Gina Nelson; Executive Director, Community Roots Neighborhood Services, Inc.
and the Veterans Lunch Program
There are two memories from my childhood that guide my hopes for the Veterans Lunch Program. First, my Dad was a B-52 pilot during the Vietnam War and my brothers and I grew up on Military bases all over the world. Our last duty station was at Westover AFB in Chicopee, where as children in the late 60's our anxiety and fear increased as the war invaded our home each night with the evening news. At the same time, vocally angry protesters took up residence just outside the main gate and that dreaded blue station wagon carrying the Commander and the Chaplain came down our street all too frequently. Without words, my Mom simply created intentionally calm and anxiety free situations centered around the evening meal, giving us peace at the end of each day and the gift of a restful night's sleep.
Second, I think around 1973/74 when the war was winding down, my Dad headed a group whose purpose it was to help several POWs and their families who would be reuniting at Westover AFB. When children were involved and where appropriate, my Dad included my brothers and I as distractions for the kids. Meals together were extremely tense and emotionally charged. Although hesitant and uncertain, conversation would ultimately begin and we hoped that this first step was also the beginning of healing.
I bring both of these sensibilities to the Veterans Lunch Program; creating intentional situations centered around the table, among a group of people with shared experiences and the hope that sharing a meal and conversation would be a springboard toward healing.
These are unspoken lessons around the dinner table that have shaped my life.
Second, I think around 1973/74 when the war was winding down, my Dad headed a group whose purpose it was to help several POWs and their families who would be reuniting at Westover AFB. When children were involved and where appropriate, my Dad included my brothers and I as distractions for the kids. Meals together were extremely tense and emotionally charged. Although hesitant and uncertain, conversation would ultimately begin and we hoped that this first step was also the beginning of healing.
I bring both of these sensibilities to the Veterans Lunch Program; creating intentional situations centered around the table, among a group of people with shared experiences and the hope that sharing a meal and conversation would be a springboard toward healing.
These are unspoken lessons around the dinner table that have shaped my life.