NORMAN — This week we are recognizing Carlos Bromlow as the volunteer of the week. Carlos has the primary job as the goodwill ambassador on Thursday mornings. He always has a smile on his face and a friendly word for everyone. He has been a volunteer for several years always ready to help whereever he is needed. His day starts with helping to set up the Community Center and ends when the trailer is loaded and building locked. His wife Betty is one of the volunteers who specializes in helping surviving spouses.
Volunteers were able to process VA claims for 146 veterans and surviving spouses. Of this number, there were eight veterans who received a rating of 100 percent for their disabilities that were caused by or aggravated by military service.
There were 20 veterans who filed their first claim for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday. There were 13 surviving spouses who were assisted by Shirley and her crew of ladies. If you need to contact Shirley, her number is 361-9322.
One of the veterans we have been working with for several years stopped in to see us last week. He told me that I could not believe how we had changed his family’s life when he received a 100 percent rating a few weeks ago. They went from not having enough money to buy food and keep their house heated to having more than was needed. Both he and his wife were crying which caused me to have some tears also.
Last week, we needed a wheel chair for a veteran and a lady in Washington gave us one for him. I will take it to him this week. Another lady called who was in need of a slide board to help her move from her wheelchair to her bed. Luckily, I was given several of those recently. This last week we were able to provide food boxes to seven families. If you need assistance call Sid Smith at 573-1990 or visit with him at Goldsby on Thursday mornings.
Clayton Lee, 684-8860, and the other transportation drivers provided rides to veterans to the Oklahoma City VA Hospital for their appointments. If you need a ride or know a veteran who does, contact Clayton to set up a driver. For the Norman area, veterans can call Harold Martin at 227-3239 or Robert Root at 919-3008. For the Moore area, call Howard Robertson, 205-4895.
For all of your questions and assistance about Veterans benefits, we are at the Goldsby Community Center each Thursday. Our doors open at 8 a.m. Take time to visit www.veteranscorner.org. You also may send donations to Veterans Corner, P.O. Box 704, Washington, OK, 73093.
You can call me at 550-8806 or email kdgraham@windstream.net.
Semper Fi.
Dale K. Graham is service officer of VFW Post 4890.
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