Appreciation for our Veterans

By MIDN 2/C Andrea Krestos

On September 6th, 2008 thirty-three Midshipmen traveled to the Aspinwall Veterans Hospital to help with a Labor Day picnic to show their appreciation for our veterans. Some Midshipmen cooked hotdogs and served veterans, while others brought patients down from their rooms and helped them get set up for lunch. We spent time talking with the veterans while they told us life stories and memories from their years served in the military.

On February 13th, 2009 a group of Midshipmen traveled again to the Aspinwall VA to participate in a program called Valentines for Vets. This is a nationwide program that gathers volunteers to help pass out valentines made by elementary school children. We visited different floors, spending about 15 minutes on each one. During our time spent on each floor, we all talked with the veterans saying thank you and showing them our appreciation for their dedication to our country.

Both of these events were very successful. The staff was thankful for our time and help, and the veterans enjoyed our company. The Midshipmen all left with a sense of pride and ambition knowing they could someday be in these veterans’ shoes, telling similar stories.