NCOA Journal
Mar-Apr 02
Small Gifts Touch Veterans' Lives
NCOA's National Defense Foundation (NDF) distributes thousands of holiday greeting cards every year to veterans resident in VA medical care facilities and State Veteran Nursing Homes.
The cards convey the message of the Foundation's Motto "Honoring the Sacrifices of America's Veterans" by placing in their hands a variety of special holiday cards, miniature American Flags, flowers and bookmarkers.
The program seeks to touch the life of every hospitalized veteran and lets them know that their military service and personal sacrifice for America was important, recognized by all Americans, and most importantly that they are not forgotten! Citizens from across America sign the greeting cards and those sent by military veterans usually include their branch, dates of military service and combat experience.
The Card Program is a significant element of the Foundation's Operation Appreciation Program. Operation Appreciation can account for 2,020,431 (yes more than two million) holiday cards, mementos, flags and bookmarkers distributed over the past 13 years.
Over the years, we routinely heard "war stories" from hospital staff members telling how well the cards are received and shared among veterans. In fact, it seems they become the basis for endless discussion and countless reflections of days long past amongst veterans, and with visitors and staff members alike.
NDF Mails Over 63,000 Bookmarkers
December 2001 saw the mailing of over 63,000 Bookmarkers to Federal and State veteran health care and nursing home facilities located in all states and territories of the United States.
The bookmarkers, as do all of our mailings, involve a dynamic partnership with literally countless people including facility administrators, chiefs of voluntary service, dining room staffs and numerous volunteers who distribute the cards to veteran residents at their facility. The success of these program efforts would not be possible without the dedication and personal energy to be involved by so many program volunteers. We are never quite able to say express enough thanks to the many participants who care and serve veterans in the distribution of holiday cards and tray favors.
The 2002 Bookmarkers were specially designed with a calendar to fill a need for residents to mark their place in books, magazines, Bibles and separate bedside papers. Here's how they were received:
Florida State Nursing Home at Daytona Beach
"…we would like to thank you very kindly for the generous donation of Bookmarker Calendars you made to our home. You cannot imagine how much this means to our residents. They will make good use of them. With your ongoing support, we can make a real difference, not just in individual lives, but also in aiding all veterans. Your gift revealed a heart of true compassion, one that helps us reap the benefits of working in partnership."
Sheri Lewis, MBA, NHA
Administrator
VA San Diego Health Care System
"…These greetings do so much to motivate our patients and many times help them regain a positive attitude which is important during treatment and recovery."
John A. Stewart, Director
Voluntary Resources Management Service
New Hampshire Veterans Home
"Thank you for your recent donation of Bookmarker Calendars to the residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Your generosity is much appreciated by them and those who care for our men and women. Our mission is to provide excellent care and a very quality of life for the veterans who chose to make this their home. Thoughtfulness by people such as you makes this a daily reality."
Barry E. Conway
Commandant
Minnesota Veterans Home Minneapolis
"Thank you for your support of the Minnesota Veterans Home. Your bookmark donation is a reminder for our residents that their dedication and sacrifices are remembered and honored."
Alan
C. Saatkamp
Administrator
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