Sanders Conducts Vet Valentine Visit; Gift Giveaway to Vets at St. Albans VA

In celebration of Valentine's Day, Marine Corps veteran and State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) today distributed 250 free gift bags filled with clothing and other items to residents at the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans.

 "Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, a golden opportunity to let our veterans know that we care about them and that they are not forgotten," Sanders said.

"Your roughest days are behind you," Sanders told the veterans. "After the stuff you went through, the rest is just a walk in the park."

Sanders gave away sweatshirts, sweaters, earmuffs, scarves, hats, pants, mini first aid kits, zip coin pouches and other items. The gifts were donated to his office by the Veterans Miracle Center and AARP. 

 The patients at the St. Albans Veterans Home have served in either World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, or Gulf War and have suffered a service-related injury that requires skilled nursing care. Others are dependents of military personnel, who receive medical or rehabilitative care. Residents range in age from 45 to 100 years old, and their stay can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks to the rest of their lives. Sanders' father, James Sanders Sr. who is also a veteran and lives at the home, was in attendance at the event.