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Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) held a gathering to celebrate Arbor Day. Arbor Day isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about achieving a balance between development and
the integration of plants into our surroundings. Exceptional individuals planted the first trees. Each of these individuals represents a unique and invaluable part of our community: For more
than four decades, Jackie Long has been a cornerstone of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO). Her federal service began humbly, yet honorably, as a Certified Nursing
Assistant (CNA), driven by a deep-rooted commitment to caring for others. From those early days, Jackie’s journey wound through various roles across the facility, each one preparing her for
the pivotal position she would hold for the last 22 years — Facility Planner. As the facility planner, Long’s vision and determination brought critical improvements to VHSO. She championed
and secured funding for numerous construction and lease projects, reshaping the infrastructure of care for thousands of Veterans. Under her leadership, three enduring national programs were
successfully implemented at VHSO: IFCAP (Integrated Funds Distribution, Control Point Activity, Accounting and Procurement), the Generic Inventory Package, and the Purchase Card
Program—systems that continue to streamline and support essential operations. Long’s legacy includes not just her professional achievements, but the culture of care and excellence she
fostered. As she steps into retirement, she said she looks forward to well-earned adventures — travel, camping, and savoring the fullness of life after a career spent building pathways for
others. As Long transitions out, a new generation steps in. Keri Washington, a recent hire, joins the VHSO team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA). A proud Texan who has called
Fort Smith home for the past decade, Washington recently moved to Fayetteville to begin this new chapter. Her energy and enthusiasm for serving Veterans shine through, and she’s eager to
make her own mark on the legacy of service at VHSO. Also, part of the VHSO story is Greg Diaville, a retired Air Force Veteran and former Deputy Director of Contracting for VISN 16. Since
retiring in 2007, Greg has continued to contribute to the Veteran community through his Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned small business. As a long-time recipient of care at VHSO, Diaville
offers a valuable perspective on the evolution of the facility and the importance of continual improvement in Veteran services. This would be a good place for a quote from Greg Diaville on
how the facility has changed. The ongoing Oval Drive Refurbishment project reflects that commitment to progress. Long known as a site deficiency in the VA Capital Asset Inventory (CAI)
assessment, Oval Drive’s cracked pavement, inadequate drainage, and non-compliant ADA features are finally being addressed. The project will replace deteriorated pavements, install proper
curbs and gutters, correct sidewalk hazards, and upgrade lighting and ADA parking areas. Of course, change often comes with difficult decisions. Many of the trees lining Oval Drive, while
beautiful, have caused significant damage over time. Roots have lifted sidewalks and cracked asphalt, compromising safety and infrastructure. The project will remove 48 trees, but with
intention and foresight — replacement trees, including Chestnut, Shumard Oak, Sweet Red Maple, and Southern Sugar Maple, will be planted at proper distances to protect the new infrastructure
and maintain the Oval’s natural beauty for decades to come. Two employees with the City of Fayetteville showed their support at the tree-planting event. Urban Foresters Willa A. Thomason
and John Scott are both dedicated stewards of Fayetteville’s green spaces. Thomason, with her background in Cultural Anthropology and Physical Geography, and Scott, with his dual expertise
in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, are both passionate about tree preservation and ecological balance. Their combined insight honors history while building a safer, more
sustainable future. Thomason enjoys hiking the Boston Mountains and making music with her band Dandelion Heart, while Scott finds joy in restoring his woodland property and reflecting on his
childhood memories of the long-lasting roses by the VA — memories that will live on through new roots planted with care and intention. Why are these two people important enough in the story
to mention their background? From Long’s decades of service to the fresh perspective of Washington, and from the enduring loyalty of Veterans like Diaville to the thoughtful stewardship of
Thomason and Scott, the story of VHSO is one of dedication, growth, and renewal. The Oval Drive refurbishment stands as a symbol of that legacy—honoring the past, investing in the present,
and planting seeds for a brighter future. ###
