By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – The YWCA of McLean County inducted local veterans into the newly formed Veterans Corps Wednesday afternoon, as part of its recognition of Veterans Day.
Veterans Corps is a national organization made of veterans who volunteer throughout their community. The YWCA helps veterans in the Bloomington-Normal get involved through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
Vernon Veal served in the Army in the early 1960s. He said he was self-driven to be a volunteer.
“You wore the uniform of the United States of America, and proudly for that,” said Veal. “As a result of that, you always feel you want to give back to your community.”
Veal added he feels volunteering helps create community relationships.
YWCA President and CEO Dontae Latson said volunteering offers veterans an opportunity to share their stories, pass on their legacy, and help younger people understand the importance of defending the country.
“We could walk right past someone and not recognize or realize what they brought to our community, and how they have fought for our freedoms,” said Latson. “So, I think having them in the program is a way to keep them going; for them to recognize their value and their work.”
Latson says the 41 local veterans in the program have volunteered more than 31,000 hours.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
