Veterans Day Out Program Brings Help to Veterans

The Veterans Day Out (VDO) program partnered with the VA Hospital to bring more than smiles to the veterans at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center in Loma Linda on Saturday, April 25. Along with the help from many local volunteers and supporters, VDO brought a special BBQ, serving over 200 meals, to the veterans to simply thank them for their service and to recognize that they are not and will never be forgotten. The VDO program was founded by San Jacinto’s American Legion Post 848’s member J.R. Tofte. The idea sparked during one of their Post’s meetings, about two years ago, as they were discussing various programs; however, there wasn’t one for veterans. “That’s how it started,” Tofte shared. “I got [angry] that there were no programs for our veterans so I wanted to do something that would help them.” “If these veterans can’t leave the hospital, then we’ll bring the BBQ to them,” he explained. Volunteers set up camp right outside the hospital where the barbecues and the canopy with tables were set up, which gathered about 210 people. They served hotdogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad, desserts, and beverages. Tofte, a Navy veteran himself, shared that some veterans were unable to leave their beds. In that case, he visited them in their rooms, asked them what they wanted to eat and brought their plate right to them. “We treat them like human beings. That’s what they love about us,” said Tofte as he explained that veterans don’t want any sympathy from anyone; they all just want to have a good time like everyone else. “We have some great volunteers,” he added. Tofte wanted to mention and thank everyone that was there and was instrumental in the making of the event, including: Robert Sigala, Mark and Julie Worth, his wife Dawnd Tofte, the Honor Guard, Chuck Flood, American Legion Posts from Riverside (79), Moreno Valley (574), and Hemet (53), his father Don Tofte, his kids Jared Brumit, whom is active duty in the Navy, Duane Downing and his wife Heather, Jeryln Rose, and the Mayor of San Jacinto Crystal Ruiz. "The mayor is a great part of this program and is always there," he explaned. "Jeryln Rose has brought all the desserts for everyone, three times in a row now. It was a great day." Tofte shared that most of the veterans at the hospital don't want them to leave when the BBQ comes to an end. They all look forward to their BBQ events, just like the veterans do. A special thanks also went out to the hospital staff for the work they do for veterans each and every day.