Pam Berends, Volunteer at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Montevideo, is passionate about caring for Veterans. As she likes to say, “My goal is to make sure they feel supported, cared for and valued in every possible way.”

Pam, a Veteran herself, proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1977. She recently retired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after 11 years. When the Montevideo Veterans Home was built, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to continue serving and caring for Veterans. Pam is currently the president of local VFW Post 380 Auxiliary and the Department of Minnesota VFW representative for the Montevideo Veterans Home.

According to Cindy Wilkens, the Home’s Public Affairs and Volunteer Coordinator, Pam demonstrates compassion, dedication and selflessness that truly makes a difference in Veterans’ lives. “She goes above and beyond, always willing to show up when needed.”

Cindy notes that Pam is physically in the building around 24 hours a month, but spends many more hours helping behind the scenes engaged in a wide variety of activities including providing alteration and other sewing services; picking up requested toiletries, snacks and other personal supplies for the Residents; helping lead art classes; coordinating monthly birthday socials; and personally creating a gift for each Veteran to celebrate their birthday.

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is the appreciation from the Veterans,” says Pam. “It’s gratifying spending time with them, doing things that make their days better and learning about their lives and service. Hearing their stories and seeing their expressions of thankfulness means so much to me. Every experience has been meaningful in its own way, and each moment spent with the Veterans is special.”