Caring And Creativity Makes Cards For Heroes

People of all ages came out to create “Holiday Cards for Veteran Heroes.” at Penn Central Mall on Wednesday.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The supplies were all laid out on tables in the east hallway of Penn Central Mall on Wednesday afternoon.

Before long, kids, parents, grandparents, and more gathered around those tables, using their creative talents to make holiday cards for veterans in the community.

Diana Gordin, with Oskaloosa’s VFW Post and Auxiliary 2237, spoke about the “Holiday Cards for Veteran Heroes,” now in the second year.

Last year, approximately 130 cards were created. Those were distributed to active duty personnel, veterans in nursing homes, and private homes.

Gordin said that this year, the group would attempt to send the cards to active duty personnel specifically requested by the card’s creator.

The holiday card event is a spin-off of the Valentines For Veterans card creation event as a way to help build more exposure for the VFW and its Auxillary.

Gordin has helped to supply the event because of her family’s connection to service in the military.

Gordin had three brothers that all served in the Korean War, while her son was in Desert Storm, and his father served in Vietnam. She also has a nephew that was in the Navy, and a grandson that is in the National Guard.

“I just feel like that it’s my responsibility to try to give back,” added Gordin. “Something that’s near and dear to me.”

Gordin is happy to see people embracing veterans and participating in events like the “Holiday Cards for Veteran Heroes.”

Seeing kids getting involved makes her feel the best. “We have to teach them what their forefathers gave up for them. It’s good that parents are trying to teach kids.”

Watching kids create the cards last year, Gordin noticed how sincere they were about it. “How the kids knew what to write and how personal they were.”