SANTA CLARA, N.M. - Veterans at Fort Bayard State Veterans Home (FBSVH) will be gaining therapeutic benefits and enjoying more time outdoors, thanks to the gift of a gazebo from American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Bataan Unit 0004, the ALA Department of New Mexico and the ALA Foundation. Assembled by FBSVH Maintenance, the gazebo was dedicated Thursday, October 27, and will be immediately put to use.
According to Todd Winder, FBSVH Administrator, there was a vital need for an outdoor shelter for veterans who live at the state's long-term care facility. "There was no place for our residents to go outside with protection from the sun, which is critically important because of their fragile skin and sensitivity to sun exposure caused by medications," said Winder. "We anticipate that many to benefit from this generous gift."
Pictured (from left to right): Maureen Harrop (American Legion Auxiliary District 7 President), Gwen Miller (Past President, ALA Department of New Mexico), Robin McCutcheon (Fort Bayard Hostess, ALA Department of New Mexico), Todd Winder (Fort Bayard State Veterans Home Administrator)The new gazebo will provide resident veterans with the physical, mental and emotional benefits of fresh air and being outdoors. It will also enable FBSVH to offer more outdoor activities such as picnics, cookouts, games, and gardening. Additionally, the gazebo serves as an outdoor setting for veterans to meet with their families, and a place they can go for a quiet break or time away from the indoors.
"We wanted to provide a place where veterans could have a pleasant outdoor experience," said Maureen Harrop of ALA Bataan Unit 0004. "Most of them served in climates that were sweltering hot or bitterly cold. They have earned the comfort and serenity of this outdoor respite.
About Fort Bayard State Veterans Home
Fort Bayard State Veterans Home (FBSVH) is a licensed and certified 40-bed neighborhood within Fort Bayard Medical Center (FBMC). FBMC is a licensed and certified long-term, intermediate, and skilled care facility. With in-house physicians and services, FBSVH provides care for honorably discharged veterans and their spouses who need rehabilitative services or a higher degree of medical care. Because of their medical needs, they can no longer provide care for themselves, and their families cannot care for them at home. The facility also welcomes Gold Star Parents who have lost children in the service of our country.
About the American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation's veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of more than $3.1 billion. As part of the world's largest women's patriotic service organization, ALA volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the ALA's mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.