Offering a cup of coffee, snack and quick conversation makes a veteran’s trip to the hospital less stressful.
A group of L-105 retirees volunteers regularly at VA Cincinnati. L. to r. are Jon Kishler, Jim Schwab, Rusty Walden, Steve Schenker and Steve Maupin.
Retirees from Local 105 (Chillicothe, Ohio) spent a day volunteering at the VA Cincinnati Healthcare System to provide donuts and a little good cheer to veterans. Each month, the Cincinnati Building Trades seeks a craft to volunteer, and Boilermakers answered the call in August.
“The same group of Boilermakers have been doing this for many years and are proud to be a part of it,” says L-105 retiree Steve Maupin. “Offering a cup of coffee, snack and quick conversation makes a veteran’s trip to the hospital less stressful.”
It’s a simple and easy way to give back, but it’s not just about handing out donuts, fruit, coffee and juice. Each Boilermaker volunteer has family members who served in the military, and they understand the importance of doing something to help veterans get through their day a little easier.
“The volunteers say it’s very rewarding and a feeling that’s hard to describe,” adds Joseph Ledford, L-105 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer.
It’s also good public relations for the lodge and the Boilermakers trade. Volunteering, Ledford points out, is a great way for lodges to show they care about the communities in which they live and work.
“Not many people know what a Boilermaker is, and community service or volunteering is a good way to educate them on who we are and what we do.”
