JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – In the spirit of giving during the holiday season, soldiers from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, assisted veterans at the Washington soldiers Home in Orting, Wash., with selecting, wrapping and shipping presents to loved ones this week.
The Soldiers Home, which was established in 1891 and is the state's first veteran's home, houses 150 veterans, who served honorably with the United States military, and their spouses. The home, in conjunction with the Orting American Legion Auxiliary, puts together a present drive for the residents, some of whom find Christmas time to be a challenge.
"It’s very difficult for them to be able to reach out to their families," said Terry Nesbith, senior administrator for the home. "So, it means so much for myself, as well as other staff, to be able to help veterans … give back to their families, because it means so much to (them to) be able to give."
The Soldiers, as well as members of the American Legion Auxiliary, assisted the residents at the Soldiers Home with selecting the gift that will go to the veteran's family, wrapping the present and ensuring it was properly packaged and mailed off the same day to their loved ones.
The program, which has occurred at the home for quite some time, is a valuable program that Nesbith said contributes greatly to the veteran's quality of life, especially during the holiday season, though the benefits of the program last far beyond the holiday season.