Bless unsung heroes

I wish to recognize a group of unsung heroes who administer necessary human tasks each day with little fanfare for their noble service. These are the caregivers at the VA hospitals, especially those in Unit 1-D at Fort Roots. Those people are incredible.

Recently, my wife and I were visiting her father, who was recovering from a broken ankle, at the Fort Roots VA hospital. He’s an infantry combat veteran from World War II with two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and the French Legion of Honor, among other awards. As we sat there I couldn’t help noticing the other veterans. A few needed help coordinating their actions, one or two needed help in feeding themselves, a few needed assistance in other ways, but most were guys with medical issues requiring help with their medications, and human amenities like company and conversation.

I observed that the caregivers stayed busy. We were there for over an hour and the caregivers were actively moving among the veterans all the time we were there. The room was bright, and it looked and smelled clean. Cleanliness was ongoing as they cleaned tables and other items. The caregivers laughed, played fun music; they even danced to it and really put on a show for these guys. Watching them carry on made me feel good, and I imagine it helped the veterans feel good too. And while they were “performing” for the “troops,” they attended them. They were awesome to watch. They were doing more than just their jobs. They tended these veterans with compassion and respect the veterans had earned.

Hats off and three cheers for the good folks in Unit 1-D at Fort Roots! They are truly wonderful people doing noble work. And may God bless all caregivers everywhere.

JAMES EDGE

Paron