Tucson, AZ (KOLD-TV) Letting our veterans know they're not forgotten; that's the mission of National Salute to Veterans Day at the Southern Arizona VA Medical Center.
Today, I had the privilege of being one of more than a 100 volunteers giving thanks and showing our appreciation to hospitalized veterans.
From retired generals, to business owners, to current service members, volunteers from all walks of life are spending part of their day going room to room saying "thank you" and sharing stories with veterans receiving medical care at the VA. One of those volunteers is Tucson auto dealer Jim Click, "you know Dan, I'm going to leave today feeling a lot better than when I came. I felt good when I came but to come out here to be able to see some of these people who gave their whole lives..some of them to our country. I didn't meet one veteran that wasn't excited to see us and to say, 'boy, we really appreciate you coming to see us.'"
Each volunteer gives a hand written Valentine's day card to a veteran, all made by local school children. For Edwin Glerup, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1960, this simple gesture goes a long way, "I think the kids in school that done these Valentine's day cards is one of the greatest things they can learn."
Some of the veterans, spent Valentine's Day in the hospital, away from family and loved ones, making today's visits extra special, "oh, that's a really great feeling, that somebody cared enough to do that," said Bob Phillips who served in the USMC during the Vietnam War.
Lester Key, Jr, served during the Korean Conflict, and was thankful for the visitors, "I'm glad to see you guys out and everybody out and I'm glad this happening in our community"
General John Wickham knows the importance of recognizing veterans. A former Army Chief of Staff with a highly decorated military career, he gives his time every year, "I think it's an obligation of all Americans to reflect some commitment of service back to those who have served. I spent 41 years in the Army, I was almost killed in Vietnam, so I went through the evacuation process and understand when people suffer therefore I have some empathy for all veterans."
If you would like to volunteer at the Southern Arizona VA Medical Center, there are number of opportunities to do so. You can contact the Voluntary Service Office at (520) 629-1822.
Courtesy: DMAFB
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