District 7610 Extends Its Heartfelt Gratitude to All Our Veterans and Service Workers
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, there are those who selflessly step forward, ready to bridge the gaps with essential services, inspiring us all with their unwavering dedication and commitment. Their actions, even in the face of adversity, bring hope and inspiration to us all.
Many veterans, for example, find meaning and familiarity within the structure and mission of the first responder role. However, there are also differences between the military and the first responder roles that can pose challenges for veterans.
Traditionally, “first responders” in healthcare are individuals with specialized training who are the first to arrive at emergency scenes—paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers. Their role is to provide immediate medical assistance and stabilize patients until further care can be provided.
Yet, during the global pandemic, we witnessed a diverse array of first responders—an army of individuals whose efforts kept our lives from unraveling. Please think of the news media, delivering vital health updates and self-care guidelines, or the postal workers, sanitation crews, and grocery store employees who continued their work to keep our daily lives functioning. Consider the teachers who reimagined their classrooms, finding new ways to reach and uplift an isolated and confused generation.
And what of the neighbors who extended kindness, offering friendship and support even before a cry for help was heard? Or those who stood in pulpits, synagogues, and mosques, providing comfort to families in mourning, hoping their messages could ease the pain.
Rotary owes a deep debt of gratitude to all veterans and these first responders who exemplify “Service Above Self”. Whether they deliver hope through clean water projects, provide humanitarian aid, donate books to schools, or send medical teams into disaster areas, their contributions are invaluable and deserving of our highest respect.
Take a moment today to express your gratitude in your own meaningful way. Let those who have given so much know how deeply their efforts are appreciated. Thank you!
Dr. Angela Contee
District 7610 Action Group for Veterans & First Responders
Email: angela.lace54@gmail.com
Resources:
first responder resource portal – Search (bing.com)
The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association
VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
Homepage – Student Veterans of America®
VA Disability Compensation | Veterans Affairs
https://www.protect-my-family.com/
A Day in the Life of a Veterans Crisis Line Responder – VA News