The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Queens Honors Veterans At Special Event

By: Judah Gutwein, LNHA

Veteran residents at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Queens hosted a magnificent “Veterans Helping Veterans” event Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the facility, located at 157-15 19^th Ave in Whitestone, NY.

The event commenced at 2:00p.m. with a patriotic flag-raising ceremony to pay tribute to American veterans who served their country honorably during war and peace time.  A veteran certificate ceremony was presented by State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein. We were honored to have the Assemblyman grace us with his presence.

It was truly a poignant sight to witness former members of the army, navy, marines, air force and coast guard assembling care packages containing sought-after items such as lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, chap stick, and antibacterial hand wipes for soldiers currently in the field.

Veterans at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Queens extended the invitation to veterans from Brandywine Assisted Living, to join them in drafting personalized handwritten letters of encouragement to include in the packages that will be distributed to military members in the field via Military Reserve Centers.

“This event meant a lot to our residents,” said Chloe Hodgson, Director of Recreation at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Queens. “They were excited to have the opportunity to give back to the men and women who are currently serving our country so courageously.

“Studies show that one of the most effective forms of assistance for former military members is vets helping vets,” she added. “That’s because being in the military creates a sense of camaraderie between service members that continues for decades after the military service is complete. Veterans are extremely motivated to help fellow services members because of the special bond they share."