Jan/Feb 2009 - Korean War Veterans Association

feel like they are noticed and cared for. Our
volunteers, like George, play a key role in the
customer service we provide to our veterans.
Who better to provide service to them
than another veteran?”
“Volunteers are special people who give
their time and energy to organizations they
feel passionate about,” said Joseph M.
Dalpiaz, Director of VA North Texas Health
Care System. “Many volunteers at VA North
Texas Health Care System are veterans
themselves and can support our patients in
ways other volunteers can’t. Their caring
heart and listening ear is a morale boost no
amount of money can buy.”
“There’s always a need for volunteers,
even if it’s just a few hours a week,” Kraus
added. “There’s always something for us to
do. We work in the various units in the hospital;
we play cards with the veterans who
haven’t had a buddy visit them in a while. We
help move people around, getting people to
their appointments, and we help round up
and repair wheelchairs, when needed.”
In the past year, VA North Texas Healthcare
System had approximately 1,650 volunteers
that logged more than 144,945 hours.
“George seems to absolutely love what he
does,” Scoggins added. “When he comes
here, that is really his sole focus and attention,
dedicating his service to others. With
our volunteers, their primary focus is serving
those who have served us. George is very
outgoing and gives 150 percent. When he
comes here, he really gives us his all.”
Scoggins added that the VA Medical Center
is very unique, offering types of volunteer
opportunities not often available through
other organizations. “We really do have a
broad base of programs here,” she said, “so
there’s really a fit for anyone interested in
volunteering. Whatever compassion or love
you have, talk to someone who volunteers
and listen to the joy they get from it.”
Kraus is a member of the Sam Johnson
Chapter of the Korean War Veterans
Association. The group as a whole volunteers
in a variety of ways at the Dallas VA
Medical Center as well, cooking hamburgers
for patients, repairing wheelchairs, visiting
patients, and helping wherever needed. On
November 11, Kraus and other volunteers
will be aiding veterans’ participation in the
annual Dallas Veterans Day Parade, providing
trucks for veterans to ride in if they are
not able to march in the parade.
“There is so much to do to help those who
have served our country,” Kraus said. “There
are so many places where you may not realize
there is a need until you start talking to
the counselors and staff at the Dallas VA
Medical Center. In the past several years, I
have seen more and more veterans showing
up there seeking help. There are many, many
people who really need help, and there are so
BGen DeArmond speaks to Lions Club
BGen Michael “Mike” DeArmond, USAF
(Ret), delivered a guest lecture to members
of the Reston [VA] Lions Club on 6 August
2008. He shared some of his experiences as
a jet fighter pilot during the Korean and
Vietnam Wars—including the story about his
time as a POW in North Korea.
DeArmond’s talk was sponsored by the
Gerry Washburn (L), “Mike” DeArmond (C), James Ryan (R) at luncheon
Veterans inducted into Arizona Hall of Fame
Five Korean War veterans were inducted
into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame on 24
October, 2008. Those honored include:
• Lew Bradley, Commander of Arden A.
Rowley Chapter (CID 122), active in Kiwanis,
and volunteer homebound driver
• Bernard Kaplan – Richard Countryman
Chapter (CID 132) and Past Commander,
Scottsdale Jewish War Veterans
• Art Sloane – Richard Countryman
many services available, it’s amazing.”
Kraus plans to continue his volunteer work
as long as he is able. “You never really know
how well you have it until you see how other
people are,” Kraus said. “To be of help
makes you feel really good, and it’s just a
blessing to be able to do it.”
Northern Virginia Chapter (CID 100).
DeArmond and Gerry Washburn, program
chairman, are members of the chapter.
Donald M. Byers
Northern Virginia Chapter 100
4600 Duke Street, Ste 416
Alexandria, VA 22304
Chapter (CID 132) , active in Kiwanis, member
Jewish War Veterans, writes veterans
column for local newspaper
• Gene Spruce - General Brad Smith
Chapter, advisor for Junior Achievement,
2007 Outstanding Korean War Veteran Eagle
Award
• Harold Stern - West Valley Chapter (CID
296), member Sun City West Sheriff’s Posse
Lew Bradley, KiwanisLew@cox.net
33
The Graybeards
January – February 2009