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In celebration of Valentine's Day, Marine Corps veteran and New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. delivered Valentine’s Day cards and special gifts to residents at the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans on February 11, 2021. Although visitation with the veterans is prohibited due to COVID-19 regulations, Senator Sanders still dropped off the items to be distributed by the VA staff.
"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. “It is always a great joy for me to thank them for their service to our country and to offer them a small token of our appreciation.”
Sanders donated greeting cards and inspirational books, which were collected from community members, organizations, and schools. Some of the items were store bought, while others were handmade. Since COVID has limited the ability for the veterans to interact with others, Senator Sanders believes it is especially important to continue this annual program because a little joy is need now more than ever.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to all of our donors, without whom this event would not have been possible,” Sanders said. “Their generosity and commitment to helping veterans will not soon be forgotten.”
The patients at the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans 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.
Thank you to Deirdre Samuel, volunteer coordinator at the NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans, for her continued help and support in facilitating the Send a Vet a Valentine program.
Thank you to donors: Lorraine Gittens-Bridges, Laura Andrews, Veronica Holland, Queens Alliance Drumline, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Alpha Kappa Alpha Episolon Pi Omega Chapter (Adrienne Boyd and Michele Hart, Emmlynn Taylor), Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, Arcelia Cook and the 149th Street South Ozone Park Civic Association.
Dedicated to the memory of late Air Force Veteran Mr. Lamar Inabinett
We, at Senator Sanders' Office, were all truly saddened to hear of the passing of US Air Force Vet, Lamar Inabinett, who was a resident at the NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans. We were priviledged to meet him during our many events at the home and it was always a great joy to see him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be forever in our hearts.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lamar, as he was affectionately known at the NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans, during my annual Send a Vet a Valentine program, and it was clear from the beginning that he was a special man with a kind spirit," said Senator Sanders. "This year we dedicate our Send a Vet a Valentine program to Mr. Lamar and know that he is receiving his valentine in heaven."
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