Veteran story regarding Obama

[graywarrior]

I volunteer to drive veterans to the VA and usually take someone at least once a week. The other day I picked up a guy, probably in his late 70's, and we started talking about this and that (I try not to go all politics with vets because you never know what side they support).

So this guy starts telling me his health woes and his struggles with diminishing services at the VA. Then he gets all weepy and says how happy he is that Obama won the election. He tells me that for months when he woke up in the morning he'd lay there debating about getting out of bed wishing God would just take him. After Obama won, he said he woke up and stared at his ceiling and then remembered that he had hope for the first time in 8 years and practically jumped out of bed looking forward to the day. He cried the entire time he talked about Obama. He told me he loved Obama, that Obama gave him a reason to live even tho he has serious health issues. He wants to be around long enough to see him inaugurated and maybe experience the first year or so of his presidency. He said he has never been so proud of a president in his entire life.

I drove another vet today. He also was so relieved and grateful that Obama will be president. After he found out I voted for Obama, he went on and on about how we need to help him get things right in this country.

I love veterans. Even the ones on the other side. As I waited for the one I took today, I sat next to another old guy who glanced at my Obama book. He says, "hummph, my guy lost." I said, "Oh, I'm sorry" hoping I wasn't going to have to clock the old guy. then he say, "Aw, it's ok. I think Obama is gonna do a great job. Things will probably work out ok."

Obama the Uniter.

[Thrill]

1. How do you volunteer to do that? Where at?

[graywarrior]

3. Contact the Veteran's Adminstration or Veteran's Hospital in your area.

They are in need of drivers all the time. You need to go through an application process that can be frustrating and a weird physical where they ask more questions than examine you. They do a quick hearing test and eye test. If you have diabetes, you cannot drive for them.

I drive because we are two hours from the closest VA hospital and frankly, the VA medical staff is so much better than our local VA doctor. These vets are so grateful for this service and I love helping.

[Thrill]

6. Thanks. I'll try it out

[graywarrior]

8. Let me know if I can answer any questions about the confusing volunteer process

[JimWis]

2. Great story. And thanks for assistance to Veterans.

[Frustratedlady]

4. What a touching story. Good for you for volunteering.

My granddaughter is a liaison for veterans, finding them the help they need. She is such a sweetie, I'm sure they appreciate her efforts.

[graywarrior]

7. Good for her

I notice that the VA staff are the kindest group of people. One of the vets I drove is legally blind and went to the VA in CT where he was astounded at the facility and the staff who are instructed to call vets either Mr, Mrs, or Ms....no first names. He thought that was dumb, but respectful at the same time.

[cliffordu]

5. Thanks for the help with the Veterans!

[Lerrad]

9. That was a nice story graywarrior...

Thanks for helping our vets. Somehow I have a feeling that you are a veteran yourself. Yes?

[graywarrior]

10. No, I am not

Mr Gray is. I met a lot of veterans volunteering for Obama, one who was the only volunteer driver. Mr Gray and I decided to volunteer after reading a letter in the paper from a vet who could not find a ride for treatment. We now have 4 drivers.

[grantcart]

11. great story

[Ioo]

12. As a Vet in VA System - Co-pay for drugs in 2000 $2 - now $8 400% Up under Bush

I know that does not sound like a lot, but it was $2 for a LONG LONG time...

Now, as of late, even some Service Connected (10% to 40%) Vets have to pay a co-pay. I at at 60% so I pay nothing... but for some, VA can be a farce

[graywarrior]

14. Yes, but compared to medicaid/care it is a bargain.

[Cha]

13. Rec'd! So more

peeps can get verklempt~ Poignant stories, graywarrior..thank you for helping these Vets get to where they need to go.