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Veterans Benefits

2/9/2010

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There’s something kind of intangibly special about the Soldiers Home itself. I find it restorative, and peaceful, and reaffirming. It’s a place where the foot-tapping military songs you’ve heard since childhood turn into heart-tugging personal tributes. Where "patriotism" goes beyond political buzzword into true, personal sacrifice. Where everyone knows how to fly the American flag properly, and does so.

When I posted some veterans’ pictures on my Facebook page, someone commented: "Thanks for making me feel like a bad person." But I don’t see my volunteerism as particularly admirable—I’m pretty sure I get more out of it than the veterans do. Those sweet people are appreciative of my time and grateful for my attention—and with a teenage son and a detached husband, that doesn’t happen a lot at home.

I also realize that I am not better than anyone else because I volunteer with veterans. But I am a better me.


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    Author
    My name is Sandy Deneau Dunham. I'm a journalist who’s worked at The Phoenix Gazette, The (Tacoma) News Tribune,  The Seattle Times, Town Hall Seattle and Pacific Lutheran University. I'm now back at The Seattle Times, as associate editor of its gorgeously glossy Pacific NW magazine. I've been a volunteer at the Washington Soldiers Home and Colony in Orting, Washington, since January 2009, and I am still a remedial videographer.   

     

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