Holiday festivities abound for Veterans at CAVHCS facilities
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System or CAVHCS, held several tree-lighting ceremonies to spread holiday cheer for Veterans in Columbus, Georgia, Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama.
One of the highlights of the ceremonies was the attendance of the Poydasheff family, who were excited about the first tree-lighting ceremony at the recently opened clinic.
“I’m very proud to be a part of this, said Rob Poydasheff,” son of the late Col. Robert S. Poydasheff, for whom the clinic is named. “I love the fact that VA is reaching out to take care of Veterans. I’ve seen several hygiene items under the tree that will help Veterans in need. I’m truly overwhelmed.”
The Scouts of Historic Georgia donated many hygiene items, which was part of a state-wide challenge for each city to make 110 care packages for homeless Veterans. In addition, one group provided 85 personal care packages with a personal note to each Veteran.
It was also a special day for a Gold Star family member Deborah Tainsh who was there to represent her late husband, Sgt. Maj. (ret) David Tainsh and her son Army Sgt. Patrick Tainsh, who was killed in action in Iraq on February 11, 2004.
“This clinic didn’t exist when my husband had to go to VA. This is the first time I’ve come in since it was open and it is just a pleasure to see the beauty here and all that it’s going to offer for all of our Veterans,” said Tainsh.
As for the Tuskegee Campus, the Auburn Student Veterans Association delivered hard-earned donations from their fundraiser Operation Iron Ruck. Operation Iron Ruck is a fundraiser which takes place each fall where students from Auburn University and the University of Alabama walk approximately 150 miles to the visiting team’s stadium.
The Montgomery VA Clinic received coffee, pastries from Starbucks, and hygiene items from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, American Legion District 32 and American Legion Department. Equally important, donors also filled the Toys for Tots boxes for the children of Veterans.
“Despite the challenges that everyone is facing, I continue to be humbled by the care that our community members show Veterans by giving to CAVHCS. This demonstrates the significance of nurturing community relationships,” said CAVHCS Director/CEO Amir Farooqi.