The COVID-19 pandemic has made distance-- whether social, emotional or physical -- an underlying tone in American society, leaving many longing for connection. This St. Patrick’s Day, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) is seeking to safely connect community members through a card drive for military Veterans.
The card drive, overseen by the Congressman's staff, will collect letters to be given to residents of the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle. This year, the card collection will expand to also include patients at the Danville and Hines VA Hospitals.
“This year has been a challenging one, to say the least, and our elderly population has been at greatest risk from the Coronavirus. While the vaccine continues to be rolled out, we are lucky to have alternative ways of connecting with our veterans,” Kinzinger said.
In 2003, Kinzinger joined the Air Force, earning his pilot wings and his current Colonel Lieutenant ranking. Having served himself, the Congressman’s roots in the military, Communications Manager for the Congressman Adam Rodewald explains, make this program particularly important to him.
“His military background definitely shapes him, and that’s part of why this program is so special to him. It allows him to essentially give thanks to those who helped create his own views and values,” Rodewald said
With the rise of digital correspondence, such as e-mail and text messaging, handwritten letters have become rare. Rodewald explains how the care that goes into writing a letter by hand drives the decision to collect physical letters rather than going digital.
“The old fashioned letter still holds value in terms of appreciation, not only in the level of care, but to the lengths to which someone would go to say hello,” Rodewald said.
As for who can send a letter, Rodewald shares how anyone, from young children to other veterans, can get involved.
“It can be veterans themselves thanking other veterans, it can be your everyday Joe, it can be high schoolers. We always appreciate the little ones that send letters as well because those are great ones to read,” Rodewald said.
There are also no limits on who may receive letters. Rodewald details how there is “no rhyme or reason” to which veterans are chosen to receive a letter.
“We just want to make sure we include as many people as possible and as many veterans who we feel would appreciate the correspondence,” Rodewald said.
With the pandemic keeping Americans at home this year, the initiative is expecting to have more involvement than ever.
“Typically we get hundreds of letters; this year, we’re hoping to collect at least a thousand letters. We’re expecting to have the highest output this year,” Rodewald said.
For those who are interested in participating, letters may be mailed to the Congressman’s Ottawa office, or if you’re in the area, can be dropped off. The collection deadline is Friday, March 12, at the end of the business day. Cards will be delivered to the three Ill. Veteran’s facilities once they have been screened for safety precautions.
(This piece took 2nd place overall at the state competition in the Features event.)
