ST. PETERSBURG - As she spends her summer days among ailing veterans at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, Janita Truitt has learned something about herself.
"I've realized that I've had it pretty good so far," she said. "And I see it as having your own set of heroes right here at the hospital."
The 15-year-old Seminole High School sophomore volunteers in the hospital's dental clinic and helps the hospital's volunteer coordinator make calls and mail letters.
Truitt is one of more than 150 Tampa Bay-area students spending summer break helping veterans through the Bay Pines Summer Student Volunteer program.
The youth volunteers met their sponsors from 68 local service organizations Friday.
Roger Baehlow of Madeira Beach represents an American Legion Honor Society, one of the program's sponsors.
"One thing that's special about this volunteer program is the grandparent and grandchild interaction between the kids and veterans," said Baehlow, who is retired and works as a volunteer at the center's day care facility. "Working in a hospital environment is a unique experience for young people."
Other service organizations involved with the program include the Salvation Army, Elks National Foundation and Navy Seabee Veterans. The sponsors pay $25 per student for uniforms and minor expenses.
While the volunteers started June 3, it was Truitt's second year participating in the program.
"It's nice to hear about the veterans' past, including war stories and just experiences they've had," said Truitt, who volunteered in the center's nursing home last summer. Students involved in the program also have the opportunity to receive scholarships and savings bonds. One volunteer will receive the Outstanding Student Volunteer of the Year award, which includes a $1,500 U.S. Savings Bond and a nomination for the James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award. This provides a $10,000 college scholarship and a trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., for the VA's Voluntary Service National Convention.
"Hospitals are a good place to work, but often not a good place to live. Days often run together for the patients," said John Pickens, public affairs officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. "But the volunteers bring in enthusiasm and a positive attitude that rubs off on everyone."
