legion Riders giving support

"A group of about 20 riders assembled for the final ten miles of the day after yet another hospitality-filled rest stop from the American Legion in Seaside. We rode at a leisurely 10-12 mph pace with the energy of a tailgate party. We laughed and joked around while the American Legion escorted us through town on motorcycles. Their support was incredible. They posted road guards at intersections and shielded us from traffic while cheering us on. Their support was so good, it felt like we were on a closed course.

We were all glad to get to the hotel, which overlooks Monterey Bay. While most prepared for dinner, several of us jumped back on our bikes to ride out to Pebble Beach, which was only a few miles away. It was a terrific way to finish the day.

The same guys that escorted us from Santa Cruz all day hosted us for dinner at the Carmel American Legion. Again, we ate barbecue chicken and tri-tip like we might not ever get to eat again, then finished the meal with huge helpings of cheesecake-- so much for me using this ride to get back into my pants. At dinner, the Carmel Valley Rotary Club made a-- greatly appreciated-- $500 contribution to the program. We can't thank the people of Carmel enough for their gracious support.

Tomorrow is the hardest day of the week. 100 miles and 8,000 feet of climbing over Big Sur. I just hope to finish."

The event organizer would like to thank the American Legion Riders, 28th District and the American Legion Post 512, Carmel by the Sea for the dinner.

(Click here to view all the event photos)

(Very interesting page: The Ride, A daily Journal) (Click here)

Submitted by Abel Quinones (01/05/2009)

At some time in your life, you may need emergency care. For veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care system when it is not possible for you to go to a VA medical center, you should go to the nearest hospital that has an emergency room. If you are in an ambulance, the paramedics will usually take you to the closest emergency room. A medical emergency is when you have an injury or illness that is so severe that without immediate treatment, the injury or illness threatens your health or life. Use your best judgment in deciding whether or not it is a medical emergency. If you believe it is call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need to call the VA before you obtain emergency care. However, if you are admitted, your family, friends or hospital staff should contact the nearest VA medical center as soon as possible to provide information about your emergency room visit. If the doctor wants to admit you to the hospital, and it is not an emergency you must obtain approval from the VA. You, a friend, a family member, or someone from the non-VA hospital must call the closest VA medical center and speak to the patient transfer or patient administration representative. This must be done within 72 hours of your arrival at the emergency room. If a VA bed is available and if you can be safely transferred, you must be moved. If you refuse to be transferred, the VA will not pay for any further care.

VA will not pay for emergency care if you are in jail. Usually the jail has responsibility for providing you with medical care. VA will only pay for emergency care outside the US if your emergency is related to a service-connected condition. Contact the VA Health Administration Center at (877) 345-8179. You can find more information on the Foreign Medical Program at http://www.va.gov/hac/hacmain.asp. All claims should be filed with the nearest VA medical center as quickly as possible. Time limits usually apply. You may have to pay for a portion of your emergency care dependent on several factors which vary according to the care you received. Your local VA medical center’s patient benefits counselor can explain these and other factors and their impact on your particular circumstance. You can also get answers to your questions on the Health Administration Center Internet website at http://www.va.gov/hac/hacmain.asp under Non-VA Care. [Source: http://www.nonvacare.va.gov/emergencycare.asp16 Dec 08 ++]