The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release July 26, 1993 Contact: Lori Abrahms 456-7487 White House and Veterans Work Together For Mutual Gain
As thousands of pieces of mail arrive at the White House
daily, the Presidential Inquiries Branch found a way not only
to be more responsive to the American people, but to allow a
distinguished group of our nation's veterans to continue serving
their country.
The U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home (USSAH), in Northwest
D.C., houses nearly 2,000 veterans from every state in the union.
Ninety-two percent served 20 or more years in the military, and
fought in every war from World War I to Vietnam.
USSAH got started in the White House mail business last
January. Members traveled to the Old Executive Office Building
each Thursday to help process White House mail. For many it was
an opportunity to continue serving their Commander in Chief,
long after their years of military service had ended.
Unfortunately, many members were not physically capable of
traveling into town, or working a full day. USSAH asked if there
was any way that mail could be brought to the Home, where many
members could contribute, and at the same time, benefit from
helping out.
Sitting on 320 acres of fenced and guarded land, the
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home provided a secure environment.
Furthermore, nearly all the members had clearances during their
time in the service, and the Home's facilities provided ample
work space. After careful consideration, it was determined
everyone could benefit from a program at the Home.
Today, nearly 100 veterans volunteer more than 300 hours
each week. Some have suffered strokes and are partially
paralyzed, others arrive in wheelchairs, and still others come
physically active and ready to contribute any way they can. They
address envelopes, stuff school packets, open and group thousands
of pieces of mail, not including work done at the Old Executive
Office Building.
Most importantly, those volunteering feel a sense of pride
that they can still contribute. Volunteering time and effort
for the President is a natural progression for people who have
spent their lives dedicated to serving our nation. Rarely has
a program worked so well, to help so many.
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