Three members of the Lewis-Clark State College baseball team helped say thank you to veterans by visiting with residents of the Idaho State Veterans Home during Veteran’s Day celebrations earlier this month.
On Nov. 10, Kent Knigge, RMS Long Term Care Program Manager, and Heather Vandenbark, Region 2 Human Resource Specialist, along with the three baseball players – Tyler Knigge, Nick Masters and Brett Watson (pictured alongside veteran Clancy Ellis) – took the cards, letters and baked goodies to the Veteran’s Home where many of the residents were assembled.
The players were introduced and were able to spend some quality time visiting and handing out the sentiments to the veterans who were very appreciative. Each and every resident received 3-4 cards or letters.
"Many citizens of our great country pass our much appreciated Veteran’s Day holiday without doing much to thank our veterans," says Cary Dingman, Region 2 Director's Assistant. "This year we wanted to do something special."
DHW Region 2 employees along with their friends and family members participated in a “Letters of Gratitude” campaign for the residents of the Idaho State Veteran’s Home. There are currently 62 people in residence at the Home including 57 veterans and 5 veteran spouses. Most of these residents participated in WWII, Korean or Vietnam Wars.
An area preschool class made US flags out of construction paper and popsicle sticks, wrote letters ,and drew pictures, while a local 2nd grade class made cards and Region 2 employees and their family members made or purchased cards and wrote very sincere letters of gratitude and baked cookies by the plateful.
"We were excited to see how anxious people were to help in this effort – so much of the time we want to do something to thank our veterans, but aren’t sure how to go about it," says Dingman. "The excitement spread and we started receiving cards and letters with heartfelt thoughts of appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made so that we have the freedoms we so often take for granted in this amazing country."
