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To meet the future needs of veterans, Kearney resident Patrick “Pat” Matthews and his wife Leona recently made a donation to establish the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center Veterans Assistance Program Agency Fund. submitted to the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. From left: Tamara Juhl, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Matthews, and Katie Maxon, director of communications, veteran experience, and volunteerism at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Iron Mountain. The community is encouraged to donate to this fund.
IRON MOUNTAIN — A new endowment fund has been established through the Dickinson Area Community Foundation to meet the future needs of local veterans.
patrick “Pat” Matthews and his wife, Leona, of Carney, made a gift to establish the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center Veterans Assistance Program Agency Fund.
After two years, interest earned from the new agency’s endowment fund will provide annual financial support to the Iron Mountain VA Volunteer Services, which will serve as the endowment’s custodian.
Volunteer Services works directly with staff to determine veterans’ needs and help address them.
“Our programs bridge the gap and provide veterans with services and goods that go beyond physical and mental health care and impact their quality of life.” Katie Maxson, director of communications, veteran experience and volunteer activities at the Veterans Center, said:
Importantly, donations to the fund will be kept at the Iron Mountain facility and used specifically to benefit local veterans, said Tamara Juhl, DACF executive director.
Donations to the department can help in a variety of ways, from something as simple as lip balm to a major purchase that helps homeless veterans secure a new home.
“We focus on special things that aren’t normally available to veterans.” Matthews said. “It makes their lives more enjoyable.”
“This can really change the lives of veterans who are so close to all of our hearts. They are the reason we are all here.” Jul added.
Matthews is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1966 to 1967 until he was injured in combat in Vietnam.
“Being part of this service is one of the things I am most proud of.” He said.
Mr. Matthews has been using the local VAMC facility since returning to the area in 1968 and has been extremely satisfied with the level of care and treatment.
“The doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers are special people and really good at what they do. More importantly, they care about our veterans.” He said.
Over the years, Matthews became familiar with the work volunteers do for veterans.
After his military service, Matthews had a long career with Wells Fargo Wealth Management in Iron Mountain.
“My wife and I have been supporting that program at the Veterans Administration for some time.” He said. “We wanted to do something that would live on beyond our lifetimes.”
Those who have served or are serving hold a special place in their hearts, Matthews explained. “These are unique people. They are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.” He said. “I have a special affinity for veterans. They are like my extended family.”
“We are honored to work with donors who have a vision to make a difference in our community.” Jules said.
An endowment has been established, allowing the community to make donations to support its growth.
The minimum amount to establish a DACF endowment fund is $15,000, there is no cap, and once established, funds can be added to at any time, Juhl said.
If you would like to donate, please visit the DACF website at https://www.dickinsonareacommunityfoundation.org/donate. Donations of monetary level are greatly appreciated.
“Every dollar counts because it’s an investment in the future.” Jules said. “I can’t even imagine what it will be like in 10 or 20 years.”
The Oscar G. Johnson VAMC Veterans Assistance Program Agency Fund is also included in the annual DACF gift letter.
Juhl believes the fund will receive a positive response from the community because it opens up a new avenue for those who support veterans.
“We’re fortunate to have a community base where people can contribute in one place, which is really great.” Matthews said.
Maxson said the gifts of this nature are immeasurable. “We have many dedicated service organizations and individual donors who consistently support our veterans, and this endowed fund ensures that they will continue to have that support forever. I feel a sense of security and comfort that I’ve never felt before, and I’m overwhelmed and grateful to be able to rely on it now.” she said.
Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 241 or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.
Donations to Veterans Affairs Office
To cover a wide range of needs
IRON MOUNTAIN — A donation to the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Office of Volunteer Services, located on the fifth floor of the Veterans Affairs Office, Room 5205, will enable the department to respond to a broader range of needs for veterans. They include:
— Purchase gift cards for food, gas, or personal items such as hygiene products and household items to fill gaps for veterans during difficult times.
— Funding activities, outings, events, special meals, and entertainment for residents of community living centers.
— Purchase puzzles, books, games, outdoor activities, shuffleboard tables, and more for veterans’ recreation at community living centers.
— Purchase electric reclining lift chairs for community living centers and inpatient ward rooms to create a more home-like atmosphere for patients.
— Celebrate the holiday with gifts, meals, flowers, or special tokens for inpatients and outpatients to recognize and honor their service.
— Providing final wishes and special meals and parties for hospice patients and their families.
— Supply and stock bereavement carts with snacks, refreshments, tissues, drinks, and comfort items for families visiting hospice patients.
— Purchase items to help recently homeless veterans secure new homes.
— Assist in welcoming veterans and their guests with coffee, cookies, and conversation at the volunteer coffee station.
— Provide support and resources to veteran caregivers who help care for veterans at home.
— Supports veterans who attend adaptive sports clinics to learn how to golf, ski, or participate in sports after amputation or surgery.
– provide “Welcome baby” Gifts such as diaper bags, baby bottles, pacifiers, thermometers, nail clippers, wipes, and diapers to female veterans who are expecting a baby.
— Support suicide prevention teams to purchase items that reduce access to lethal means (trigger locks, gun boxes, locking canvas bags) and educate communities on how to help veterans in crisis. (Call 988 +1).
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