Veterans Club Makes Good Use
of "Dollar Basket" Proceeds.
Local Family receives a little help from Peter Becker Community's Veteran's Club. Scott Hopwood, his family and his grandfather stand with Carol Berster (center) and some of the members of the PBC Veterans Club.
by Colleen Algeo
About a year ago there were only a few individuals actively participating in the PBC Veterans Club. "It's not like that any more," explained Dan Gallagher, who was volunteered to be the club President in his first few months of Peter Becker Community residency. "I was thrilled that the club exists," said Dan and began working with Social Worker, Laura Detwiler, to encourage participation and fellowship. "There are lots of veterans on campus, and now we get 40 sometimes 50 guys and gals out the monthly meeting." When asked why he thought the interest has grown, he replied, "we started giving them interesting things to do, we take trips, we have guest speakers and we help others. One way we are doing this is the "Dollar Basket." We pass it around each meeting and ask for everyone to put in a spare buck or two. This year we pulled the money to help a local veteran and his family. The family has three children and we want them to have a little better Christmas."
The Veteran's Club was connected to the Scott Hopwood (1st Marine Division, Iraq - 2000-2004) and his family through Deborah Jesseman of the Montgomery County Veteran's Center. The gift was presented to the entire family, Scott, Sonia, Ava, Amanda, Casey and their Grandfather, Mel McKenny (WWII Vet who served in the 27th Infantry, Pearl Harbor) on December 5, 2011 by Dan Gallagher and Carol Berster (PBC CEO) in the company of the Veteran's Club members.
During the meeting, Scott shared a little of his story and expressed his sincere gratitude for the gift. He also thanked the membership for each of their contributions and honored their service. There wasn't a regret in the room as he concluded by thanking his grandfather for instilling in him the honor he feels to have served his country.
Mel McKenney (WWII Veteran), Dan Gallagher (PBC Veteran's Club President), & Scot Hopwood (1st Marine Division, Iraq, 2000-2004) stand for a photo op after the gift presentation.
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