ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A convoy of vehicles traveled through the streets of Guam as Marines and sailors participating in Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 donated their time at Guam Memorial Hospital with longterm patients who may not often get to see friends or family.
Volunteers spent time with patients under the care of the Skilled Nurses Unit, a group within GMH.
The SNU spends the majority of its time caring for patients currently undergoing rehabilitation to eventually leave the facility. After a brief tour of the hospital, volunteers went to the lunch room where arts and craft supplies and balloons awaited them.
Patients were steadily brought in by the nurses and swiftly carried into conversation by eager volunteers.
Patients and volunteers smiled throughout the room as every person seen was occupied with some form of entertainment.
Some volunteers sat with patients and drew in coloring books or passed around balloons. Others sat down and took photos with patients or just talked with them.
While the majority of the patients were Guam natives, one particular individual kept Marines and sailors around him at all times during the visit with his stories of days past.
“I love being a part of these visits,” said Wolfgang M. Schwartzenweintraub, a United States Marine Corps and Navy veteran. “I just want you all to appreciate what you get to do.”
Along with tales of his past experiences and life challenges, Schwartzenweintraub spoke of future plans with his wife, sometimes serious and sometimes joking.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things in my life, I’m happy for it and I’m willing to share it with anyone. I have a beautiful wife now, and like you guys just said, I didn’t get my wife in a duffle bag when I joined the Marine Corps.”
After visiting hours were over, patients returned to their daily lives and volunteers went upstairs to attend an award ceremony, honoring Nurses Day and Hospital Week.
“I just wanted to salute and give thanks to all the people who come here to SNU and give us the support they do,” said Sally K. Quichocho, SNU registered nurse.
Volunteers also received honorable mentions during the ceremony for their kindness and selflessness with a group of people they had never met before, but with whom they had taken the time to listen, entertain and create lasting memories.