American Legion Post 217

College Park, MD 20740

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National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

By: Ivy Christoffers

Because of the great success of the “5 STAR SALUTE” produced to pay tribute to our Veterans on Veterans Day in November, Mark Beard and I were approached and asked to produce another “5 STAR SALUTE” at Washington VA Medical Center. This time to honor all our hospitalized Veter­ans. Of course, we were happy to oblige. The “5 STAR SALUTE” is comprised of Mark Beard, Wayne Miller, April Goodwin, Todd Tally and from Austin, TX, Lou Nelson and yours truly. Joining these art­ists this time was another local entertainer, Tyreke Farmer, and a super recording star from Nash­ville, TN. Julie Taylor.

The artists were housed at the Holiday Inn in College Park and we thank the manager, Matt Ruti­gliano, for his many courtesies to all. We had a wonderful dinner on Monday evening and even broad­cast “The Looney Show” from the restaurant. This is a web site where Lou and Julie serve as DJ’s, playing music and talking with folks on camera. It is broadcast all over the world. We were connect­ing with people in Australia, the Netherlands, England, Canada and several other countries. All of the artists were interviewed and were personally on the web site and all joined in the fun. The name of the restaurant, Moose Creek, and the motel were mentioned numerous times. What a way to get world­wide publicity! Even the waitress and restaurant manager were inter­viewed. Needless to say, we had a great time.

On Tuesday morning, I picked up the artists and we drove to Washington VAMC. with two cars full of Valentine balloons and other decorations to dress up the 4th floor auditorium and make it very festive. We also carried 250 beautiful badge pins for the Veterans that were made possible through the sponsorship of the Beltsville Community and Recreation Center. Thank you, Mark Allen and Roy Labs, for your generosity and thanks to the volunteerswho assisted in making the badges, Rusty Beeg of Greenbelt Unit 136 and the two ladies from the Community Center. K.C. printed up the 250 beautiful color programs and absorbed the cost to do so. Thank you K.C. A donation was received in the name of THE SOLDIERS ANGELS and another from Wayne Miller, which helped with the expenses. If it were not for the above-mentioned sponsors, this Veteran’s program would not have been able to take place. The artists are all very generous with their time and talent; Lou and Julie came in on their own and did not charge to entertain, as did no one else. Julie’s special songs and fantastic voice were a great hit. Lou assisted with the production and the introductions of the artists. Mark, Tryeke, Wayne and April gave up a day of work to perform. Everyone associated with the “5 STAR SALUTE” are just so happy to be included with honoring our Veterans for their many sacrifices.

I feel so blessed to know such wonderful people and to be able to coordinate these programs for the VA Medical Centers. The majority of the entertainers are themselves Veterans.Todd Tally could not be with us as he underwent surgery to remove shrapnel from his shoulder just a few days before the salute. He sent his love to the troops and will be back to visit with them soon. We were fortunate to welcome Tyreke Farmer to our group. He has a fabulous voice and is a unique entertainer. Wayne Miller and April Goodwin, who have both represented Washington VA MedicalCenter for the past 20+ years, are so talented. Wayne has a great voice and is a terrific entertainer. He even serenaded Sarah Brown with “After The Lovin” and made her a very happy lady. Wayne also recited an original poem he wrote in January entitled “Forget The Past” which speaks of his experiences in Vietnam and consequent injuries and rehabilitation. It is a very beautiful and very moving poem and has been entered by the hospital in the “Creative Arts Festival” for this year. April has also entered several original pieces of work in the Festival. She is a great comic but also has a very creative and serious side. We wish them luck in their endeavors.Several Department of Maryland American Legion Auxiliary members were in the audience, as well as Post 217 members, Ron Gray and Jim Owens. Representing the Unit 217 members were Joyce Owens, Sarah Brown and friend, Norma.After the finale and the singing of “God Bless America,” the artists distributed autographed photos and cds to those who cared for a souvenir, the Valentine balloons were sent to the nursing home and Lou and Julie were taken to BWI to catch their planes for home. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Voluntary Services Director, Paula Gorman expressed her gratitude to all for their obvious love for the Veterans. Coordinators Subrena and Samantha worked with us throughout and could not have been more gracious. Andrew and his assistants were busy running the sound equipment, snapping pictures and videotaping the entire show. I can’t wait to see the results. 

    We have now been asked to produce a 5 Star Salute for the Veterans housed at Perry Point VA Medical Center in Perryville. This is the largest VA Medical Center in MD. This will take place in the spring. Washington VA Medical Center continued to host programs all week long for the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. On Thursday evening, Patsy Davis, Diane Clements and myself entertained at the nursing home and on Friday it was back to the hospital for the big “casino day” from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. for the Veterans. All the service organizations and military branches served as escorts, manned the casino tables, served refreshments, and distributed valentines,flowers and balloons to all the patients on the wards who could not get to the auditorium. It was a very successful week of events. Unit 217 signed more than 400 valentines that I delivered to their hospital and we also donated the rest of the badges to the nursing home along with 50 more balloons. I was fortunate to be involved with three of the many events during the week and I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all Veterans for your service to our great country.May God bless you and keep you safe.

Recording artist Julie Taylor, from Nashville, TN and Texas Drover Records CEO, Lou Nelson, of Austin, TX made the trip to Beltsville to entertain our hospitalized veterans at Washington VA Medical Center during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans on Feb. 14th along with several local talented artists.

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Last modified: October 04, 2009