“The biggest sin is to turn your back on those in need.” – Chris Swanson
The following Life on Life story was submitted by Life Member, Claudia Miller:
On Saturday, May 19th, 2018, Rok of Kaizen along with our leaders, Terry and Ann Franks, went to the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. The facility was built in 1888 to care for the veterans of the Civil War and has been in operation ever since. The home is a 427-bed facility and provides two levels of care: those that suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia, and those needing more intermediate care.
21 of our Power Player Ready teammates volunteered at this Life on Life event. Our main task was to escort the veterans to the Armed Forces Day celebration event that the home provided for them. The volunteers were encouraged to get to know the veterans, where they served, about their family etc., and provide some companionship for the afternoon. The program was a bonus as we got to listen to a 16-year-old young lady who is also a qualifier for round two of The Voice. We then served the veteran’s cookies and a beverage and escorted them back to their rooms.
Here are some of the comments from our volunteers:
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they’ve made a difference in the world. This was a rewarding time well spent with Veterans on Armed Forces Day. Breaking the barrier from being a stranger to a friend with these Vets only took a smile. It was great to hear where they came from, their background, and about foreign service away from family. The entertainment put on by the Ohio Veterans Home was uplifting. Looking around the room at the Vets who attended, it was heart warming to see hands clapping and feet tapping from wheelchairs to the music. As a Veteran myself, I walked into this experience with hesitation but walked out knowing that liberty is always worth fighting for.” – Don Baker (Life Member)
“During the afternoon event, we had a chance to visit with many of the veterans. Every man and woman we spent time with was eager to tell us their stories of the time spent in the service. From the airborne, helicopter pilots, nurses, mechanic, infantry, and all other jobs, every person was proud to serve our country. When asked if they would do it all over again, the answer was always, YES! Listening to the stories and having a chance getting to know the men and women who put their lives on the line for us to live in a free country was such an honor and humbling experience. For us, the highlight of the afternoon was when one of the performers sang ‘Proud to be an American;’ the room went wild, those who could stand, stood up tall and straight, every one in the room sang along. It was absolutely amazing the vibe in that large room will be one we will never forget.” – Kim Ryan (Life Member)
“Having the opportunity to participate in a Life on Life event by serving those who served was both rewarding and unforgettable. ‘Attention! Fall in! At ease, at ease!’ – Glenn (Vietnam War Veteran) The smile on this man’s face as he commanded our attention will forever warm my heart and I was honored to be able to escort him to the program. As we made our way through the halls, it was very clear that the war did not snuff out his comedic sense of humor, we danced as he sung, he was very animated and friendly with all those we passed. The program was beautiful and everyone enjoyed themselves but the most unforgettable moment of the afternoon was when a young lady sang the National Anthem. As soon as she began to sing, I watched as the fun, smiley vet that I walked into the room with transformed into a serious soldier, who honors his country and fallen, the intense passion and pride was clearly written on his face and there was no doubt that this man, like the many other veterans, have experienced more than one can imagine. We may think we have an idea of their experiences, but after talking to several veterans, I am starting to question if we really have a clue of their true sacrifice. This Life on Life event inspired us to continue to serve those who sacrificed for our freedom.” – Amanda Pelc (Life Member)
“Being our first Life on Life event, we approached this without really knowing what to expect or even what was expected of us, except to take it on faith and do what is asked. Very interesting meeting a new friend, hearing stories about his service and his family, even a bit about a youth growing up in the Great Depression. But as much as making a difference for a veteran, the side effect was that we made a difference in the lives of the staff who serve these great veterans every day, giving them a helping hand that they had not expected. What a joy to see their spirits lifted as well.” – Bob and Pat (Life Members)
“The Ohio Veterans’ Home is truly that — a home to some of our greatest heroes who have served this great country. Once the confusion of our arrival settled and the volunteer host met us to take us to where we would meet people who lived our history and can still tell us about it, we met one gentleman who was talking about his time on his ship in WWII. We could see the animation in his eyes as he told of some of his times with his brothers — both good and not-so-good times. He’d have some laughter in his stories, but then he’d get serious too. He was truly happy to share his stories with us. And as we left to meet other Veterans, when I shook his hand, he said, “Son, I’d do it again, too!” We knew he meant it! I was in awe of what this man went through just for me and my family, for his family, for all of US! And he was so proud to have served.” – Mike Mundy (Life Member)
“While spending time with the Veterans, I was able to meet two “Bill’s,” who were both in the Air Force. They peaked my interest as my brother, also a “Bill,” served in the USAF. They were cheerful and genuinely wanted to know about my brother, but not so much about what they did. I told them my brother was no longer with us so they shared with me some of the times they were on bases and talked more of the fun they had, but not some of the serious stuff. Another Veteran I met and spent time with was “Lennie.” He was also USAF and had been a pilot flying missions over Guam in WWII. He talked about “my boys” and the fact that he now had to get back to Youngstown where his dad “has a machine shop and promised to give me and my boys a job. It’s important we get back to Youngstown!” Then he proceeded to talk about his wife who “they made her a doctor.” After his time in Guam and the service, he continued to be a pilot for a smaller aircraft and was proud to show his pictures of his “girl,” his fixed-wing plane. He also showed me pictures in his room of his son and grandson, but soon he was back to being early 20’s and had “to get back to Youngstown where my dad has a machine shop. He said he’d hire me and all my boys.” He was not referring to his sons or grandsons, but his crew on his plan. Then his roommate started talking. “Frank” served as an air crewman in the USN but his plane flew many missions over North Korea. He didn’t talk much about his missions, but he had plenty to say about coming back each time and was glad to come back. He was also glad to have served our country. He seemed to have a better sense of where he was and wasn’t in any big hurry to go somewhere else, but he did enjoy the company. Earlier in the day, someone in our group asked me if I was ready for this. I told her “I was BORN FOR THIS.” I love our Veterans, have many patients who are Veterans, and each May we spend time either at the Western Reserve National Cemetery placing flags at graves on Saturday morning before Memorial day or spend time to help organize our city’s Memorial Day Parade, which we honor our Veterans, both past and present, living or fallen, as the heroes they are, and for the sacrifice they’ve given to keep our great nation free. “We will never forget.” This isn’t something that was just for 9/11, but a statement to honor those brave men AND women who have served since the Revolutionary War all the way down through the ages to the current War on Terror. Let us always remember that freedom isn’t free. There has been a price paid by many of our young men and women, their families and friends, and the towns all across our nation who have given, sacrificed all, for all of us — “One nation under God!” I would do this every weekend if I could. There is nothing like giving value to another human being, even if it’s only a moment that can give them joy and help them forget any troubles or suffering they might be enduring. You can’t put a price on this.” – Ruth Mundy (Life Member)
“Thank you for all the donations and please come back again!” – Erica (Staff Member)
Thank you to all of the volunteers who served from the Rok of Kaizen organization, under the leadership of Terry and Ann Franks! Your example is an inspiration!