The Fluorescent Line
Bucyrus Lamp Plant Nov / Dec 2004
All in a Day's Work
An extra trip to the Ohio Veteran's Home in Sandusky is simply a labor of love for Dan Briggs.
He doesn't have any family members staying at the home. What he has is true respect and admiration for the men and women of the armed forces who have fought for the freedom of Americans. And some memorable experiences.
Briggs, who has been a Son of the AMVETS for five years, described one day when he was at Wal-Mart and an elderly woman reached in her wallet to pull out $10 so he could buy one more blanket to donate for the holidays.
A 64th wedding anniversary also earned special note in Briggs' chronicles. But, if not for him, the man who got to celebrate might have spent it the same as any other day. Briggs deliberately set the exact date of the former Findlay resident's anniversary to make a trip to the Ohio Veteran's Home to deliver pillows and other supplies. He also had some special cargo: the resident's wife, who still lives in Findlay and has trouble driving to Sandusky . The visit was an unexpected surprise for the couple's anniversary as was the cake, ice cream and balloons Briggs arranged by contacting the facility's activities director.
Dan Briggs, right, is pictured with representatives of the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center and Dale Byrd, center, State Commander of the Sons of AMVETS, when they delivered fluorescent bulbs donated by GE Lighting, Bucyrus.
The first shift machinist originally met the woman when she visited the AMVETS Post 21 in Findlay, where Briggs spends time whenever he can doing odd jobs like cleaning the kitchen, picking up the yard and wiring the garage. He also organizes various fundraising activities as part of his responsibility as Post Commander.
Although he doesn't look for it, recognition has come Briggs' way as a result of his dedication to the Sons of AMVETS and Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services. He was the 2004 recipient of the Gil Garza Award, given to one person each year for outstanding efforts in preserving the ideals and principals of the american way of life, the community, state and nation. Garza, of findlay, was instrumental in forming the Nations Sons of AMVETS.
Briggs also recognizes those who have assisted him in serving Ohio veterans. He said his wife, Cindy, has been very supportive of him since he became involved in the Son of the AMVETS She helps him host events at the local post and shop for supplies needed at the Veterans home. In addition, Briggs said he would like to thank his employer of the past 20 years.
“I would like to extend my personal thanks to GE Lamp Plant for the generous donation of test bulbs for distribution to the Veterans homes. We have visited several homes throughout Ohio delivering bulbs. The Veterans homes were all very grateful for this donation.”
Letters of appreciation were received by the plant on several occasions last year from Sharon Croteau, chief of voluntary services at Dayton VA Medical Center.
Sons of AMVETS
Dept. of Ohio, Inc.
1395 E. Dublin-Granville Rd.
Suite 107
Columbus OH 43229
Phone: 614.985.3380
Fax: 614.985.3381