Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens today announced the appointment of five members to the Fitzsimons State Veterans Nursing Home Advisory Board. The board was created by the passage of HB1344 in May - and replaces the Fitzsimons State Veterans Nursing Home Accountability Committee that was created through an executive order of the governor in October 2004.

"I am confident the new board will ensure that residents at the Fitzsimmons Veterans Nursing Home continue to receive the care they deserve," said the Governor.

Before completing its work, the previous accountability committee - led by Lt. Gov. Jane Norton - submitted 12 recommendations to the governor in June 2005. Chief among the committee's recommendations was that the public-private partnership model of operations at Fitzsimons should be considered for implementation on a statewide level to benefit residents at all state veterans nursing homes.

The new board will continue to monitor progress toward ensuring resident safety and financial viability at the Fitzsimons State Veterans Nursing Home. The new board will make recommendations and provide regular updates to the State Board of Veteran Affairs.

"I am very thankful to have found these five dedicated individuals to serve in this important capacity," Owens said. The five are: Patricia J. Johnson of Aurora, Kenneth C. Melcher of Aurora, George H. Palmateer of Golden, Paula D. Sarlls of Aurora and Sean R. Tonner of Highlands Ranch.

Johnson has been a volunteer at the Veterans Home and has a family member residing at the home. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Melcher is a veteran of the United States Air Force and past president of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. He also serves as treasurer of the local chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association.

Palmateer is a veteran of United States Air Force and has served in several local and national offices of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also serves as state legislative chairman for The American Legion Post in Golden.

Sarlls is 2nd Vice President of the National Women Marines Association and president of the association's Columbine Chapter. She also serves as secretary of the Colorado Freedom Memorial Board of Directors.

Tonner is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the YMCA's Youth Lessons of Life board of directors.

Two senators - one appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and one appointed by the Senate Minority Leader

Two representatives - one appointed by the Speaker of the House and one appointed by the House Minority Leader

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