Volunteers help make Patriot Day special at Robley Rex VA Medical Center
By Stephen Woolverton, Public Affairs Specialist
Robley Rex VA Medical Center hosted a wonderful group of young volunteers who gave their time and strength on Patriot Day to beautify the Memorial Garden at the East Entrance of the campus.
Patriot Day was a day to thank Veterans for their service to our country before, during and after the attack on 9/11. Those Veterans who came to the medical center on Patriot Day this year received many thanks in the form of visitors for inpatients, popcorn for anyone who came through the doors, and the sight of young men and women working hard to care for the Memorial Garden.
“This group of volunteers contacted the VA and asked how they can help us specifically on Patriot Day, which is a National Day of Service,” said Suzanne Harrett, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
Harrett said having them volunteer on this day was a benefit to the Veterans who are the reason the VA creates these special spaces. Robley Rex VA wants the Veterans to be able to enjoy the grounds and outdoor sitting areas of the facility, so it is good to have volunteers come who want to make it more attractive for Veterans and visitors.
Amy Docter, Volunteer Coordinator for Blueprint 502, said they brought roughly 45 volunteers to help with this project. She was very glad that there was such a large space that needed work, because it can be challenging for her to find places to volunteer that can handle such a large group.
“Every single Friday is a service project, and then we have special days, like today, that we're at the Veterans Hospital,” said Docter. “We volunteered here in the past. We know that the campus is very large, and when you have roughly 40 people in your program, you need a space where they can go and actually have everyone contribute.”
“When large groups want to volunteer, we typically put them in touch with the Engineering Department, because they can always use help with groundskeeping,” said Harrett. “It is a win/win.”
Some of the volunteers mentioned there were a lot of Veterans who said ‘thank you’ to them as they arrived at or left the medical center.
Lawaun Sidney, a volunteer who had been busy spreading mulch, said that it was motivational to be there. He was glad to be doing something for Veterans, even though he doesn’t like the smell of mulch.
“I feels good,” said Sidney “I feel like we did a good thing.”
Another volunteer, Samira Pickering, said, “I like the simple fact that we are helping.”
Robley Rex VA Medical Center is thankful for all the volunteers who are a part of providing the best care possible to our Veterans. Any group wishing to volunteer is encouraged to contact CDCE at VHALOUVAVS@va.gov for more information.