You can honor a Veteran living in a nursing home and who may be all alone by becoming a "Cards for Courage" Sponsor.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Rick, was on a routine visit to check in with residents living at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in Petaluma. The sound of jazz music filled the hallway as he passed by a slightly opened door. Rick gently knocked on the door and he quickly heard a loud response telling him to "come on in"! Rick entered the room and was greeted by a jovial fellow named Jack, seated in a chair next to his hospital bed. Jack was wearing a faded and well loved Veteran baseball cap with a lap blanket covering his legs. His walls were adorned in pictures of the past including images of his time that he served in the military. The American Flag was proudly displayed behind his bed and smiling faces from family members were on his table and hung on the walls. Rick and Jack talked of many things that day... the weather, the food at the SNF, baseball and of Jack's memories of war. Rick left Jack's room that day, thanking him for sharing his memories and chatting with him. He thanked Jack for his service to our country and the sacrifices he made many years ago and prepared to leave his room, promising to stop by the next time he made a facility visit. Just as Rick approached the door to leave, Jack called him by name and said " Rick, thank you for taking the time to visit with me today. Thank you for letting me share my memories with you and thank you for your volunteer service as an Ombudsman". Rick smiled and waved and again promised to visit soon. Rick left Jack's room that day with a teary eye and warm full heart knowing that he made a difference today in one life.

Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program relies on our volunteers to make these visits to ensure nursing homes are safe, clean, friendly and responsive to residents' needs. We are good people, doing good work. With your help today, we can do more!