Baker, Osinski, Kensinger Funeral

Representatives of the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission and the VA Health System were on hand to answer questions. Members of the Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club and Rolling Thunder of Medina also attended to lend support.American Legion Post 234 of Brunswick posted the colors. Breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy was donated by Southwest General Health Center. Polaris Career Center donated pastry.Chaplain Willie Springer, a combat veteran of Vietnam and veterans outreach coordinator, said that many veterans remain homeless. "We can reach out to them and help them," he said. There about 2,000 veterans and their families in Berea. He said his office aims to be a resource "to bring them together.""You served your country," Springer said. "And you never stopped serving."John Schluep, a retired pastor and founder of Warrior's Journey Home, invited veterans to attend the group's twice monthly meetings at Heritage Congregational Church, 485 West St. Schluep said all veterans need healing in mind, body and spirit. "The VA can help with the body and mind," he said. "We take care of the spirit." Warrior's Journey Home meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.The Veterans Outreach Office is part of the national We Honor Veterans program of the Hospice Veterans Partnership. The office has partnered with Baker Osinski Kensinger Funeral Home and Southwest General Hospice. Jim Boylan of Southwest General said hospice is working on a veterans history project. His office is hoping to interview as many older vets as possible, especially those from World War II and Korea. "So much history will be forgotten if we don't do something," he said.The Berea Veterans Outreach Office is looking for volunteers - fellow vets who can spend time helping with special events, such as the breakfast, and with visiting vets in hospice care. Volunteers meet once a month to plan events.Upcoming programs include a veterans picnic and a ceremony to honor 2nd Lt. Albert Baesel after whom American L... (cleveland.com)