The First Senior Center of Georgia is honored to host a special Veterans Day equipment giveaway ceremony to honor Vietnamese American veterans who served as high-ranking military officials during the Vietnam War. These veterans came to the United States through the Special Release Reeducation Center Detainee Resettlement Program, also known as the “Humanitarian Operation Program,” which aided former prisoners of war and political detainees in their quest for freedom. In recognition of their service, the First Senior Center, with generous support from Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), will provide essential home medical equipment (HME) such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen supplies, bathing aids, and personal care kits to veterans and seniors in need. Additionally, FODAC will receive a $1,000 check from the First Senior Center to further enhance this important mission.
Norcross, GA — November 11, 2024 — The nonprofit First Senior Center of Georgia is hosting a special ceremony on Veterans Day to honor Vietnamese American veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Many of these veterans arrived in the United States through the Resettlement Program, which assisted political prisoners and war prisoners in seeking freedom.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
- Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
- Location: First Senior Center of Georgia, 5555 Oakbrook Pkwy, Building 500, Suite 500-B, Norcross, GA 30093
During this event, FODAC and the First Senior Center will distribute essential mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes to veterans and seniors in need. These gifts are being provided free of charge by FODAC, which is donating over 200 mobility aids and shower chairs to help those facing mobility challenges navigate their daily lives.
This event not only aims to provide essential mobility assistance as a way to honor the contributions of veterans but also to recognize the sacrifices made by Vietnamese veterans. Additionally, it highlights the needs of veterans within underserved communities and acknowledges an important chapter in military history.
Reflecting on the significance of providing mobility aids to elderly Vietnamese American veterans, Ms. Von Tran, Director of First Senior Center of Georgia, stated, “For over seven years, I have provided home care and daycare services to elderly individuals, meeting and learning about the lives of hundreds of low-income seniors and Vietnam War veterans, each with their own unique stories and challenges. Many are facing declining health, making daily activities like walking and bathing daunting tasks. Our staff has witnessed numerous distressing incidents, including emergency calls for seniors who have suffered strokes or falls in their homes. These injuries not only cause physical pain but also create anxiety for both the seniors and their families. I sought funding for mobility aids to help them move safely and prevent falls.”
Understanding the harsh realities of aging, particularly for low-income veterans who often face language barriers upon immigrating to the U.S., Ms. Tran has tirelessly searched for solutions to protect Vietnamese seniors in the community from preventable accidents. Over her seven years of assisting veterans and elderly Vietnamese individuals, she has witnessed too many cases of seniors falling, including one elderly woman who fell and was bedridden for months, causing suffering not only for her but also for her caregivers. This experience underscored the urgent need for better support and preventive measures.
“We aim to provide the necessary support for veterans and seniors to help them move safely and confidently in their daily lives,” Ms. Tran expressed her gratitude. “I am deeply appreciative of Mr. Christ Brand, CEO of FODAC, and the supportive team at FODAC for partnering with us in our mission to assist the community by providing mobility aids. FODAC has generously donated over 200 mobility aids and shower chairs, and we will continue to host multiple giveaways for the senior community. We understand that helping seniors is not an easy task, but we believe that with determination and support, doors will continue to open. Goodness exists all around us; we just need to be open and seek it out.”
In recognition of FODAC’s meaningful contributions, the First Senior Center will present a check for $1,000 to FODAC to support this mission.
Mr. Christ Brand, CEO of FODAC, shared his reasons for partnering with the First Senior Center of Georgia, stating, “These mobility aids are not just physical tools; they are bridges that restore independence and quality of life to our seniors. The news of this collaboration has brought tears of joy to the veterans receiving these aids, who believe that, with the support of First Senior Center of Georgia and FODAC, they will no longer live in fear of falling. Instead, they will gain the strength to walk and enjoy the freedom they rightly deserve.”
