Photo members listed LT to RT: Courtney Burchill, Rebecca Lhotak, Mitch Davis, Vi Davis, Gary Harris, Jr., Robin Greff (MVH)
Fergus Falls, MN – It was a big day on Wall Lake for Veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls, as the Veterans Home Rest & Relaxation (Veterans Home R & R) unveiled their most recent donation – a 50-foot dock which features an extra wide walkway to accommodate wheelchairs, a bench and rubber grip decking.
With temperatures beginning to rise in west central Minnesota, this vital donation to enhance recreational opportunities comes at the perfect time.
The end of May in Minnesota is known to most as the start of lake time.
“This act of kindness not only underscores the importance of community engagement but also serves as a beacon of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Veterans,” says Gary Harris, Fergus Falls Veterans Home Public Affairs.
This donation was made possible by the many patrons who support the quality of life for Veterans residing in our State Veteran Homes by raising money, awareness and support for recreational activities that lift spirts and warm hearts through summer events sponsored by Veterans Home R & R.
The dock will provide access to Veterans for fishing, leisurely boat rides, or simply to enjoy moments of tranquility on the water.
The newly donated dock at Elks Point on Wall Lake is only one of the significant uses of the $42,500 donated by the organization this year from proceeds raised during summer 2023 events and activities (see VeteransHomeRR.com for 2024 event dates).
The Veterans Home received one interactive Touch2Play computer in 2023 from Veterans Home R & R donations raised in 2022.
The computer was used and enjoyed so much by Memory Care residents that the organization purchased two additional Touch2Plays at a cost of nearly $14,000 back in February.
These purchases were in addition to a $20,500 donation for miscellaneous recreational uses.
The donations gifted by Veterans Home R & R exemplifies the power of collective action from event patrons who honor and support our Veterans.
Speaking on behalf of the Home, Dave Muchow, a Fergus Falls Veterans Home Resident, expressed his “deep gratitude for each patron and event sponsor of Veterans Home R & R and their appreciation of his sacrifice and service on active duty in the south Pacific and for comrades who also served their country with courage and dedication.”
The donation of this dock is particularly significant for pontoon lake access considering the physical limitations many endure.
Access to the lake not only promotes physical and emotional well-being but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging among Residents.
This act of generosity has been met with overwhelming appreciation from the Residents and staff of Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls.
Joel Johnson, an Army Veteran Resident residing at the Home, expressed his excitement about the new dock, stating, “It’s wonderful to see Veterans Home R & R recognizing the needs of us Veterans and taking tangible steps to support us. This dock will undoubtedly bring accessibility to the joy of fishing, and floating, as well as rest and relaxation to many of us.”
The collaboration between Veterans Home R & R, the Elks Point organization and Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls serves as a shining example of how community partnerships can positively impact the lives of those who have served our nation.
As we continue to honor and support our Veterans, let us draw inspiration from such acts of kindness and strive to make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
(Story Courtesy of Minnesota Veterans Homes)