MONTE VISTA-Local veteran Jerry Salazar has been utilizing Visiting Angels services for his home care for several years. He recently contacted their central office in Pagosa Springs and Care Director LuAnn Ormonde, to praise the work of his Client Care Manager Clorinda Chavez-Martinez. Chavez-Martinez was surprised and presented with an award and flowers by Ormonde and Salazar at his home Thursday, Oct. 8.

Ormonde said Salazar “Couldn’t say enough good things about you, you’ve made a huge difference.” Salazar stated the caregivers Chavez-Martinez has assigned for his care has saved his life many times, as he combated blood clots and various other health issues stemming from the wounds he suffered serving in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. Salazar also praised her positive attitude, her willingness to go above and beyond and how she looks out for his overall health, “She’s quick to admonish me with ‘is that against medical advice?’ when I’m doing too much,” Salazar said. He added of the care provided by Chavez-Martinez and her team “it makes me feel comfortable and like I’m not just out here by myself.” Salazar also compared the care to the military’s philosophy of “never leave anyone on the trail.”

Chavez-Martinez credits her team of caregivers for all of the exceptional care Salazar and the other 44 clients in the San Luis Valley receive. She oversees 23 caregivers for 45 clients. She stated her favorite parts of the job are working with clients and caregivers “and just serving others.” She has lived in the Valley for about 30 years, is married and has two children (one of which is a USMC vet like Salazar) and six awesome grandkids. Salazar wants veterans around the SLV to know Visiting Angels home care is available through Veterans Affairs, and he wants other veterans in need to receive the same great quality of care he has.