A little visit to the VA to visit Vets

Hi all,

Well it has been a while since I scratched anything on my blog. Guess it is time to quit putting it off. I thought I might share a little story about a PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) and HOTH (Helping On The Homefront) mission to carry a little Christmas up to the Vets who stay at the VA hospital in Sturgis SD.



We made little gifts. The gifts was a rolled up pair of white socks stuffed with other little goodies. If ya ever spent any time in a nursing home or VA, you'ld know their #1 complaint is having cold feet. So with the gifts in a little wagon, we headed out.






We walked the halls and handed out a lot of gifts. Counting what we left at the nurses station, it totaled 70 pairs of socks with the goodies stuck inside. From the psycho ward to the lunch room to the two wards including the Hospice area, PGR members made their way along spreading joy among the patients and nurses alike.

One neat thing that happened was Ride Captain Curt had a quilt (made by his wife) to give to one of the residents... And he found a man who never got any visitors. The quilt was appreciated.

All and all, it was a great mission - one I look forward to doing each year and hope to do again. This was my third year to be involved with this project. We have developed a good relationship with the VA. I would like to extend a special thanks to Mike Ellis who lead us around. His help and courtesy was very much appreciated.



There is such a reward in seeing the looks on these people's face as gifts were handed out. But sadly, there were some faces missing from last year. We must all remember to appreciate these older (some my age) warriors at the hospital. We are losing so many of the guys .. and gals (no disrespect intended).

Remember that it does not have to be a group (like PGR) to go up to a VA hospital and visit these people. Just go by the Volunteer area and talk to them. Soon you'll be doing something special. And you know what else? There are plenty of nursing homes around too. They like having visitors... What's that old saying? -- Try it, you'll like it.

Go out and visit some folks who can't be home and I promise you'll love it.... and they will too.

If ya find an old warrior (Vet) don't forget to thank him for what he did for all of us and his country... You'll be glad you did. Molly even got into the act....



My best to all until next time...


Until later.... jay