Veterans receive holiday cheer at Phoenix VA Community Living Center

Jonathan Tang, a recreation therapist at the Phoenix VA CLC, said that the Community Living Center Veterans and staff appreciate the generosity of Corte Bella and DAV Post 1. Their kindness and their generous presents made for a happy day for the CLC Veterans.

“We want to thank them for their thoughtfulness for the Community Living Center Veterans,” said Tang. “The Veterans of CLC had an amazing and special Christmas Day.”

Nursing staff at the CLC helped decorate each Veteran’s room and sorted and delivered gifts because they feel it was very important to make the holiday season an enjoyable time for the Veterans.  It was a priority for the nurses to make this Veteran’s Christmas extra special for every Veteran in the CLC by giving them a bedside Christmas tree that lights up.

Gaudencio “Gus” Tristan said, “It was so important to me to celebrate Christmas and was afraid I won't be able to do that at the VA but yesterday was so special to me. I just want to share it with my family that I had a really good Christmas day at the VA.”

CLC Veterans received hand crocheted Afghans, personally delivered Christmas Cards, warm blankets and more. They also had a special pet therapy visit from Harley, a service dog.

“I would never have expected to receive all this on Christmas Day. What a blessing,” said Stephen Cockrell. His wife said, “I don’t think he has ever been this spoiled on Christmas, I’m so thankful for CLC staff for making our Christmas Day extra special.” 

Richard Toy said, “Oh my. I have always been the one to give out presents. I don’t think I have ever received so many presents on Christmas.”

If your group would like to make any donations or do something special for the Veterans served by the Phoenix VA, either at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center or at any one of the 12 area VA Clinics, please contact us at 602-222-6419.

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