Posted by (+2260) 10 years ago
We have nominated Bus Morris for recognition of his volunteer service at the Eastern Montana Veterans' Home (EMVH) in the Salute to Senior Service contest. If he wins at state level, $500 will go to the charity of his choice and at national level, $5,000. In a combined effort of family, friends, and staff at EMVH, the below text was submitted. The winner for the first part of the contest (state) is determined by popular vote and, since there is no restriction on where the comments/votes come from, we posting this because we believe some of you might be willing to help. We believe that Bus deserves recognition, as do our veterans (who would benefit because EMVH would be the charity of choice). Even if he was not our Dad/Grandad, we'd feel he was deserving!
The voting begins on April 15 and lasts for 2 weeks. You can vote once each day. Prior to the voting, you can submit comments or a "like" on Facebook, as well as signing up for a voting reminder e-mail. Please take the time to help us out and ask your contacts to do the same. The link is:
http://www.salutetosenior...ies/bus-m/
Thank you!
Karen & Jobie
Bus started as a volunteer at the Eastern Montana Veterans' Home (EMVH) when it opened in July 1996. At that time, his volunteer activities were mostly limited to serving as an escort to take residents to medical appointments since he was still employed full time. He increased his volunteer activities at the time his wife was a resident. After his wife passed away, Bus increased his volunteer activities even more. He now spends close to 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, at EMVH helping the residents--although being a quiet and humble man, only claims 2 hours per day as his official volunteer hours.
Bus starts his volunteer day early each morning with the delivery of the newspapers--a task that would otherwise get put off until late in the morning. He then has coffee and toast with residents in the Activity Room--a smiling face that is so looked forward to. If a "regular" doesn't come down for their early morning coffee, Bus alerts the nursing staff who can specifically check on the resident.
Bus's volunteer day is filled with doing whatever is needed by the residents whether it be providing assistance to residents needing help to get to and from meals or other activities (and ensuring that those that are missing are retrieved to participate), putting clothing protectors on residents (as required) for mealtimes, serving as an escort for resident outings, acting as a translator for those that have communication challenges, or running errands for residents (such as to purchase items they want or need). Bus puts in even more than his standard 8 hours when there are outings, as these usually fall outside the hours he is normally at EMVH. Bus doesn't just "go" on outings with the residents--his availability and physical strength make it happen. With Bus's assistance, more residents are able to go on the community outings.
Bus's attitude of service and respect comes from his days of service in the Army--those he serves are truly his brothers and sisters. They trust him, as he truly knows. Many long-time residents saw his utter devotion to his wife during her illness and subsequent death at the Home. They now continue to experience this devotion to each of them. There is no question that Bus's volunteer activities have significantly improved the quality of life for the residents at EMVH.
Staff come and go, but Bus has remained the constant.
The voting begins on April 15 and lasts for 2 weeks. You can vote once each day. Prior to the voting, you can submit comments or a "like" on Facebook, as well as signing up for a voting reminder e-mail. Please take the time to help us out and ask your contacts to do the same. The link is:
http://www.salutetosenior...ies/bus-m/
Thank you!
Karen & Jobie
Bus started as a volunteer at the Eastern Montana Veterans' Home (EMVH) when it opened in July 1996. At that time, his volunteer activities were mostly limited to serving as an escort to take residents to medical appointments since he was still employed full time. He increased his volunteer activities at the time his wife was a resident. After his wife passed away, Bus increased his volunteer activities even more. He now spends close to 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, at EMVH helping the residents--although being a quiet and humble man, only claims 2 hours per day as his official volunteer hours.
Bus starts his volunteer day early each morning with the delivery of the newspapers--a task that would otherwise get put off until late in the morning. He then has coffee and toast with residents in the Activity Room--a smiling face that is so looked forward to. If a "regular" doesn't come down for their early morning coffee, Bus alerts the nursing staff who can specifically check on the resident.
Bus's volunteer day is filled with doing whatever is needed by the residents whether it be providing assistance to residents needing help to get to and from meals or other activities (and ensuring that those that are missing are retrieved to participate), putting clothing protectors on residents (as required) for mealtimes, serving as an escort for resident outings, acting as a translator for those that have communication challenges, or running errands for residents (such as to purchase items they want or need). Bus puts in even more than his standard 8 hours when there are outings, as these usually fall outside the hours he is normally at EMVH. Bus doesn't just "go" on outings with the residents--his availability and physical strength make it happen. With Bus's assistance, more residents are able to go on the community outings.
Bus's attitude of service and respect comes from his days of service in the Army--those he serves are truly his brothers and sisters. They trust him, as he truly knows. Many long-time residents saw his utter devotion to his wife during her illness and subsequent death at the Home. They now continue to experience this devotion to each of them. There is no question that Bus's volunteer activities have significantly improved the quality of life for the residents at EMVH.
Staff come and go, but Bus has remained the constant.
Thank you for bringing this to my (and everyone else's) attention!