[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5898-S5899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MICHIGAN VOLUNTARISM

 Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, our Nation's veterans made 
enormous sacrifices in defense of our Nation through their military 
service. One of the many ways we recognize their service is through 
essential government programs that form the foundation of our Nation's 
promise to care for veterans. These programs are made stronger by the 
valuable contributions of volunteers. Volunteers who freely offer their 
time to improve the quality of life of American veterans provide a 
personal reminder that a grateful nation will always remember and value 
their sacrifice. This spirit of generosity and compassion is embodied 
at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in west Michigan. A banquet to 
honor the positive impact these volunteers have had over the past year 
will take place on September 27, 2011.
  In operation since 1886, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is a 758-
bed home for veterans in need of long-term care. Residents are cared 
for by a professional staff of doctors, nurses and social workers, all 
of whom tirelessly work to fulfill the home's mission of providing 
quality interdisciplinary care and helping residents ``achieve their 
highest potential of independence, self worth, wellness and dignity.'' 
Supporting the professional staff in these efforts is a capable and 
compassionate army of volunteers. In 2010 alone, almost 900 different 
volunteers served at the home, with approximately 200 volunteers 
putting in at least 100 hours of service. Some volunteers are veterans 
themselves; some are family members of current or past residents; 
others have no personal connection to the home other than the desire to 
help American heroes.
  Volunteers provide a host of services for the veterans and hold 
events that improve the residents' quality of life. Perhaps the most 
essential service volunteers provide is something that most people take 
for granted: visiting with veterans individually, offering human 
companionship. For veterans in homes, especially the elderly or 
disabled, having someone read or play cards with them, or simply have a 
conversation with them can provide great comfort. In addition to 
providing a simple yet powerful human connection, volunteers ensure 
that veterans at the home live active lives by helping to run the 
home's woodshop, bowling alley and library, as well as escorting 
residents to painting and ceramics classes. Residents also enjoy the 
animal therapy

[[Page S5899]]

program where volunteers bring in their own pet dogs and cats.
  Last year, volunteers organized a number of special events, including 
a Super Bowl Party, a Las Vegas Day, three fishing tournaments, a 
carnival, a fall harvest festival, and a Christmas celebration called 
the Veterans Star Christmas Project. As part of the project, volunteers 
distributed more than 700 donated gifts to residents on Christmas Day. 
According to one resident, the celebration was especially meaningful 
because ``this kind of brightens our year, to know that there are 
people thinking about you, that care about you.'' Surely, that kind of 
reaction is all the reward volunteers want for their efforts. Every 
day, these generous and dedicated men and women show the residents of 
the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans that the American people have not 
forgotten them or their service to our Nation.
  It is in this spirit of generosity that I know my colleagues will 
join me in recognizing and thanking all those who volunteered at the 
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The positive impact they have had on 
the lives of Michigan veterans is tremendous, and I extend my deepest 
appreciation for their service.

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