Ames helps Iraq war vets Ames helps Iraq war vets (March 18, 2005)

NASA Ames Research Center has opened its doors to relatives of injured Iraq war veterans who are receiving treatment at the Palo Alto veterans' hospital.

NASA has set aside five rooms at its employee lodging facility for use by veterans' families at reduced or no cost.

"Palo Alto is a very expensive place to stay, and I know our nurses and social workers have struggled to help the families of these service members with accommodations and other needs during their stay here,'' Veterans' Administration Palo Alto Health Care System Director Elizabeth Freeman said in a statement. "With this commitment from NASA Ames, a lot of pressure and worry will be lifted from the families and our staff. I am so grateful.''

The rooms are equipped with combination television, digital video and videotape players, plus refrigerators and microwave ovens. Laundry facilities are also on site, according to Ames Assistant Director of Center Operations Gus Gold.

The lodging is within walking distance of a military commissary and exchange stores at Moffett Field and transportation arrangements to and from the hospital can be made for families without automobiles.

"We are collaborating with Onizuka Air Force Station, which has volunteered drivers to take family members who don't have transportation back and forth from the lodge to the Palo Alto VA hospital,'' Gold said.
-- Bay City News

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