Celebrating the Season and Our Veterans: A Note of Gratitude From Kyle
A Note of Gratitude From Kyle
As we head into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the moments that remind us why our mission matters—and why our partnerships are so critical to our mission. This Veterans Day, our VCC team stepped out of the office and into the homes of the Veterans and surviving spouses. What came back were stories that touched every one of us.
Across living rooms and kitchen tables, our employees sat with the people whose lives your partnership helps change. They exchanged stories, shared some laughter, and, in many cases, learned just how deeply these services impact day-to-day life.
One of those moments came from Ann Kruse, who has lived in the same home for 60 years. Ann spoke with gratitude about the care that allows her to remain right where she belongs. In the next house, our team met Mr. Willie Haynes, a 100-year-old WWII Veteran and longtime St. Louis barber, who continued cutting hair well into retirement. His humility and warmth were unforgettable.
We also met Ronald Jenson, an 82-year-old Vietnam Veteran who served for 4 years in the Navy. He reflected quietly on the friends who never made it home and reminded our team of the sacrifices behind every benefit we help navigate. He proudly thanked us for the visit and insisted we pass along his gratitude to “the head cheese over there at VCC” for the hat he exclaimed was “top-notch!”
Other visits reminded us of the life-changing sense of security that quality care brings. Mary Ann Birmingham shared how this benefit has transformed her daily life. She showed our team the chair, walker, and bed she received through VCC—items that help her stay safe and comfortable—as well as the cherished Dachshund décor that fills her home. She told our team to come back often.
Mrs. Mary Jo Ann Douglas expressed gratitude that was humbling to hear. She told our team that without this support, she believes she would be in a nursing home—or perhaps not here at all. Her words were a powerful reminder that what we do is not simply administrative work—it is meaningful, life-preserving support.
Some visits were filled with conversation about health, holidays, and the comfort of good care. Eleanor Issac shared how much her caregiver means to her well-being. Melva Cutts welcomed our team alongside her daughter and grandchildren, proudly sharing photos of her late Veteran husband and the family traditions she looks forward to continuing this season.
And then there were stories of lives fully lived. Mr. Edwards, sharp and smiling in his 90s, pulled out a scrapbook of memories from Italy, Germany, and France, along with tales of his time on the military baseball team. Mrs. Jennings shared her journey through hardship and then joy—meeting and marrying the love of her life, a Veteran who had once been her neighbor. Their love story, which began with butterflies on a plane ride to Florida, was the kind of story that stays with you.
Each visit brought us back to the heart of our purpose: making it easier for Veterans to age at home with dignity, independence, and connection. But that mission is not something we accomplish alone. It’s possible because of our partnerships with home care agencies that share our commitment, our values, and our belief that every Veteran deserves this level of care.
As we celebrate the holidays, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation for your partnership and the trust you place in VCC. Together, we are making a meaningful difference—one home, one family, one visit at a time.
Warm wishes to you, your families, and your teams for a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Kyle Laramie,
Founder & CEO
Veterans Care Coordination
