SPOKANE, Wash. – Hundreds of local military veterans lined up at West Wellesley Monday morning to accept a special thanks from the Spokane Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA) in celebration of Memorial Day.
Volunteer Eduardo Rodriguez estimated 400 cars rolled through the VA’s tent – accompanied by more than a dozen other volunteer organizations, including The Knights of Columbus and The American Red Cross – to accept boxes of food in preparation for Thanksgiving and general needs headed into cold winter months.
The event also serves as a point of contact. Some of our veterans who are suffering the most live in isolation, according to Rodriguez.
“To me, this is incredible and makes me feel good being part of the VA that we every day we try to help our fellow vets. And you know, hopefully one, you know, when they come here, they’re sad or angry. When they leave here, they got a smile on their face,” Rodriguez said. “It kind of warms my heart that we’re not just here helping veterans that don’t need, but we’re helping veterans that do need.”
One of those is Laura Hollar. She served in the Navy and now suffers from fibromyalgia. She lives with chronic pain.
“You know, coming down to the VA even feels like home away from home. I know so many people here now,” Hollar said. “Times are tough and food’s expensive, and I’m, you know, ecstatic that we’re getting some help.”
