Salute to Veteran Patients
Smiling, from ear to ear, 93 years young Marine Veteran, Donald W. Doss rolled through the crowd of Veterans and Cosmetology students at the Marion VA’s Salute to Veteran Patients Week event.
Doss had heard about the event from his daughter and caretaker, Beverly Johnson.
He had just eaten “Everything! From soup, to pies, doughnuts, you name it,” shares Doss.
At the event, Veterans and caregivers were welcomed with doughnuts and coffee if they arrived in the morning, and lunch was provided to those showing up around lunch time.
While Doss and his daughter, Beverly, waited for his haircut, Beverly shared that she received the invite via our facebook events page from a friend.
“This is actually our first VA event,” shares Beverly. “He’s loved every minute since he got on the scooter. We didn’t even know it, but one of his friends is here as well,” shares Beverly.
Danielle Doss, great grand niece to Donald Doss, was at the event as well, but she was there as a volunteer.
Danielle was one of the students from the John A. Logan College Cosmetology program that had volunteered their services to treat our Veterans. They travelled to the event to offer haircuts and manicures to Veterans and Caregivers.
“This is a great event and we’re really taking advantage of this opportunity” says Danielle.
Even at 93 years of age, it doesn’t appear like Donald likes to be stuck at home. He often goes out with family and friends, often for dinner.
“Yesterday we went out for Valentines Day,” says Beverly.
When asked what he had, Donald replied, “Steak! The food here was great too!”
“Well the VA has been great with my dad. You never think the roles will change with your parents, but they do. And the VA has really stepped up and they have been there for us when we needed the support.” - Beverly Johnson, Veteran Caretaker
The events from this story took place during our weeklong events for National Salute to Veteran Patients Week events. We could not have done this for our Veterans without the help of our community partners, JALC Cosmetology, The Salvation Army, Integrated Health, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and all of the great volunteers that continuously give us their time, without question!