Please Support Bus Morris & Our Veterans--Vote!
supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+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.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you to those who have already entered a comment or done a "like" on Facebook. Although EMVH is in Glendive, there are Miles City veterans that are residents there. Please remember that this is a chance to show your support to those who have given so much for us!

Thanks for your help and participation!
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supporter
Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15535) 10 years ago
Perhaps Jobie in a VFW hat would create an avalanche of votes for Bus.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thanks for the great suggestion! We'll have to look into getting one. All we've done in that vein to this point was Jobie in one of the "dress greens" hats for Veterans' Day one year (yes, he was handsome).
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Posted by K. Thoeny (+101) 10 years ago
Although I have never personally met Bus I am now prepared to comment on his character. Those of you on here that know me personally, also know that I will attempt to get all sides of a story, good or bad prior to making any type of comment when one is warranted. I also believe that is why the good lord gave me two ears and only one mouth. It was so that I would do twice as much listening as talking.
At any rate, I was able to ascertain that Bus honorably served as Quartermaster for the Glendive VFW for at least 15 and possibly 25 years until the love of his life passed on. He is currently going above and beyond the call of duty by donating most of his time to the EMVH. I would be honored to submit my recommendation for his receipt of this award. Unfortunately, as this is in another Post's jurisdiction, I can only submit it as an honorable citizen and not as VFW Post Commander elect. I did however bring it to the attention of the appropriate Post Commander so that a more adequate and fitting notation could be made.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you, Kevin. You are most deserving of the high esteem people hold you in and I have no doubt that the Miles City VFW post will thrive under your guidance as Commander. Congratulations on your election and thank you again for supporting my Dad!

Karen
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supporter
Posted by Alison Boe Schwarzkopf (+120) 10 years ago
I just signed up to get daily voting reminders. Voting starts tomorrow and you can vote everyday until the contest ends. I think Bus is a very qualified and deserving candidate and I hope you'll join me in supporting him.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you so much, Alison! Your assistance and support mean so very much--to all of us (my Dad, me, Jobie & the Critters, and our Veterans and their caregivers at EMVH)! You, too, are making a positive difference in their lives with your help!

Karen
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banned
Posted by yh7j8 (+13) 10 years ago
[deleted - spam]
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Voting is open now. There is a box on the left side of the entry page that says "vote for this entry" and you simply click on that (pretty easy, huh?). You can vote once each day for the two weeks. Please help show our Veterans that they are appreciated! Your support is appreciated!

Karen
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
A big thank you to everyone that has taken the time to add a comment, a "like", or a tweet and most especially to VOTE! As a reminder, voting continues for another week and a half. You can vote once each day and your support is appreciated!
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thanks again to everyone that has taken the time out to vote, leave a comment, a "like", or to tweet. Just a reminder that voting continues until the 30th--once each day allowed until then!

Let's show our veterans that we really DO appreciate all they have done for us!
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Posted by Kacey (+3157) 10 years ago
Karen,
I posted this on my Facebook page too. If others who are voting for your dad would post on FB you'd get lots more votes.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you so much! I believe some others have posted it on Facebook--hopefully many are as astute as you and do so! I confess that, since I don't have Facebook, I miss some of the tricks of the trade. Thank you for bringing this to my (and everyone else's) attention!

Karen
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you to all who have been supporting the cause! Not even a week left to go! Let's see if we can show our Vets that we really do care--not to mention showing the rest of the world that even though we don't have a large population, Eastern Montana (both former and current residents--not to mention friends) turns out to support its own! Please remember to vote!

Karen
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Posted by Kacey (+3157) 10 years ago
Voted. Takes just a second so everyone please vote for Bus.
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Posted by Kacey (+3157) 10 years ago
Another vote for Bus. Please take a moment and vote. A second of your time can do so much for others.
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Thank you to all who are supporting the cause! Only a few more days of voting left. Please remember your daily vote (doesn't take long)!

Thanks!
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supporter
Posted by Karen L. Morris (+2260) 10 years ago
Today is the last day to vote! It has been heartwarming to see how people have pitched in to pass the word to get votes (not to mention voting, leaving comments or "likes" or tweets). Even residents at EMVH wanted to have a chance to vote (something very positive in my eyes knowing how challenging it can be to maintain an interest in things when you are in a rest home)! Thankfully, the staff has helped them with computer access so they can!

Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of something very special! Please take a minute to vote!

Thank you!
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