Veterans helped create the ‘American Way’

Gary Bermeosolo

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 | midnight

Last summer, I tried to do something I'll bet most people haven't tried in a while. I flew into an airport to attend a state veterans home conference and attempted to rent a car for cash. The individual at the rental counter informed me that I could not rent a car for cash. If I wanted to rent one of his cars, I would have to use a credit card.

I became somewhat disturbed and, after venting my frustration, I was told by the rental agent that he didn't make the rules. His company only accepts credit cards and I better get used to it because it's the "American Way."

The "American Way"! How many times have you heard that cliché: "It's the American Way!" Mom, apple pie and Chevrolet ... baseball, football, basketball and horseshoes ... all part of the "American way."

Campers, recreational vehicles, Popsicles, hot dogs, French fries, movie theaters, soda pop, milkshakes, cheerleaders, mascots, Super Bowls, bowling, river running, waterbeds and hot air balloons. All products of the "American Way," and the list goes on — to include credit cards.

I wonder how many of these things we would enjoy today if our veterans hadn't been willing to put themselves in harm's way. The sports, the foods, the products — how would they differ if there hadn't been anyone there to protect the "American Way"?

The fact is, Americans are overwhelmingly indebted to our fighting men and women, both deceased and living. For the past 26 years, it's been my privilege to serve our country's veterans and their loved ones. I hope to continue to serve these heroes for many years to come, as partial payment for the many contributions they have and still make to the "American Way."

Part of my motivation to continue serving veterans comes from the many volunteers in our community who unselfishly donate hours of love as they are "Caring for America's Heroes." Each year, these volunteers give more and more of themselves.

In the six years the Nevada State Veterans Home has been open, the number of volunteer hours donated has increased annually. Their willingness to be part of our team is demonstrated by the tagline on one of our brochures: "When does a house become a home? When you add love!" Volunteers add the love.

Our volunteer coordinator, Angela Metcalf, tells me many of our volunteers have more than doubled their volunteer hours since our home opened.

I'm frankly at a loss for words to express what this means to the residents of our Veterans Home. But perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. After all, our volunteers are Americans, and helping those less fortunate than themselves is just part of the "American Way."

Gary Bermeosolo is the administrator of the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, a 180-bed skilled nursing facility. For more information, call 332-6717.