Orrin Hatch: “I am pleased to join with many others in Utah who have expressed their appreciation to Bill Hodson, director of the Salt…”

“I am pleased to join with many others in Utah who have expressed their appreciation to Bill Hodson, director of the Salt Lake City Veterans Medical Center. Bill recently retired after many years of faithful service to our Nation's veterans from New Jersey to Arizona, including the last 11 years in Salt Lake City. These years have been ones of great accomplishment, not just for Bill personally, but for the VA. We have all, in one way or another, benefited from his innovation and determination. In 1992, Bill received the Secretary's Award for advancement in nursing programs. But, we in Utah owe Bill a particular debt of gratitude for his stewardship of our Salt Lake VA Medical Center. Bill Hodson led the way on a $30 million project to renovate the main building of the VA Medical Center for patient areas and ambulatory care clinics, successful management of a dynamic heart transplant program, and expanded research and training programs. The buildings and services that Bill has built will be a lasting legacy of Bill's leadership and commitment to public service. There can be no question that Bill was a highly able administrator; but, more importantly, his compassion and concern for others has earned him a special place in the hearts of veterans--and indeed all the citizens of Utah.”