Each day I am at work exceeds the previous day in amazement at you and your wonderful volunteers! Today I lost count of the many boxes of goods for our heroes. Thank you all!

So writes the nurse working the behavioral unit of the VA hospital for whom we collected book on our Veteran’s Day hike. In her note to Operation Paperback through whom we made our donations, she goes on to say:

The soldier/patients all took notice and got their new boxers, t-shirts, flip-flops and hygiene articles sent from those that love them. One package included single stars that are part of the American flag. Oh how sacred! ALL our patients took one even the most depressed. I truly believe that you are all helping to heal so thank you!

The books are wondrous and are being used specifically for each individual. The workbooks on TBI and PTSD are going to be used in therapy groups. Our psychiatrists and social workers and nurses and aides are as taken by your great deeds as are our heroes. I continually sing your praises and am in awe of you!

We have  some soldiers that were admitted after suicide attempts or because they shared their suicidal idea and someone alerted command to intervene. All are active duty and most are very young and lower enlisted.  The majority have served in war zones and return with haunting memories. Nightmares and poor sleep are issues. Depression is present. We hold them on our ward for safety first and treatment. After they are stable all are discharged to their command with temporary profiles and scheduled appointments for follow up.

You are touching hearts and minds! They look in awe as the many gifts arrive and see that they are cherished and remembered. This is such a morale booster as well as an opportunity to change mind sets.

A warm embrace to each! Your tangible acts of gratitude for these young warriors will remain forever in my heart and theirs!

If you still want to make a donation of books to the effort, read more here about the Veterans’ Day hike and how to help.