VA volunteers recognized for their work
BUTLER TWP — Two volunteers were honored Friday at VA Butler Healthcare for their excellent help and dedication.
The Making Lives Better Volunteer of the Year program was a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Volunteer Week when more than 79,000 citizen volunteers were recognized.
In Butler County, the male honoree is David Cavanaugh and the female winner is Sandra Wilder.
They were selected out of nine candidates.
VA Butler nominated four men, Patrick Trimpey, Charles Jennings, Joseph Gagliardi and Cavanaugh; and five women, Ginger Braho, Linda Trimpey, Mary Lee Kelly, Lorna Whittington and Wilder.
Cavanaugh was awarded the honor for the second consecutive year. He has volunteered for nine years totaling more than 3,039 hours of service. He helps in support services as a comfort companion and as a community living center aide, among other areas.
According to his letter of nomination, Cavanaugh starts his day by providing iced water to the veterans, and he asks what he can do to help.
Cavanaugh is known to fit the mood of the veterans. He can speak to them sincerely or jokingly, depending on the situation.
“He does so many various things to brighten the lives of our veterans,” the letter said.
Wilder has volunteered for seven years with a total of 708 hours. Wilder is a representative to the Voluntary Services Committee for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of which she is a member and officer. She volunteers in the Comfort Item Distribution Program with recreation and special events.
According to her nomination letter, Wilder visits veterans and delivers cupcakes once a month to those in the adult day care. She helps veterans at the facility communicate through letters to military members overseas.She also organized some Christmas festivities for the Butler VA and made sure every veteran received a gift for the holiday.“If there is a veteran in our community that needs help, she helps anyway she can,” the letter said.Voluntary Services coordinator Paula McCarl said the Making Lives Better program is to reward volunteers based on their hours and years of service, but they are nominated by their peers, which she said is even more meaningful.“They see you day in and day out,” she said. “It says a great deal about you, and the example you set.”McCarl said she forms a panel that selects the honorees. However, she is not on that because she works with some volunteers more than others.She appreciates the volunteers and their altruistic attitude.“As a veteran myself, it is so reassuring to know that there are such caring and dedicated people who want to give back to veterans,” she said. “All of our volunteers are exceptional, and I am so proud and lucky to work with such wonderful people.”
