BELOIT — Imagine 200 veterans from World War II (WWII) and the Korean War era along with “Rosie-the-Riveters” being honored by VetsRoll as they travel along with 100 volunteer assistants in 10 luxury buses to visit war memorials and other sites in the Washington, D. C., area.
Included on the itinerary are the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, National Marine Corps Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, and also the Dayton, Ohio, Wright Patterson AFB Air Museum.
Saying thank you in special way
VetsRoll provides a four-day all expenses paid trip, safe ground transportation, and an enjoyable experience. According to the founders of VetsRoll, brothers Mark and John Finnegan, traveling in the luxury buses provides the flexibility of socializing, watching videos, restrooms, camaraderie, and most importantly, closure.
According to Mark Finnegan, “VetsRoll offers an unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans and ‘Rosies,’ (‘Rosies’ refer to women who worked in the civilian war effort) and also to celebrate our freedom.
“Unfortunately, those from the WWII and Korean War eras have never received the proper respect and gratitude that each and every free person owes to them.” He pointed out that the veterans and “Rosies” are now in their mid-80s and older. “Time is not on their side,” he added.
The next trip that honors the sacrifice and commitment of the veterans and “Rosies” takes place May 17 to 20, 2015. “Including the 2015 trip, 1,125 persons will have taken the memorable journey,” said Finnegan.
Requires many dedicated volunteers
Such an enormous enterprise requires the 100 volunteer assistants and medical staff to ensure the comfort and well-being of the veterans and “Rosies.”
The women and men who serve as volunteer assistants are from the Beloit area and several additional states. Several are members of Beloit Catholic parishes Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) and St. Jude.
(This story highlights comments from a few of the parish volunteer assistants, but in no way is meant not to recognize all the assistants. They are all indeed invaluable.)
Mark Finnegan said that this year VetsRoll “is exploding” with trip applications received from people in the Beloit area and 28 additional states. There also is a waiting list from men and women wishing to serve as assistants.
He said, “We’re blessed that so many are willing to pay their own way to assist our guests. They work really hard and are a dedicated group work-ing as a team to be sure the trips are as memorable as possible.”
He added, “The trips would not be possible without the work and efforts of all the volunteers. John and I cannot say enough nor praise them enough. They care, they enjoy the trip, and they make it happen.”
Mother of the brothers, Barbara Finnegan, is an OLA charter member. She smiled with happiness about the success of VetsRoll. In her caring and humble manner, she said, “I’m proud of my boys.” She was a guest on the first VetsRoll trip and supports the project at fundraisers and other gatherings.
Life-changing experience
The volunteer assistants agree they receive great satisfaction for their work. For everyone, it’s a life-changing experience with treasured memories. They enjoy plenty of good-natured kidding, too.
Among OLA assistants, John Schroeder, Dan Schreiber, and Tom Holter serve as VetsRoll board members. They’ve also served as bus leaders.
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| Cheryl Donovan, a volunteer from St. Jude Parish in Beloit, assists veteran Donald Hill during the recent VetsRoll trip to Washington, D.C. Many volunteers from Beloit parishes are involved with the VetsRoll trips. (Contributed photo/John Schroeder) |
n Ann and John Schroeder have been involved with VetsRoll for more than four years. When they see the tears of happiness on the guests’ faces, the couple stated, “We’re happy to help them after what they did for us.”
John Schroeder, who continues as a bus leader for 2015, decided to help with VetsRoll after reading about the project in a local paper. “There are several in our family who have served or are serving in the military including our three sons and a daughter-in-law. I felt it would be a small way to say ‘thanks’ to them and all the veterans,” he said.
In his congenial manner, John explained what the volunteers soon observe when the buses leave Beloit. “At first when we leave, most people are quiet. We talk with them and mainly listen. Soon we’re hearing about their unique, individual experiences. It’s incredible to hear what they’ve been through. This is living history,” he said.
Ann Schroeder, a registered nurse, has served on the medical staff. Presently, she plans and prepares mail call. Right after the May 2014 trip, she began gathering thank you letters composed by area school children and residents. Each veteran receives a pack of letters of appreciation.
Ann said her dining room table was piled high with letters last year. “It took several of us more than three hours to organize and prepare the letter packs,” she said, adding “We’ll be doing it again.”
John Schroeder is usually seen wearing his VetsRoll jacket and hat. However, he also dresses up as Uncle Sam for mail call during the trips. “I’ve seen tears streaming down the vets’ faces as they read these letters,” he said.
• Parishioner Judy Hall has assisted with registration duties before and after the trips. “I discovered it was so heartwarming to answer the veterans’ and Rosies’ questions and help them,” she said. “I think VetsRoll is a great organization. It’s a thank you for those who were so dedicated, who gave their time and service for us and our country.”
• Besides their great respect for the veterans, Dan and Laurie Schreiber stressed, “This is a labor of love for us and all the volunteers. We all get as much out of the trips as the veterans do. It’s a life-changing experience.”
The Schreibers say they cherish the heartwarming stories from the veterans. “In just four days, we make a wonderful connection with the veterans. Though it’s physically exhausting for volunteers, the vets’ enjoyment, the camaraderie among them, makes it worthwhile. It’s the best volunteer activity I’ve ever done,” stated Dan Schreiber.
• Nancy and Tom Holter described VetsRoll as “remarkable for the veterans and for the effort put forth by all the volunteers.” Tom Holter said they volunteer in honor of his father who was a WWII veteran and for his son who served in the Gulf War. “Anything to do with veterans is a wonderful experience. It’s wonderful just to be with these men and women to hear their stories,” he said.
• Enthusiastically sharing her experience with VetsRoll, Andreina Patilliet stated, “On the trips, I was so happy to just push a wheelchair to help someone who fought for my rights. I feel this was one of my greatest accomplishments because I was talking with many veterans and learning their history,” she said.
Patilliet is an insightful young woman who likes to help older people and the disabled. She attended OLA School and is now a student at Beloit College.
She speaks fondly about her grandfather who lived in Costa Rica. “I realized it was so natural and so interesting to talk with the veterans. We could connect because it was like talking with my grandpa,” said Patilliet.
Patilliet said Ann and John Schroeder were very helpful after her grandfather died. “John knew I loved older people, and he suggested I volunteer at VetsRoll events and talk to the veterans,” she said. The first year she helped with sign-up. Inspired by the VetsRoll mission and the dedication of the Finnegans and volunteers, she said, “I knew I wanted to be a small part of it, to live the experience.”
• Younger parishioners, Evan McNamara and Erin McNamara, served as assistants. Evan is studying to be a pharmacist, and Erin will soon receive her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Their father, Joe McNamara, along with Steve Nilson, owns HomeCare Pharmacy. According to the pharmacy rehab specialist, Gene Engelhardt, the owners want to “give back.” They support VetsRoll and supply many of the medical needs.
• Additional parishioners have participated in VetsRoll. Serving as assistants were John Heinecke and Pascal Patilliet, who is retired military from the French Special Forces. He is Andreina’s father. Jack Farina directs his Big Band that plays for the Vets- Roll Hangar Dance benefit. OLA director of music, Randy Gracyalny, sings the “National Anthem” at departure ceremonies.
• Intrigued by news accounts of the first huge welcome home celebration for the group, St. Jude parishioner Cheryl Donovan said, “When I read about all the hullabaloo for their homecoming, I was inspired to get involved. I’m anticipating the next trip. It’s the best amount of money I’ve ever spent,” she enthusiastically said.
Donovan assists VetsRoll guests, pushes wheelchairs, and helps bus leaders. “I have a hug and a smile for everyone. It’s an emotional time for them, and we all respect what the Finnegans do,” she said.
Priests appreciate volunteers
St. Jude Pastor Fr. John Hedrick expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ work and the generous way they help the veterans and “Rosies.”
OLA Pastor Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze said, “I’m pleased a good number of our local parishioners serve as volunteers for VetsRoll. What an opportunity for our parishes to be represented in this wonderful event to honor our men and women who faithfully served this country.
“We can never say ‘thank you’ enough for the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Long live VetsRoll, and may God bless our veterans.”
Thanks for support
The Finnegan brothers express their sincere appreciation for the support they receive from citizens, organizations, and businesses.
Among the positive comments that Mark and John often hear — either from the veterans or from their families — is that the trip was one of the best four days of their lives. “We felt the veterans could gain closure to that time of their lives and know they are appreciated,” they said.
Barbara Finnegan noted, “I think there are sentimental tears from most everyone who is on the trips.”
For information about VetsRoll or to help with a donation, call Mark Finnegan at 608-207-8319 or visit www.VetsRoll.org