All the Morrow County veterans groups got together this Christmas season to bring some cheer to veterans in the three county nursing centers. Mike McKinney said the project got start about ten years ago by the AmVets Post 97. This year, all the county veterans groups came together with the Joint Veterans Council to give gifts and visit 27 veterans in Woodside Village, three at Morrow Manor and 12 at Bennington Glen.
They found that veterans especially appreciate the gift of a set of sweat pants, sweat shirt and socks, so they work with the care centers to find out sizes. Each veteran gets a set of sweats, socks, fruit and candy. They make a special effort to see that a few diabetic patients receive sugar free candy.
Veterans groups that worked on the project were American Legion of Johnsville Post 754, American Legion Post 97 of Cardington and 710 of Mount Gilead, Am Vets Post 97 and VFW Post 8054.
This year, McKinney said that the veterans especially enjoyed the visit from a woman in officer’s uniform. Mandy Brady is on leave from the Navy and went with veterans to the nursing homes.
“Seeing Mandy, an active duty officer, in uniform was very special for them,” said McKinney. “Mandy is Carl Brady’s granddaughter.”
Air Force Veteran, Richard Parish enjoyed the gifts and attention. “We kept the planes going,” said Parish who served on an aircraft carrier in World War II.
Activity Director at Woodside, Lorean Blair said that Woodside keeps in contact with veterans groups all year and especially at Christmas.
“I think it’s just wonderful what they do,” said Blair. “The veterans here really enjoy their visit.