As the snow flies and settles on the ground for the first time this year in my area of Massachusetts, I watch the battle over the incoming Presidential Administration and President and go what did we do? I voted the other way, so yes I may be a bit bias here, but, I pray we survive, the next four years of autocratic rule, under Trump. I tire of those who are woke, or die-hard MAGA backers, saying it won’t be bad, we will be fine. Before you say that, I say lets wait and see, where it goes from this.

First up now is Trump’s Nominations for Cabinet Positions. As we found out quickly, Matt Gaetz did not make it far, as his Attorney General Pick. Now we are on to a man, Pete Hegseth, who is a accussed sexual abuser, and some say heavy drinker and possible alcoholic. While he served his country, and yes I saw that, one with a temper and opinion of women not belonging in the military is just dead wrong for the Department of Defense. Look, America has had a military of both genders for many decades and more. Women provide expert care medically, they provide excellent warfare too. We have seen it over time, so why, try to kick them out? In my opinion, anyone who drinks, has a temper and a sour opinion of one gender or the other does not belong handling the budget and deployment of our military in anyway. What is needed is a military person, who is stable, experienced, fast thinking and not predijuced or discriminating in anyway. Someone who has experience in leadership, and knows the military might, and won’t try to steal from it’s budget. Hegseth, has been accussed of syphoning funds from Veterans Organizations in the past, he should not be let loose with a budget like our military has.

That said, next, thought by me currently. Here in my Hometown, in Massachusetts, I was talked to about a Volunteer position on a Veterans Board for a Senior/ Veteran’s Center in town. I applied, whether I get the position or not, I know as a Disabled Veteran myself, what Veterans need. We do not ask for others to be overly empathic to us, or to pity us. We like to be listened to, and at least recognized for the sacrifices we made, while serving. We want our benefits yes, monetary wise and medically. We would like a Veteran’s area the does in some ways cater to us. Some of us need counseling for PTSD, Help for injuries and loss of limbs. Some of us need a place we can gather and hold informal gathering to talk about our service time. Some of us need prescription coverage and we have that thru the Veteran’s administration, but not all veterans know where to go to get help, who to call, and how to qualify. Some of us have lost our DD-214s, and records and need to access them for help. We need Veteran’s Counselors in The Senior center for these reasons.

There is a need for exercise equipment, special seating and tables, wheelchairs. Veteran’s want things to occupy their minds and their spirits and hearts too. Things like pool tables, ping pong tables, puzzles and books. Art and Craft services also, for Veterans need to know they are giving back for all they get and many have hidden artistic talents. They have ideas, they can put forth to help themselves and others and they understand that what will be accepted, are those items and ideas that help them but also the whole community. Interaction between Seniors and their community and Veterans and their community will not only help Veterans and Seniors, but their families also. Relieving some of the burden on the families of veterans and Seniors will help the community and give families a break from constant caring and pressure, they go through.

To have a phycologist on hand, once a week or monthly, would help also. as I stated earlier, Veterans and Seniors do not want pity, we do not want, unnecessary attention, because someone feels empathic for us or think because we are injured or hurt or senior citizens, no we want a place to be among people our own age, our own special types of people like veterans. There will be a time when the only ones who understand what a Veteran is going through will be another veteran, just as, the Senior population at times would like to be among their own age group for interactions, discussions, support and more.

There should be a quiet spot for those who want some time alone or isolation too. This gives them time to gather their thoughts and ideas and to calm down if upset. While, card games and other interactions will help also, it is best to encourage Veterans and Seniors in many of the same ways. So, yes, social events would help also, such as help with meals, or financial planning and help in who to contact and how, for certain things. Emergency Services, should be available by the staff who run the center, with the phone lines and internet addresses available.

Sometimes, a Veteran or a Senior may just want to Zone out, and relax and try to either calm down or handle their anxieties and fears. Television rooms can be handy for this. Sometimes it takes, just one other person to be present to help someone to start talking, and discussing and getting advice from. No two Seniors, or two Veterans are the same folks, each has their own unique difficulties, and problems and things they need help with. Some need special help at home, and there should be references to Nursing and Medical Help lines and Ambulances. Hospitals will always be available of course in our area, advice on which ones Veterans can go to, or a Senior person should go to, should be listed.

As, times change so shall the needs of both Veteran’s and Senior Citizens. we must have a place for ideas, recommendations, and from both the Veteran’s and Seniors. Some place or box or bin, to drop in their ideas, their needs requests, so as a Community and a combined Senior and Veteran’s Center, can be brought forward and discussed and if needed and approved, instituted, for all who use the Center.

A Director or Manager must be on site 24/7 when the Center is open. A Finanacial Officer is needed to control costs within budget and to come up with ways to increase funding by donations and more. A Out Reach Program to reach the community and let them know the needs of the Senior/ Veterans Center is vital. The more the community of Westborough, understands, the better for the Center and those who use it. many will says, oh, we don’t have a Veteran in our family or we don’t need Senior care for some in our families. It must be pointed out that as we age we all need help in some way, and that Veterans specifically, served all of us. And that you may never know, when your son or daughter, will decide to join the Military, and serve their country. It is understood, that many now a days, won’t volunteer, due to political or personal beliefs, fears or whatever. In the end it must be pointed out that because many did and do each day, we are a free and patriotic and democratic republic. We owe the Seniors and The Veteran’s in many ways, and we should help and support each of them, in any way we can. For as we age as citizens, both men and women, we all should acknowledge our Veterans and Seniors, they gave so we can be free and a decent society.

A large part of any Senior/ Veterans Center should be social functions, such as meals for the needy, bingo, and dances, for all of both sexes to mingle. Many Seniors are lonely and believe they will never find a new partner in their lives. Age does that to all of us folks and we must remember any help with preventing the loneliness syndrome in the Seniors and Veterans. is vital. There are many Seniors and Veterans who are dealing with emotional trauma, ptsd, loss of a spouse, and they need someone to talk to and interact with, to help them through the difficult times.

As I, finish writing this today, I stop and remember the Widows and Widowers who sudenly found themselves alone. The Veterans who sit at home by themselves, wondering where to turn next for help. Not all, are capable of caring for themselves, or for others around them. What is needed also is a program that reaches out more aggressively, for Volunteers to help Veterans and Seniors. While the newsletters and pamphlets are well done currently, a more intense effort must be made, in this area, due to the increasing population of Seniors, Veterans and more.

These are a few of the ideas and thoughts I have regarding the Veterans and Seniors of Westborough and our community. I am sure, there are many more things that can be brought up and out and can be considered too. Special Events trips for shopping, sports or events and more can be used too. While I am just one person, as a Senior Citizen and Veteran, many of these thoughts are ideas. It would take work, and effort to put many in place and improve what is ahead.