One Doctor’s Commitment to Help Blind American Veterans
For the past five years, Dr. Neil Crofoot, an Area Doctor with our America’s Best stores in Chicago, has helped blind American veterans in his area. Through his volunteer work he has organized golf outings for these disabled veterans and has helped their families by providing vouchers for free eye exams and eyeglasses. Here is his story:
How It All Began
Dr. Crofoot’s work helping blind American veterans began five years ago when he and his wife, Judith, volunteered to help veterans play golf. The event took place at a local golf club, Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, IL, and was organized through the United Volunteer Service (UVS) – The Swing Club.
Dr. Crofoot shared with us how the veterans arrived the morning of the event from three area Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospitals. Volunteers formed small groups and assisted the eager vets by teeing up the ball and verbally or physically aiming them towards the pin. Dr. Crofoot said, “Most of them had played before their impairment and could still hit the ball rather well!”
After a good game of golf, a lot of fun, laughter and storytelling, the volunteers met in the dining room for lunch and took turns introducing the veterans and sharing their service history.
They also signed photos for the veterans to take home as a tangible reminder of the day. The veterans expressed their gratitude and the enjoyment they got from meeting the volunteers, being able to play golf again, and being treated to a good meal.
The Beginning of a Partnership
At that first golf event, Dr. Crofoot stood up in front of his fellow volunteers and spoke from his heart assuring the veterans that, “we owe them our unwavering gratitude and thankfulness for their honorable service to our country. It is a debt that can never be repaid.” With that, a partnership with the UVS began.
For the last two years, Dr. Crofoot has provided 100 America’s Best coupons for free eye exams and eyeglasses to the families of the blind veterans and their caregivers. He thanks the America’s Best leadership for providing these generous gift coupons.
Last year, Dr. Crofoot served on the UVS Board and along with his wife, traveled to various golf clubs to organize the golf outings.
About Dr. Crofoot
About the UVS – Swing Club
The UVS – Swing Club provides many opportunities for blind veterans throughout the year. Aside from 10-12 golf outings a year at several Chicago-area golf clubs, they sponsor three full-time, all expenses paid, college scholarships for the children of blind and disabled veterans.
They also host weekly bingo games with prizes that have been donated, collect and distribute clothing and personal products for the vets, and hold Christmas parties with food and gifts for appreciative Vets who may not have a family nearby to share the holiday with.
Jessica Altamirano
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