Veterans get extra Holiday Cheer from Miss Iowa
Veterans at the VA Central Iowa campus got some extra Holiday cheer this season as Miss Iowa Alyse Goethe performed on campus Monday.
Goethe sang Yuletide favorites and other standards, and visited with the Veterans during her performance which she hopes will raise the spirits of the former service members.
“My grandfather was a Veteran, and he unfortunately passed away in 2018,” said Goethe. “Getting to make his legacy a little longer lasting by helping other Veterans is the best way I know to honor him and all our heroes.”
The audience included residents at the VA Community Living Center (CLC), cottage, main hospital; and the Domiciliary, a residential rehabilitation and treatment center on the campus at 3600-30th street in Des Moines.
“This is a great opportunity for our Veterans to enjoy the season,” said VA Central Iowa Director Lisa Curnes. “We appreciate support for our Veterans from Miss Iowa, and all Iowans. These heroes deserve the best this season and throughout the year.”
Goethe also took questions from the audience about her singing, her pageant experience and competing in the upcoming Miss America pageant, which will take place January 6 in Orlando, Florida.
The performance was arranged by VA Central Iowa’s Recreation and Music Therapy program which is part of the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy services at VA. These therapies promote independence and enhance health and well-being for Veterans with injuries, chronic (long-lasting) illnesses, or disabling conditions.
They provide services and activities that include animal interaction, gardening and leisure education, music, art, crafts, exercise, sports, and games.