GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It was an opportunity to serve those who served at the Veterans Manor in Green Bay on Monday.
The second annual event held by the Green Bay Police Department and CH Robinson is an opportunity to give back to veterans by serving them lunch, listening to their life experiences, and simply saying “thank you.”
Green Bay Ltd. Steve Mahoney says it’s humbling to hear their stories.
“It really puts it in perspective,” says Ltd. Mahoney. “As a police officer on the smaller scale, what we do here in Green Bay.”
Cheryl Winkel, a resident at Vets Manor, served in the Navy from 1969 to ’72.
She says anytime veterans are recognized it’s gratifying because they didn’t serve for the purpose of recognition.
“You don’t do it for the glory, you do it because you want too,” she says. “But it’s nice that people recognize you for what you did.”
Ltd. Mahoney agreed with her assessment that veterans don’t seek out the spotlight for the service they provided the country.
“They’re glad they did their service, but they’re not expecting acknowledgment or recognition for it,” he says. “So they feel very gratified that we are honoring and respecting them.”
While the veterans were able to share their stories and life experiences with local law enforcement, it was the officers that also were able to share something special with the residents of Veterans Manor.
They presented them with home-made thank you cards made by local students.
For Cheryl Winkel, it was a great experience.
“Oh I loved it,” she says.” “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
