A new generation is rising through the ranks to serve Veterans. One of them is 16-year-old Haden Toenjes, an Illinois native and member of Boy Scouts of America\u2019s Tinley Park Troup 385.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Toenjes holds the second-highest rank in the organization, called a Life Scout, with hopes of earning the top-ranked title of Eagle Scout with a little help from the Veterans at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIn Boy Scouts, there are seven ranks you have to advance through, with eagle scout being the highest rank, and 21 merit badge requirements,\u201d said Toenjes. \u201cSome of the merit badges you have to achieve include personal management, first aid, communication and emergency preparedness.\u201d<\/p>\n To earn his Eagle Rank, Toenjes built a handicap-accessible picnic table and bench for Veterans using Hines VA\u2019s community garden.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy grandfather, who served in the Army in the early 1960s, receives great care here at Hines,\u201d Toenjes explained when asked why he chose Hines for his project. \u201cVeterans like my grandfather deserve all of our support because of how they put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Toenjes\u2019 passion for serving Veterans started at a young age.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSince the second grade, I\u2019ve volunteered with Kruse\u2019s Krew, a Veteran organization that sends care packages to service members overseas,\u201d said Toenjes.<\/p>\n That drive led him to make a difference in the lives of Veterans served at Hines VA. Toenjes held a fundraiser to raise money for the bench and handicap accessible picnic table.\u00a0<\/p>\n Leading the effort, Toenjes selected the plans, completed a material list and purchased all needed items.\u00a0He then built the table and bench with help from his fellow scouts and father.<\/p>\n Throughout the process, Toenjes worked with Hines Employee Whole Health Coordinator Sheila Swann-Guerro on identifying the need, purpose and shared impact it could have on Veterans and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cHis ideas have a great impact on providing a space for people of all abilities,\u201d said Swann-Guerro.<\/p>\n After Toenjes completed his project at Hines VA, he showed his grandfather his hard work.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI felt a sense of pride that I made an impact on the Veterans here,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Toenjes is ready for his next project, earning Eagle Scout.<\/p>\n It\u2019s never too late to apply for VA health care you\u2019ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to\u00a0get started<\/a>.<\/p>\nBuilding community through service and leadership<\/h2>\n
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