My favorite veterans

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.  ~Michel de Montaigne

Working in the VA has its advantages in finding your very own favorite veteran, since you gotta be one to get in here.

In the short time I've been here at the Hotel Rehab, I've started adding to my list of favorite veterans. First, let me tell you about the war heroes and the major battle veterans. Mr. Z. was injured in a famous battle in Korea. He was a kind soul who brought an old-timer's perspective to his injury. Our newest veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan particularly appreciated his view point. He wasn't preachy, he was just a "give 'em the facts" kind of character, who always used himself as an example.

Mr. A., a large hulk of a man must have surely frightened our foes in the South Pacific theatre during "the big one" as he called World War II. Before he lost limbs to a land mine while on a reconaissance mission, he was a giant of a man, well over six foot four inches tall. He always made us laugh because he always said, "You girls are the best," all the time, much to the chagrin of some of the male staff.

My favorite Marine, I'll call Skippy. Skippy was a grunt in the Corps in Vietnam. Skippy is the party man, even though he's been injured a long time. Skippy's company always finds out when he's in the hospital, via phone, mail and internet, and they show up to see what he's doing. Skippy is a character  and has been a regular around our place for a while, and completed an extended stay when I first started. Skippy bonded with one of his roommates, Bob, and they now call each other at least weekly, if not daily. Skippy keeps telling Bob he's going to get a kangaroo and start a private zoo on a few acres he has.

My favorite sailor, was just like my veteran at home--a submariner. Mr. Tom taught me a lot of things and was thrilled to meet another silent service character (Dahey) while he was on the unit. Like Skippy, Mr. Tom's sub crew found him and kept him busy with phone calls, letters, and the occasional visit.

And finally, I'll never forget a couple of characters who are no longer with us. Pitt Phil (a major Steelers fan) was another WWII guy who didn't talk the first week he was with us, due to some trach issues. I remember getting him enthused about getting out of bed when he found out we had a big screen in the patient lounge. He got up every day after that. Mr. Ron yodeled our names whenever we were in the room. If I close my eyes, I can still hear his yodel. We got him all fixed up after a long stay. He went home for a short time, then got sick and died suddenly.

So as my career goes on, my list gets longer. I am honored to be a nurse who gets to call every day a Veteran's day in my job at the Hotel. If you don't have your own special Veteran and want one, go talk to your nearest VA and volunteer your time, talents or treasure. They'll appreciate it.