By John Higgins, PEO IEW&S Public Affairs / Portions of this story were written by Yvonne Brown of APG News

The Perry Point Veterans Administration Medical Center hosted its annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon at the Bayou Restaurant in Havre de Grace, April 19.

Mac McClarin, the Operations Manager for Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of PEO IEW&S staff who regularly visit residents Veterans at the Medical center several times a year and on the Army Birthday.

The point of the visits, including the larger event on the Army birthday, is to let as many Veterans know that they are not forgotten, so often the visits will be between national holidays. Members of PEO IEW&S staff usually converse with Veterans about their experiences in the service of America or how they are doing in general.

Col. Robert Collins, the Project Manager for Distributed Common Ground System – Army, regularly joins these visits.

“I think these visits are both energizing and grounding, for everyone involved,” said Collins. “They serve as a reminder of the many generations of service and chance to honor those that served in the military. The Vets are especially responsive to the military attendees and it gives them a chance to reflect and share common experiences – a bond that unites.”

The program hosts, Susan Kern, program manager for voluntary services and Sheila Bryson-Eckroade gave remarks for R. David Edwards, chief of Public & Community Relations and for Dr. Adam Robinson, Director, VA Maryland Health Care System, who were unable to attend.

Kern said the hospital’s proximity to the Proving Ground really makes a difference in the volunteer program.

“I’ve found the active duty military really take pride in giving to our veterans,” she said. “We have wonderful volunteers, but we’re always in need of volunteers, so anyone who is interested, please contact us to see what we have available.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]