{"id":1188,"date":"2018-06-29T16:15:39","date_gmt":"2018-06-29T23:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=1188"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:35:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:35:17","slug":"honoring-service-with-hope-and-healing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2018\/06\/29\/honoring-service-with-hope-and-healing\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring service with hope and healing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Those who have served us in the military should never be without a roof over their heads.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve written in past blog posts about the Betsy Ross Project housed at the Washington Soldiers\u2019 Home in Orting. A refurbished dormitory for wartime nurses has been converted into a 12-room apartment building for women veterans without homes. But, the project provides much more than a badly-needed and safe place to sleep.<\/p>\n

First, a bit of background. Thanks to Don Anderson, we learned of the proposed project last year.\u00a0 The project had a strong partnership behind it, but needed a little help closing the funding gap for opening.\u00a0 We included a request in our first supplemental budget which our Council approved and then followed up with a little more assistance in the 2018 budget.<\/p>\n

The combined support from many other partners, including the WestCare Foundation, renovated the nearly 100-year-old brick building. Fresh coats of paint and beautiful pieces contributed by local artists – matching the butterfly theme \u2013 covered the hallway walls. Quilters in our community sewed comforters that would welcome each resident.<\/p>\n

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In addition to the cosmetic changes to the facility, the vets have access to treatment, counseling and job support. The quiet campus setting and dedicated volunteers are a wonderful balm of hope and healing for individuals who\u2019ve worn the uniform.<\/p>\n

The project celebrated its official Open House this week and I was excited to join the celebration. Along with Alife Alvarado of the Veterans Administration, the guests learned a great deal about Betsy Ross, the groundbreaking namesake of the program. In tribute, the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a replica of the first flag Betsy sewed.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure it will hang proudly in the Hall.<\/p>\n

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We heard stories of women who valiantly served our country and found themselves in heartbreaking circumstances after transitioning to civilian life. Thankfully, their time at the Betsy Ross Hall is providing the care, safety and security they need to turn their lives around and emerge stronger.\u00a0 The butterfly metaphor is especially apt as graduates literally sign one of the many butterflies adorning the walls as they depart.<\/p>\n

One of those \u201cbutterflies\u201d is now employed as the Hall\u2019s on-site Veterans Navigator, connecting residents to resources. Her story is a tremendous testament to the power of community and the will to succeed.<\/p>\n

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As you might imagine, many veterans attended Tuesday\u2019s celebration. Easily the most charming was Mrs. Harmon, a nurse from World War II.\u00a0 She described herself as \u201conly\u201d 98 years old! She was delightful, smart and sassy.\u00a0 She even told me to \u201cbe good\u201d and warned she would be watching me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t doubt it!<\/p>\n

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Thanks to the Betsy Ross Project, some of our treasured veterans have received the care and support they earned and needed. It\u2019s the least we can do to honor them, given all they\u2019ve done for us.<\/p>\n