John Wasson’s tribute to the caregivers who never gave up on him

His care meant everything. He wanted VA staff to know.

John E. Wasson followed his older brother’s example and joined the Army in 1957, driven by a desire to serve his country.

“I enlisted in the Army, believing it to be both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to something greater than myself,” Wasson said.

At Fort Bliss, Texas, he worked with the Honest John and Little John rocket systems, which were some of the Army’s most advanced weapons at the time.

When there was no manual for the testing procedures, a superior asked Wasson to write one. He did. It became the Army’s main guide for every soldier who came after.

He separated from the Army in 1961.

A life built on hard work

After his discharge, Wasson spent four years on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, continuing rocket testing and monitoring rocket systems. Then he built a 50-year career in international trade, traveling the world with his wife and partner, Ninnian.

One of his achievements was creating the Shurlok Security Lock Box, which is still sold today. It was the first dial combination lock box with two separate codes, offering a unique feature that no other product had at the time.

Care that felt different

Wasson felt lost and discouraged after being admitted to a community hospital in Henderson, Nevada, before arriving at Grand Junction VA’s Community Living Center.

“From the moment he arrived, he was treated with dignity, compassion, respect and genuine kindness,” said his daughter, JoNi Wasson Westover.

She observed VA staff going above and beyond every day, no matter how long a Veteran had been there or how complicated their needs were.

“Whether it was the nurses providing comfort and encouragement, the therapists helping Veterans regain strength and independence, the dietary staff preparing meals or the housekeeping team ensuring a clean and welcoming environment, every person played an important role,” said Wasson Westover.

Wasson made it a point to stop and personally thank everyone he encountered, from the kitchen staff and cleaning crews to the nurses, aides, therapists and administrative personnel.

“He would often pause, shake their hand and say, ‘Thank you,’” his daughter said. “He always followed it with the same heartfelt sentiment: ‘There are just not enough thank-yous in a day.’”

A song for the people who show up

When Wasson went home, he wanted to do something lasting for the staff at VA Western Colorado Healthcare System.

He collaborated with his son-in-law, James Westover, to write “What You Do Matters,” a tribute to the staff who cared for him.

The song was released during Nurses Week, but Wasson dedicated it to everyone who gives their time, energy and heart to ensure Veterans receive the care they’ve earned at Grand Junction VA Medical Center.

“They provide far more than medical treatment,” said Wasson Westover. “They offer hope, reassurance, dignity and humanity during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

For Wasson, it was a way to make his gratitude permanent.

“Through ‘What You Do Matters,’ I hope every member of VA team will know that their kindness leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of the Veterans and families they serve and that their dedication will never be forgotten,” he added.

Listen to “What You Do Matters.”

Learn about VA Geriatrics and Extended Care

Veterans interested in Community Living Center services, where Veterans can receive short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing and restorative therapies, can learn more through VA Geriatrics and Extended Care. Find out how a Community Living Center helped one Veteran walk again.