A Valentine to Veterans

By RENEE BEYDA

Cynthia Shambel decided not to spend her Valentine’s Day Holiday Week with roses and chocolates this year, rather she chose to dress up as Storm, the memorable X-Men character to show her appreciation towards war veterans.

For the past three years, Shambel, the former New York State Guard Volunteer dressed up, and with the help of other United War Veterans Council team members, she packed gifts and visited mostly Vietnam War vets to celebrate the holiday on Thursday.

When these men and women were shipped off to war, comic books were widely popular, Shambel explained. Therefore she tries to bring back some joy that veterans may have missed out on while overseas.

“I want to make the vets feel loved,” said Shambel, “all of their service is appreciated and we are so thankful.”

Over the past month, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield forgot about flowers and candy, and collected money in order to give back during the annual Valentine’s Day Caravan, which is in its tenth year.

“It’s important that vets don’t feel forgotten, and we want to show that new generations don’t forget about the older generations,” said Jeff Swansen, Navy veteran and UWVC volunteer.

Volunteers gathered at The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club on Thursday morning and packed boxes filled with socks, hand knit scarves, hats, comic books, candy, and handwritten cards from elementary school students. They then travelled to five Veteran Affairs Medical Centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and The Bronx to hand out these special goods.

Jordan Vedore, an Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield employee and volunteer, said it’s part of his responsibility to take action and give back during the holidays. Many of these Vietnam and Korean vets weren’t welcomed back with open arms after the war, said Vedore. “In small ways we want to make them feel welcomed back, and give back during a time when they need it.”

Veterans were thrown a party with snacks, gifts, and entertainment in their medical center, with special guest performer Michelle Dellafave. There they were given gifts bags and personal handwritten cards to read on the holiday weekend.

“It shows that we don’t have only one day- Veterans Day,” said Veteran Eric Alameah, “they care we’re veterans and we helped this country grow.”