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Remembering those who served

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Gerald dips his brush into red acrylic paint, slowly raising his right hand to the canvas. Careful not to drip paint onto his bed, he cautiously brings the brush down. As he struggles to steady the brush, he waits before bringing his brush to the canvas one more time.

Mr. Gerald Jackson is one of 57 veterans living at the nursing home in the Dorn Veterans' Affairs Hospital in Columbia, S.C.

Due to their medical condition, some veterans are not able to effectively communicate with others and, consequently, cannot receive visitors.  But about 75 percent of the patients can receive visitors, said Lesa DePeal, Dorn VA hospital recreation therapist for geriatrics and extended care.

Those visitors include Airmen from the 20th Fighter Wing command post.

"I wanted to give some of my time to the veterans who served before me, to show them we appreciate the sacrifices they have made," said Tech. Sgt. Dexter Woodruff, 20th FW status of resources and training systems manager, during a March 2 visit. "The experience really made me understand that I should be thankful for the health I have today because no one knows what tomorrow may bring."

Gerald Jackson said he was in the Navy and Marine Corps as a medic and served two tours in Vietnam. After the war and many years later, Mr. Jackson was in an accident, which left him disabled and hospitalized.

Mr. Jackson paints two to three times per week because it helps him "keep sane," Ms. DePeal said. Painting helps reduce stress and, most importantly, increases mobility in his hand.

Mr. Jackson, along with many other veterans in the hospital, love it when visitors come to talk with them, Ms. DePeal said.

"We have some veterans who don't have company or family visitors," Ms. DePeal said. "Some veterans have family, but they are not able to visit as well."

During their visits, volunteers sometimes play bingo with the veterans. They also assist the hospital staff with pet therapy, visiting rooms with the help of two dogs that belong to Ms. DePeal.

During visits, Mr. Jackson often shows off his art, gladly giving away signed photocopies.

"Usually, I have volunteers from Shaw visit about every three months, but we would love to have more," Ms. DePeal said.

For more information or to volunteer, call Lesa DePeal at 803-776-4000 Ext. 7004 or send an e-mail to lesa.depeal@va.gov.