The 2024 Missouri Veterans Home of Mexico Monetary and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet was held Wednesday, April 17 at the Mexico Elks Lodge. Community Veterans and families, Veterans Home staff and volunteers were honored.  

The program opened with the pledge of allegiance led by Patrick Stevenson, director of nursing.   Aliesha Edwards, administrator, welcomed all and recognized the staff of the Home, thanked them for making the Home like family and highlighted that the Mexico Veterans Home had just had an Excellent Federal Survey which is like an audit.   

Sue Ince, assistant administrator, highlighted activities and improvements over the past year that included a new fish tank, which the veterans love; painting of the building common areas and continuing with the veterans rooms; Christmas tree drive-over 40 trees were decorated and many dollars; Christmas parties; receiving a grant from Home Depot of over $6,200 to be used for Christmas lighting, Consolidated Electric put the lights up; and addition of heated massage chair. Plans for 2025 are for new TV’s - smart TV’s; a family day is planned for September; a Cardinal game is planned and the KC Wolfe will visit on Wednesday, April 24 at the Home.  

Assistance League President, Brian Pursifull, thanked everyone for their support and service.  Honored all the Veterans present and their wives and families who support our heroes.  He thanked donors for all their support and highlighted Assistance League sponsored items/activities:  Family day: Buses to transport the residents; outdoor tables and chairs to enjoy the fresh air; vans; exercise equipment; monetary donations for fireworks; music and car shows.  Pursifull said we try to make our veterans home just like every day life for our residents.  

In closing, Pursifull reiterated to the veterans, “We cannot do what we do without what each of you have already done!”