Student learns much at Soldiers' Home

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

HOLYOKE Springfield College senior Kevin Hurley has relished his internship with the residents of the Soldiers' Home on Cherry Street.

"I chose the Soldiers' Home because I love working with elderly patients, and these folks represent the core of their generation whose valiant service helped make this country what it is today," said Hurley during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Hurley's intern schedule represents 22 hours a week with a minimum of 270 hours per semester to be served at the Soldiers' Home. His undergraduate major is Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, and he hopes to continue his graduate work in Springfield College's Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

Hurley is among the many individuals across the region who provide a wealth of important services to the veterans at the Soldiers' Home. Volunteers are also always needed and the positions that are available vary to suit individual interests.

"The staff at the Soldiers' Home has been most supportive," said Hurley, adding they are truly dedicated to their roles and helped enhance his work ethic.

"I have enjoyed working with staff at all levels and the patients continue to surprise me with their honesty as I continue to get fulfillment every day," he added.

Jack Albright, formerly of Turners Falls, is one of those shining stars that Hurley beams about. Albright, a disabled Vietnam veteran, also talks highly of Hurley.

"He's great," beamed Albright, taking a break from a noontime game of pitch. "He gets the guys motivated to do things."

Indeed.

Hurley explained that his semester internship included creating four programs that incorporate physical activities to help modify patient values of socialization and entertainment within the group. On Mondays, Hurley orchestrates and participates in a group exercise activity that allows wheelchair-bound patients with the opportunity to bowl.

"Using a wooden ramp which is placed next to the wheelchair, the participant then aims the bowling ball and pushes it down the ramp, striking as many pins as possible," said Hurley.

On Tuesdays, Hurley spends time in the dormitory area where he leads group discussions concerning different topics of the veterans' lives and experiences. Veterans also participate in chess and card-playing tournaments.

"Their competitiveness during tournaments comes out," said Hurley.

Basketball games for both wheelchair-bound veterans and those able bodied are always popular events on Wednesdays, while Thursdays are reserved for billiard tournaments.

"The billiard tournaments limit those who can participate due to their mobility, but the patients in wheelchairs still like to view these games as they lend their vocal support, especially when some easy shots are missed," added Hurley.

Hurley will miss his weekly interaction with the residents at the Soldiers' Home when his internship comes to an end in May, but knows his future includes working with older individuals.

"I will take with me a complex number of relationships and attachments from individual staff members and the many patients who have touched me in ways I had never thought possible," said Hurley, adding, "I will always remember caring for these elderly veterans and never losing sight of their most important asset their dignity."

Albright also says he'll miss Hurley when his internship comes to a close especially since he would help him to get other veterans involved in the activities of the day.

"Jack always helps me get things off the ground," said Hurley.

As the pitch games wind down for the afternoon, both Hurley and Albright share a few light moments and part for the day.

Helping individuals experience peak participation and enjoyment within a recreational setting is Hurley's life goal and no doubt his ability to ignite a spark wherever he goes holds true now and will into the future.

For more information on volunteer opportunities or ways to give back to the Soldiers' Home, visit www.mass.gov/hly or call (413) 532-9475.