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Visits by area veteran are his way of giving back The gift of time
By SEAN BARRON
AUSTINTOWN
Since last fall, several dozen Korean War and other veterans in area nursing homes have enjoyed extra visits and gifts, thanks to Zeno Foley.
Perhaps the greatest gifts in the package: Foley’s time and ear.
“I introduce myself to the veterans and usually spend a few minutes with each,” said Foley, a Korean War Army veteran and member of the Mahoning Valley Chapter 137 of Korean War Veterans. “I let them talk about whatever they want.”
Foley spoke recently from his South Inglewood Avenue home about his monthly visits to veterans of all military branches who receive short- or long-term care at health-care facilities in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
So far, Foley’s volunteer efforts have taken him to seven nursing homes, the most recent this past week at Community Skilled Health Care Center in Warren.
Foley begins each visit with a stop at the office of the facility’s activities director, who accompanies him to the resident’s room. He lets the veterans discuss what they feel comfortable sharing, though few bring up their war experiences. Instead, most prefer to talk about their branch of service, as well as topics of general interest, Foley said, adding that he always thanks them for serving their country.
During his visits, Foley hands each veteran a container with gifts that include notebooks, shampoo, soap, mouthwash, nail clippers and hand lotion.
“I’ve been lucky all of my life, and I have a chance to give back my time,” he said of his deed.
Foley served nearly six years in the Army, starting with basic training in 1950 at Fort Ord, near Salinas, Calif. From there, Foley was stationed close to Yuma, Ariz., and left for Korea afterward, where he served until 1953.
The trip home was memorable, in large part because of the timing, Foley recalled.
“I crossed the International Date Line on my birthday, so I celebrated it twice coming back,” he said.
The local Korean War veterans chapter conducts various fundraisers on behalf of those who served in that country, noted Foley, a trustee of Chapter 137.
Beginning in May, the organization will set up stands and hand out daisies at grocery and big-box stores throughout the Valley, where members will ask for contributions, he said.
Every November the chapter holds an honor guard and hosts a firing squad to honor the veterans, Foley explained.
In addition to being grateful to those who served in past wars, Foley is thankful for the efforts of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I appreciate what they’re doing and definitely keep them in our prayers,” he said.
Foley also enjoys time with his wife, Patricia, as well as his five children, 19 grandchildren and 2-year-old great-grandson.