SWC students bring some joy to Naval Hospital veterans

SWC students bring some joy to Naval Hospital veterans

 By Albert H. Fulcher

 Published: Thursday, December 18, 2008

“Deck the halls!” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, director of the Warrior Foundation. With the precision of an amphibious assault landing, a team of 250 volunteers armed with holiday decorations began the transformation of three floors of Balboa Naval Hospital on Saturday Nov. 29.

Service members were tucked soundly in their rooms in the wings dedicated to wounded, disabled and rehabilitating Navy and Marine personnel as the teams of volunteers transformed the bleak hallways into a holiday walk of honor.

Representing Southwestern College proudly were the members of the Student Veteran Organization (SVO). Met with smiles, hugs and a generous portion of gratitude they were quickly assigned the task of setting up cozy fireplace scenes on each floor. Armed with tape, plastic brick walls, fireplace scenes, garland, bows and ornaments the SVO made amazing time in performing their duties.

“Turnout for this event was very good,” said SVO President David Bonafede. “It was very nice to see so many people out there that are willing to commit their time and effort to show support for our troops and fellow veterans.”

Finishing their first full year of charter, the SVO has established a strong alliance with the Warrior Foundation and its efforts to help the active duty and veterans that serve the country.

Coordinator for the successful event was Diana Giuliano, special events coordinator for the Warrior Foundation.

“This is my second year coordinating this event,” said Giuliano. “I am overwhelmed in the outpouring of gifts from the community this year. Everything used here today, with the exception of a few small things bought by the foundation has been donated.”

Donations for this event were abundant. Huge stacks of snacks, fruit and microwavable foods stood in every available spot for the service members to enjoy during the holidays. There were more than enough decorations to cover each floor with holiday spirit. Breakfast was provided for all of the volunteers and a feast was waiting for the service members when the work was completed.

Volunteers from all over San Diego filled the hall. Along with the Warrior Foundation, the Navy League and SVO volunteers arrived cheerfully and ready to work.

“We have people from all over the place,” said Giuliano. “North County Biggs H.O.G. (Harley-Davidson), Blue Star Mothers and the Masons are a few of the groups here. We also have dentists, active duty and caring individuals helping us out. People have come from everywhere, with their families and children to help us make a difference this holiday season for our heroes.”

Under the strong and well-organized command of Lehmkuhler, assignments and supplies were given to each team as they came through the doors. A reception area was set up with homemade treats for the service members to come out and enjoy. Halls were filled with laughter and happy chatter as each team did their part. Stragglers and individual volunteers followed behind placing posters and cards in every spot available. Comrades of all ages worked together as veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq gathered together to support the service members in need.

“The most touching thing for me during this event were the amount of handmade cards and posters,” said Giuliano. “I was afraid that we wouldn’t have enough. Last year we had to spread out the cards, but this year we are looking for space to put them all. Children from Bostonia Elementary School in El Cajon not only provided most of these handmade cards, but have taken it upon themselves to continue to support our troops throughout the year with personal cards and letters.”

Giuliano is grateful for all of the time and effort that the SVO and all of the volunteers which supported the efforts to make this holiday season brighter for these service members in need.

Garland and bows are streamed down every hall. Handmade posters and holiday cards display warm notes of thanks and appreciation from all of the volunteers fill every available space on the walls. In every major corner are festive holiday trees and lights. The sterile environment is now a cozier place with just a touch of home and the spirit of the holidays for our wounded heroes.

Jim Jones, staff advisor for the SVO said our service men and women deserve a taste of home.

“Although we can never replace home for our service members,” he said. “It is important to make them as comfortable as possible while they are rehabilitating.”