2024 CLC Holiday Parade

The event was officially from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. but the choir came early and sang for the Veterans as they were brought out. Once everyone was cozy and had plenty of blankets, the parade began. 

“The first year -because of COVID- it brought the Veterans so much joy to see their families driving by in the cars decorated for the holidays,” said Recreation Therapy Supervisor Melissa Crawford. “Now it’s just become this beautiful tradition that staff and Veterans look forward to.” 

The CLC Holiday Parade began in during the COVID-19 pandemic when Registered Nurse Theresa Ruggerio was concerned about the mental health of the Veterans she served. They were unable to see their families due to policies put in place for their safety -and though she knew that was for the best- she saw that the holidays were a hard time for Veterans to be unable to see their families. Ruggerio organized the parade so that families could drive past the front of the building and wave and smile, and Veterans could see them and feel less alone. 

“This year I’m excited to hear the choir sing, and for the hot chocolate bar,” said Ruggerio. “We’ve tried to add things or make it a little different each time so that each year is special and unique. My favorite part is the involvement of VAPIHCS staff, because they always bring a lot of fun to the event.” 

COVID-19 is still spreading, but transmission rates are lower, and vaccinations help make it less dangerous. Visitation isn’t being restricted at the CLC anymore, but staff and most visitors still take extra precautions and care by wearing masks, washing hands often, and having hand sanitizer on hand everywhere. In addition to COVID-19, the influenza virus causes severe illness and death for thousands of Americans each year. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is also spreading in the community and could endanger CLC Veterans. In light of this, the parade continues to be a safe way for staff, the community, and the Veterans’ families to wish residents a happy holiday season. 

“I’m excited to see this tradition to continue,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Donald Banik. “It’s something that brings staff, CLC residents, their families, and the community together to share the holiday spirit and honor our Veterans.” 

VAPIHCS Supply Chain Management (SCM) float features several Santas this year. After driving around the loop in front of the building, they stopped and let the Santas down to walk around greeting each Veteran, thanking them for their service, and giving them gifts. The Combat Vets Association motorcycle club also stopped after they did the loop of the parade to get off their bikes, salute each Veteran, and thank them for their service. The Veterans enjoyed the shiny motorcycles, but they also remarked about one of the family members floats that had a cute dog hanging out the window, and how much they enjoyed the kids running behind the SMC float popping the bubbles it was putting out. 

“Seeing the excitement and happiness of our CLC residents, their families, and staff really highlights what this season is all about,” said Nurse Executive and ADPCS Katherine Pope. “It makes me proud to be a part of this organization that truly has Veterans at the heart and center of all that we do.” 

The CLC holds many events throughout the year to give staff and Veterans an opportunity to find their joy. On Halloween, each staff member is paired with a CLC resident for a costume contest which has become very competitive over the years. They have a Holiday Wheelchair Parade through the building, plates brought up for them from the VAPIHCS Thanksgiving event each year, and an annual end of summer bash. This year they also held a May Day event which was new, but very popular. 

“It’s really touching to see people come out and celebrate our Veterans here at the CLC,” said Social Worker Georgia Maria Clariza. “The Veterans like knowing that people are excited to come together and share some holiday cheer with them.” 

For community members who wish to help brighten the lives of CLC Veterans, there are many opportunities to do so. The CLC community garden is always looking for donations of plants, dirt, and fertilizer. The Red Cross, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, and many other groups organize donations of gifts, hold birthday celebrations, and participate in volunteer days. The VAPIHCS Center for Development and Civic Engagement also has a path to help people volunteer at the CLC for a variety of duties based on their abilities and skills. Additionally, everyone is welcome to come to the next CLC holiday parade in 2025. 

“My church choir comes to sing for Veterans once a month and have a celebratory mass with the dedicated Chaplain here at the CLC; Chaplain Paige Morris,” said New Home Church Choir Leader and Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) Doctor Cecilia Mangrobang. “However, coming to sing at the holiday parade each year is really special for us. We love to spread holiday cheer.”