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West Texans Help Oklahoma Victims
Sweats for Vets 9/27/12
Tatum Guinn
CBS 7 News
September 27, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com
Big Spring - It's a common story for veterans who go in for a simple check up at the VA Hospital in Big Spring.
What starts out as just an exam turns into an extended stay. These unexpected, long-term stays leave many veterans in the hospital without time to plan or even pack the right kind of clothing.
The Auxiliary VFW of Midland has made it their mission to ensure every veteran patient in Big Spring has a set of warm clothes.
The VA Hospital in Big Spring currently has over 70 patients, and as the weather begins to change, most of them aren't ready for the winter months.
"Many times they don't come here to be admitted," Iva Jo Hanslick, Community Relations Coordinator for VA Health Services said. "Many of them get here and came to us with their summer clothing and they do not have jackets or sweats or anything for their winter wear."
The VA System in Big Spring runs solely off of donations and they're in need of warm clothes for their patients.
"We have some of our little veterans that are very frail and they wear the sweats even when it's warmer," Hanslick said.
The Auxiliary VFW of Midland got word of the need and made it their mission to provide sweats for the vets.
"It's time for us to give back to the veterans. They gave their lives for us, so it’s the least we could do,” Pat French with the VFW said.
"The veterans are very, very grateful and thankful that we are able to take care of them while they're here," Hanslick said.
Organizers say serving the veterans any way they can is an honor since the veterans spent their lives serving us.
"Every day we're re-affirmed here that the price of freedom is not free. It is very rewarding to me to give back to these guys who have given so much," Hanslick said.
If you would like to donate, you can drop sweats in all sizes, coats and white socks off at the VFW in Odessa at 208 East VFW Lane.