A look back on a partnership event to support the military-connected community
On Monday, April 15th, a small and excited group gathered on campus to prepare for a meaningful next step. Members of the Madison chapter of Team RWB and some military-connected students from UW-Madison came together to prepare donation materials to take to the William S. Middleton VA Hospital. The group quickly prepared many stacks of crosswords and other brain puzzles.
Team RWB is more than just a national non-profit organization. It’s a community of veterans, service members, military families, and supporters united by teamwork, shared values, and a common goal: to support the overall physical and mental wellness of veterans through community events and programs.
Although this was the group’s first meeting, their energies were in sync. They set off along the Lakeshore Path, walking 2 miles from campus to the hospital. Each member of the group shared the load of carrying the more than 100 books that would soon be handed to veterans receiving care. The walk to the hospital was filled with early spring sunlight and new connections forged between students and community members. By the time the group arrived at the hospital, it was already proving to be a worthwhile walk.
On arrival at the hospital, the group was greeted by Joe Naylor, Chief of Community Relations & Voluntary Services. The volunteer group had the opportunity to walk through the halls of the hospital, see the Hall of Heroes, say hello to patients, and drop off the donations. As the group walked back towards campus, a shared feeling of wanting to repeat such gatherings in the future arose, a reminder of the power of community and the possibilities it opens.