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Lois Westman
Ishpeming
Hero Story
Ms. Westman has a long history of volunteering with Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ). In the 20+ years Lois has been a volunteer at MVHDJJ, she has selflessly given over 3540 hours of service to the members of our Home. In 2019, Lois volunteered 415.5 hours at MVHDJJ, while also working and volunteering for a variety of other groups. The onset of the pandemic halted all in-person volunteering at MVHDJJ but Lois continued to stay connected and support our veterans remotely. In July 2021, we brought back our first volunteers and Lois was among them. As a pandemic volunteer, Lois followed strict protocols (N-95 masks, COVID testing, etc.) with no qualm. She was just grateful to be back serving the veteran members. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I always felt comfortable knowing Lois would follow the rigorous protocols required for volunteering in a care facility to ensure member safety. Our veteran members benefited greatly from the return of volunteers like Lois.
Lois credits her brother, David, a Marine veteran for getting her involved with the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Lois is a regular member of the ALA Unit 114 and a lifetime member of the AMVETS Auxiliary Post 122. Through these organizations, Lois can be found volunteering countless hours at MVHDJJ. As an MVHDJJ Veteran Facility Coordinator (representing both the ALA and AMVETS Aux), Lois and other representatives serve in a very special role that helps plan, sponsor and execute big, specialty events at our Home. Additionally, when we bring on new volunteers, Lois mentors them and shares tips to ensure both our veteran members and volunteers are comfortable and engaged. One of the special ways Lois volunteers is by singing and playing music (guitar, keyboard, banjo, and mandolin). On every occasion, Lois gives recognition to our veterans and thanks them for their service to our country. Lois also volunteers at all our special events such as dealing blackjack during Vegas Days (where everyone wins at her table!) or serving food at our Member Carnival. Pre-pandemic, the American Legion Auxiliary Juniors assisted with our Spring flower planting. Lois worked side-by-side youth to plant the flower boxes that beautify the property of MVH D.J. Jacobetti. Lois also heavily assists with the Annual Christmas Gift Shop which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. This two-day event allows our veteran members to “shop” at no cost and select gifts for themselves and loved ones. It is a monumental effort and over $19,000 in gifts were distributed in 2022.
Lois also volunteers countless hours with other local organizations including RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs) and as a music coordinator and Sunday School teacher at Mission Covenant. Impressively, Lois and her sister, Wanda’s team, “Cuz We Care” has raised over $32,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Walk.
With a big grin and a hearty laugh, Lois brings great joy to our veterans whether she is singing to a packed audience, calling Bingo in our Rec Room, or teaching the younger generation to give back to their community. Lois treats our veteran members with the dignity, honor and respect they deserve and improves their quality of life by volunteering her time and talents in so many ways. The impact she has had on our members lives throughout the years has been immeasurable. Lois says she volunteers because she “just loves lending a hand” and it “fills her heart with joy.” We are incredibly appreciative of her dedication, and she is very deserving of this recognition.
Lois epitomizes the concept of “service above self” and demonstrates compassion in everything she does on a daily basis.
Lois Westman
Ishpeming
Hero Story
Ms. Westman has a long history of volunteering with Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ). In the 20+ years Lois has been a volunteer at MVHDJJ, she has selflessly given over 3540 hours of service to the members of our Home. In 2019, Lois volunteered 415.5 hours at MVHDJJ, while also working and volunteering for a variety of other groups. The onset of the pandemic halted all in-person volunteering at MVHDJJ but Lois continued to stay connected and support our veterans remotely. In July 2021, we brought back our first volunteers and Lois was among them. As a pandemic volunteer, Lois followed strict protocols (N-95 masks, COVID testing, etc.) with no qualm. She was just grateful to be back serving the veteran members. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I always felt comfortable knowing Lois would follow the rigorous protocols required for volunteering in a care facility to ensure member safety. Our veteran members benefited greatly from the return of volunteers like Lois.
Lois credits her brother, David, a Marine veteran for getting her involved with the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Lois is a regular member of the ALA Unit 114 and a lifetime member of the AMVETS Auxiliary Post 122. Through these organizations, Lois can be found volunteering countless hours at MVHDJJ. As an MVHDJJ Veteran Facility Coordinator (representing both the ALA and AMVETS Aux), Lois and other representatives serve in a very special role that helps plan, sponsor and execute big, specialty events at our Home. Additionally, when we bring on new volunteers, Lois mentors them and shares tips to ensure both our veteran members and volunteers are comfortable and engaged. One of the special ways Lois volunteers is by singing and playing music (guitar, keyboard, banjo, and mandolin). On every occasion, Lois gives recognition to our veterans and thanks them for their service to our country. Lois also volunteers at all our special events such as dealing blackjack during Vegas Days (where everyone wins at her table!) or serving food at our Member Carnival. Pre-pandemic, the American Legion Auxiliary Juniors assisted with our Spring flower planting. Lois worked side-by-side youth to plant the flower boxes that beautify the property of MVH D.J. Jacobetti. Lois also heavily assists with the Annual Christmas Gift Shop which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. This two-day event allows our veteran members to “shop” at no cost and select gifts for themselves and loved ones. It is a monumental effort and over $19,000 in gifts were distributed in 2022.
Lois also volunteers countless hours with other local organizations including RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs) and as a music coordinator and Sunday School teacher at Mission Covenant. Impressively, Lois and her sister, Wanda’s team, “Cuz We Care” has raised over $32,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Walk.
With a big grin and a hearty laugh, Lois brings great joy to our veterans whether she is singing to a packed audience, calling Bingo in our Rec Room, or teaching the younger generation to give back to their community. Lois treats our veteran members with the dignity, honor and respect they deserve and improves their quality of life by volunteering her time and talents in so many ways. The impact she has had on our members lives throughout the years has been immeasurable. Lois says she volunteers because she “just loves lending a hand” and it “fills her heart with joy.” We are incredibly appreciative of her dedication, and she is very deserving of this recognition.
Lois epitomizes the concept of “service above self” and demonstrates compassion in everything she does on a daily basis.