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VISN 2: Volunteer News Winter 2015
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Syracuse Highlights
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| Volunteer as a Respite Caregiver by Peter P. Morrissey, Korean War Veteran
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One of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had since I retired from the business community is having become an “In Home Respite Care Volunteer,” sponsored by Syracuse VA Voluntary Service.
What this entails is spending three or four hours on a specific day, visiting World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans to relieve their caregivers, who are with them 24/7, day in and day out. Many of these Veterans are elderly, have serious disabilities, or are incapacitated in one way or another. The Caregivers deserve and welcome the break! I am presently working with five different Veterans, some once a week, others every other week or on an as needed basis. I am a reasonably healthy 82-year-old Korean War Veteran who grew up during World War II. I was 9 years old at the time of the “sneak attack” on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. I remember that and the war that followed very vividly. Just like young people today remember 9/11/2001. All of the men and many of the women in my neighborhood virtually disappeared. They volunteered to fight a very difficult war that we were not prepared to engage in, but “the Greatest Generation” rose to the occasion. We did it and won that war in 4 years. Six years later came the Korean War and then in 1965 we were “Boots on the ground in Vietnam.” The point is that now there are many elderly Veterans from all of those wars that are being cared for by brave and tired caregivers. I personally find it very satisfying to “give back” by offering a little of my time, in honor of the many sacrifices Veterans made to keep our great country free. Volunteering in the In Home Respite Program is without a doubt the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life! They did it for us…. Now it is our turn to do it for them! I urge any person, young or old, man, woman, Veteran or not, to volunteer for the program. The program needs your help! Are you willing to volunteer? If you are interested in becoming a respite volunteer, contact Lisa Gualtieri at (315) 425-4315. Peter P. Morrissey Korean War Veteran |
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