The Volunteer Caregiver Support Program at the VA SORCC (Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics) matches older Veterans with volunteers who live within their community. The volunteers provide home visits and respite for their family caregivers. This program is highly impactful for Veterans as well as for volunteers.
Corinne “Corey” Tremble has been volunteering for 2-1/2 years with the VCSP Program. She is matched with two World War II homebound Veterans. She shared that she decided to volunteer with VA because her father was a Veteran and volunteering is her way of showing gratitude for the care he received at VA.
When asked about volunteering, Corey said “It makes my day!” She said we all need to give back to our Veterans, “Even if it’s just a little, to the men and women who sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom and rights.”
Charlie a WWII Veteran and his dog “Maggie”
Each week, Corey takes a drive to see her special guys. They enjoy playing cards together, taking a walk outside, or just engaging in good conversation. When one of her Veterans was asked what he liked best about his visits with Corey, he exclaimed “Every time she comes for a visit is my favorite. That’s a nice girl there. Everything I learned about cards, I’ve learned from her.” Another Veteran’s daughter said “We love Corey! Dad really looks forward to their time together.”
Corey is just one of the 10 volunteers in the VCSP program who devotes a few hours a week to our treasured Veterans. “My life has been very blessed…It feels good to give a little time to somebody who so appreciates a little company or distraction once in a while. I can’t tell you how many times my two Veterans thank me for just being there.”
About the author: Annelise Weston, LCSW is a Volunteer Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, and a Community Adult Day Health Care Program Coordinator.
Topics in this story
More Stories
VA promotes early nutrition intervention for chronic kidney disease with targeted programs like Heathier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen.
VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses hosting Veteran Engagement Sessions in Phoenix for 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans.
Navy Veteran and president of the American Medical Association got a colonoscopy and encourages other Veterans to do the same.
Hello,
I’m a young girl who has great respect and gratitude towards our arm forces. I’ve been looking for volunteer opportunities, where I’m able to give a bit back to those who serve/ed. If there’s any cites y’all can recommend me, or volunteer opportunities, related to this, feel free to contact me. I will greatly appreciated any suggestions. Thank y’all!
Fact of the matter is they’ve been coaxed into worthlessness by these compensated representatives of “volunteer programs”. Maybe Trump will be privy to this and you’re exposed.
I’m a 70 year old veteran and personally, I won’t be shuffling around like an old grey bear of winter soon. though for these men of my generation i don’t see much changing that would compensate for this highly celebrated ‘Appreciation’ one hears so much about.
how old are these veteran spending their days gumming card decks and taking walks ? this is what a veteran can look forward to who still has decades of worth to himself and family and country ? who would aspire to that and what great reward and appreciation..?
I’m glad somebody [redacted] because the VA is just going [redacted] the poor veteran anyway they can. The poor sob believed in them like I did and they[redacted] on him, but volunteers stepped in to clean up the mess. Thanks to the volunteers the [redacted] at the VA don’t have to do a god damd thing. The [redacted]would rather the vets died so they didn’t have to mess with them at all. Thankfully there are good people in the world to offset VA employees.
Editor’s note: Portions of this comment have been redacted per VA’s social media policy.