For the second year in a row, the Ross Medical Education Center Ann Arbor campus has chosen to collect various items for the men and women serving in our armed forces. Throughout the months of July and August, staff, faculty, and students brought in hard candies, puzzle books, socks, hair ties, sunscreen, toiletry items, and even dog treats for deployed troops. In the end, they collected over 100 items to send to these national heroes. They gave all the donations to an active military member who was able to bring them straight to the base for the troops. Lauree Vasher, morning Medical Assistant Instructor, had the honor of heading up this event to raise awareness on the campus. As a member of Patriot Guard Riders, Lauree is very passionate about offering support to our service men and women, past and present, and to their families.
Lauree was then able to share with her fellow members of Ladies Of Harley, a group of female Harley-Davidson enthusiasts that strive to be involved in the political and social sphere in their communities. These ladies, inspired by Lauree, decided to spend an evening making greeting cards for the troops so that they will have cards to send home to their loved ones. They had a great time doing something so meaningful for the men and women in the service. One member’s in-laws met in Pearl Harbor after the bombing. Another actually served in the Army. The women are passionate about supporting active troops and veterans, especially as many have personal ties to the service.
One of the Medical Assistant students at the Ann Arbor campus, Jeffrey Becker, is also a Private 1st class in the United States Marine Corps. He was touched by the event he was able to be a part of with his teachers and classmates saying, “It’s a very nice gesture. It reminds you of back home. You don’t realize the simple things that you miss. The things that we had to do without are really appreciated.” The campus looks forward to collecting even more necessities and surprises for the troops next year!