Military & Motorcycles – October 12, 2012

Published on October 12, 2012 under Born To Ride

Special People

Almost three years ago I attended the grand opening of the new Bradenton Veterans Administration Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) not only as writer, but also as one of their veteran patients.

As soon as the doors opened to the new clinic I met with the man who is responsible for the volunteers who serve the Bay Pines Community. I was immediately signed up, interviewed, took the required classes, fingerprinted, photographed, had a background check done and issued an ID card. From that day to this day I have been the Head Volunteer for the clinic. Believe it or not this story is not about me, it’s about those who I supervise, they are the real story here.

We have between 14 and 16 volunteers who come in each week and makes calls to the veterans who have upcoming appointments. They also make sure anything that can be done to lessen the mundane workload for the full-time employees is accomplished. The purpose for those who volunteer is to make sure that the veterans who are patients at the clinic receive the very best care possible by doing the boring, time consuming tasks which takes away from the more important things the staff has to do. So when you hear a friendly voice on your recorder or on your phone calling for the VA to remind you of an appointment more than likely it will be one of the volunteers.

They come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. Most are veterans themselves or wives of veterans, so we understand what the VA Clinic means to those who we speak with. Several of the volunteers also volunteer other places such as Mote Marine, Hospice and one writes for a weekly newspaper and a motorcycle magazine.

The volunteers at the clinic have logged thousands of hours to make your appointments a better experience. If you are a veterans assigned to the Bradenton CBOC or any CBOC in the Bay Pines system and you speak with a volunteer thank them for talking time out of their lives to assist you.

Motorcycle Events

October 27

6th Annual Poker Run for the Haley House – 9:00 am Registration. American Legion Alafia Post #148, 7240 U.S. Hwy 301 S, Riverview – Phone (813) 677-6529. KSU at 10:30 am. This will be a Marine Corps League and American Legion Riders Benefit.

Contact: Thomas “Gunny” Reichard – (813) 409-2455 or at Devil.Dog59@yahoo.com. http://mclriverview.org/mcl_det1226_poker-run.html

Haps Honda Cycle Sales 64th Open House – 10 am-2 pm, 2530 17th Street, Sarasota – “Free” Ride in Bike Show. Contact: Bob Poneleit 941-809-7433. www.hapscycle.com

October 28th

Jolly Roger Poker Run – Starts at Hap’s Honda (2530 17th Street, Sarasota) – Registration: 9:30-11:30 am. Proceeds benefit the PBTF (Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation).

If you would like to contact me please do so at PGRTerry@gmail.com and remember “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warriors.” God Bless America and those who serve in uniform.

Terry Longpre