Fresh Look for Office Serving Veterans

I was recently honored by the City of Denton and the Denton County Veterans Association for work I did in their Service office. Below is the article that appeared in the Denton Record Chronicle. I am deeply touched by the appreciation I received from the City and the Veterans Association as well as individuals who came by or called to thank me.

Article as written by Bj Lewis (Staff Writer for the DRC)
"With the addition of some new furniture and decor, the Denton County Veterans Service Office is a warmer place, officials say.

Roger Cortez, the county's veterans service director, said donations from local businesses have improved the atmosphere in the office and allowed more work with veterans to be done.

Before, the office had a large open window and steel chairs that dated from the 1970s, Cortez said.

It made it so sterile, like being in a hospital or the emergency room, he said.

To fix that, Cortez called around town to find someone to put drapes over the window, but was discouraged a little when job estimates came in at $2000. Then he spoke to Carol Collins of Carol's Custom Draperies and Interiors, and she donated her time and resources to make the drapes for the office.

"It was my pleasure to give back to those who have so courageously served our country," Collins said. "God has so blessed me and my family. It is my privilege to share."

The new drapes made an impact on veterans, many of whom did not care for the open look the office had before.

We deal with a lot of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Cortez said. It's already hard enough, to come in here and not feel invited...Some people walked right back out. The ones that walked out are the ones who need help the most.

Cortez said he noticed veterans have been a lot less tense when visiting the center since it was redecorated.

Another donation came from Walmart in the form of $1000 that Cortez used to purchase a flat-screen television now hung on a wall.

In addition, a veteran donated a stereo speaker system to make it easier to hear the TV during the busier times in the office.

Cortez said he was moved by the donations, especially in light of the financial hardships being faced by individuals and businesses right now.

It's a sacrifice these days because people don't have the money, he said. I thought it was special.

Denton County commissioners will recognize the contributions of Collins and Walmart at their meeting on Tuesday.