Bruce Trautwein 

Today we heard from Bruce Trautwein, President of the local VA Veteran's Advisory Group and Marie Maret.  The Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln meets in the old VA hospital.  When the VA hospital (clinic) was located there they had a much closer communication, but since the new VA Clinic is in it's new building it is a bit harder to communicate.  This group does a lot of outreach projects.

 

The Veterans Advisor Group of Lincoln was originally formed by Dr. Christine Emler M.D. and Terry Gillispie a volunteer from Lincoln, NE in February of 2009.  The Grooup originally met in the old 'Canteen Room' on the South end of the VA Hospital building in Lincoln.
 
The purpose of the Lincoln Veterans Advisory Group continues to honor Veterans by providing ongoing events and support.  Just a few of the activities are touched on here.  The mission of the Veterans Advisory Group enhances the quality of the Lincoln Clinic patient in guiding the Veteran through the system, to make it a better experience, and develop outreach into the communities served by providing veteran input to staff and developing innovative events that encourage participation of the community, Veterans and veteran service organizations.
 
What we do to Honor our Vets!
 
The Veterans Advisory Group has grown significantly since that first meeting in 2009.  We now coordinate many events during the year which include:
  • Our Veterans Freedom Music Festival in June, features Top Bands in the area.  This event has quickly become 'Lincoln's Largest FREE Outdoor Music Festival' (revenue from the Music Festival helps support many other ongoing Group Projects.  The 2022 event will be held at the Antelope Park.  The Art Show will be a part of this musical festival and be held at the Auld Pavilion.
  • The CoffeeHaus is a popular event held on the third Friday of the month.  It will be held this Friday at the Auld Pavilion   They will have entertainment by Bill Crystal, who does an imitation of Elvis Presley, besides good fellowship.
  • An annual Staff Luncheon that is held every year for the entire staff at the Lincoln Clinic to thank them for their service.
  • Quilts of Valor (QOV) provides quilts for Veterans that have served.  QOV is at nearly every event.
  • The 'Show-n-Shine' is a Classic Car show held yearly every May, featuring classic cars from local area hotrodders.  
  • Our VA Color Guard Group works with local VFW Post 131 and American Legion Post 3 to provide Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Veterans Freedom Music Festival, as well as various other events, such as fora Bugler for playing Taps, etc.
  • The Art Show features paintings and other works, typically created by local area Veterans.  The Art Show is typically seen at the Music Festival, Car Show and various other times throughout the year.
  • Buddy Check is provided the 22nd of each month to check in with fellow veterans to make sure everything is okay or if they need some type of assistance.  Before this system came into being, several Veterans committed suicide, but with this program there has been less suicides.
As you can see, The Veterans Advisory Group stays busy all year providing events to support, honor and help our great Veterans!
 
If you are interested in being a part of this effort, simply go online at:  www.VAGLincoln.org (Click "Contact Us")