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July 12, 2016Max Brechun ’17 could not wait to turn 15 and it had nothing to do with getting his temporary license but rather because 15 is the required age to become a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital. After turning 15, Max began volunteering with his Grandma in the hospitality suite at the Veterans Hospital where he serves pastries, donuts, and coffee to the veterans who stop by before or after their appointment. Max does more than just provide the veterans with food and drink, though. He provides the patients with a friendly face, good conversation, and a listening ear.
Max’s friendly face has become very well known in the hospitality suite. This summer, Max was recognized by the hospital for providing over 100 hours of service (a number that goes above and beyond VASJ’s service requirement).
The fact that VASJ requires students to complete service hours was a happy coincidence for Max but was not his motivation for volunteering at the VA hospital.
His reason for volunteering at the hospital was simple and had nothing to do with VASJ’s service requirement.
“I wanted to get to know veterans,” Max says.
Max is honored to receive the recognition and praise from the hospital but it is certainly not the reason he volunteers. He does it because he enjoys the work and it is important to him.
“I enjoy getting to meet new people and to help them,” Max says. “I take pride in what I do there.”
Receiving the service award from the hospital is “just a bonus,” Max says.
The most rewarding part of his work has nothing to do with service requirements or awards. It is knowing that he is making a difference.
“When the patients get excited to see you and wonder why you weren’t there, you know they care,” Max says.
During each of his visits, the patients are eager to find out when he will be volunteering there again.
"I am very happy for and proud of Max for his commitment to service," says VASJ Campus Minister Jill Latkovich. "He has learned the real meaning of the St. Francis Prayer:
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.
"This is what Christian service is all about."Max is fascinated by the military so volunteering at the veterans hospital was a perfect fit for him. He encourages other students to find the right fit for their service hours.
“Think about your interests and find a nonprofit,” Max says.
