Making a Difference in the Lives of Veterans
She didn’t stay in Japan long after surviving the atomic bombing in Nagasaki in August of 1945. In 1955, she decided to get on a boat with her husband and five-month old son. Final stop: America. Now, almost 67 years later, Mitsuko (“Mitsu”) Burns spends her time volunteering at the Bob Stump VA Medical Center as a Guest Services volunteer.
Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. Mitsu arrives at the Medical Center to prepare welcome bags for newly-hospitalized patients. With donations from the community and Veteran Service Organizations, Mitsu packages hand-knitted blankets or quilts, toiletries, pens and pencils, socks, and other hotel-type amenities that add to the high-quality care received at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System.
“The time and talents volunteers share with us are crucial to maintaining the services we provide,” said Medical Center Director Donna Jacobs. “In fiscal year 2011, our volunteers contributed more than 114,000 hours of service. That represents roughly 3.1 million dollars in donated services or 55 full-time employees,” Jacobs said.
“It’s volunteers like Mitsu who come to the Medical Center happy to help and give back to our Nation’s Veterans that not only make a stay more pleasant, but also inspire others to give back and serve those who have served,” said Ame Callahan, Manager for Voluntary Services.
After stocking her cart, Mitsu makes her rounds on 4A, Telemetry/Medical Step down Unit and the Community Living Center. “How are you feeling? Are you doing alright? I’m here on behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary to give you this gift. Thank you so much for your service,” she’ll say.
Patients and their loved ones appreciate the extra touches provided by Guest Services. “You don’t know how much this means to us,” said a wife of a patient. “You guys do such great work and we really appreciate it,” she added.
Mitsu will continue on to the next patient or floor and often pass fellow Guest Services volunteer and “banana man,” Alan Hague who gives the healthy snack to patients. He doesn’t pass up an opportunity to tell a joke or two either to help brighten the day of these Veterans.
“Everyone has something to offer our Veterans, at every age from every background. Whether it’s a joke to make them smile, an ear to listen, or special skills that help teach and enhance a Veteran’s life. Every volunteer truly makes a difference,” Callahan said.
Guest services are provided to patients daily in a variety of ways. In addition to the daily delivery of welcome kits and bananas, volunteers hand out magazines and books, fresh flowers and newspapers. Baseball caps and birthday cards are also given to those celebrating birthdays with the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System.
Guest Services is just one of many volunteer programs provided to patients, contributing to what makes the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System a center for excellence. To find out more information on volunteering or donating to Guest Services or other supplemental programs, please call (928) 776-6013.
By Jessica Schiefer
