Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2013
Operation Thank You Salutes Our Veterans
Operation Thank You was created by Bob Page, Irene Finneral (a Gold-Star Wife and Mother), and a group of dedicated individuals visiting nursing homes or Veterans' homes every 12 weeks to serve pizza, cookies, and soft drinks to Veterans and to give each one a gift bag filled with things they didn't usually get. The visits were so successful that Bob started doing little fund raisers to help pay for more visits. With some accumulated funds, Bob is now able to host an event every six weeks instead of 12, but he admits he would like to do even more.
The most important part of the program is not the food or gifts. "It's the time spent talking with the Veterans and listening to their stories of service," Bob said. "It's important to learn what branch of the service they were in, how long they served, and where they served. When we sit down and talk with them, youcan see them brighten up. Most of the time in nursing homes, no one speaks to them about their service to our country, so we recognize them. Our goal is to make life better for the Veterans in the time we are there."
Bob fondly recalled one specific visit. "We went to one nursing home and talked with an 86-year-old man who had been awarded the Silver Star for his heroic action of saving a crew mate who had fallen overboard in the Pacific during a kamikaze attack. He was so proud to tell that story—he probably hadn't talked about it in 20 years. A couple of weeks later, we read in the newspaper that he passed away, but it made us feel good that we got to listen to him."
Operation Thank You co-founder Bob Page. Photo courtesy of Paul Corbett
Since the program kicked off in 2009, Bob has had so many volunteers step forward to take part that he had to break them down into companies: alpha and bravo. "I tell them ‘if you come once, I own you' because you feel you are a better person for what you have done." In addition, Bob is hoping to "light a fire" under people and inspire them to begin programs in other areas. He is even offering seed money for startup if people show an interest. He said, "Once a group throws a party, they are there for life."
Bob explained that the process is easy. "It's very simple," he said. "All you do is call a nursing home and speak to the director of activities. They set the whole thing up. Some places go all out and set up special rooms, play patriotic music, and put up flags, which really makes the day special for our Veterans."
For more information about Operation Thank You, contact Bob Page at 978-458-0793. Contributions can be sent to: Operation Thank You, 26 Fremont Street, Lowell, MA 01850.
