By Carol Schreiber
Review Staff Writer
Over the past 15 years, Larence “Bud” Cauwels of Brewster has be giving back and paying it forward to the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.
After suffering a heart attack, Bud had been in Sioux Falls at the Veterans Hospital for an appointment with his doctor. “I saw several guys and girls helping out with the patients,” he said. He had just retired from Worthington Freezer Warehouse and had time, so Bud inquired about those he had seen volunteering their time.
“I talked to the head of volunteer services and learned more,” he said. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities were available. Bud indicated that he could choose what day of the week or what kind of volunteer position he wanted to be involved in, whether it was computer work or aiding patients.
He opted to volunteer his time with the veterans who were visiting the hospital. “I help the patients get to their appointments,” he said. “I either push them in a wheelchair or walk with them.”
Bud began volunteering at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital in 2002. He spends about six hours each Thursday helping other patients at the hospital. He has continued to volunteer for over 15 years, and has amassed over 4,000 volunteer hours.
With each six hour day, those 4,000 hours equate to nearly 675 days, or nearly two full years of paying it forward. Bud indicated that he has missed a couple days, due to weather, “but not very often.” If a holiday falls on Thursday, he doesn’t help at the VA that week.
He was presented with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award “for building a stronger nation through volunteer service.” He received a certificate signed by President Donald Trump and a pin. Bud has “ensured the continuation of America’s unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of others,” according to the certificate.
Driving from Brewster each Thursday, Bud had earlier received a certificate of thanks from the VA Hospital for his help and volunteer work, and “for driving his own vehicle approximately 148 miles round trip.” If you were to multiply that round trip times the number of days, Bud has put over 98,000 miles on his vehicle, to pay it forward and help others.
Bud served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 through 1968. “Mostly on landing craft,” he said, “and I spent my last year in Vietnam.”
Originally from Lismore, Bud’s wife passed away about 25 years ago. He moved to Brewster after that, and raised his family. He has three children and two stepsons. One child is living in Watertown, South Dakota, and the others are located throughout Nobles County (Brewster, Lismore, Round Lake and Worthington).
He transferred his Legion membership from Lismore to the Brewster Legion Post #464, and has been an active member for the Post. In addition to his volunteer work at the VA Hospital, Bud works at the Brewster Post on Bingo night (Thursdays) and goes to the Veterans Home in Luverne for events. He also spends additional time, volunteering at many more events.
“We’re proud to have members like Bud, who step forward and volunteer, in our Legion Post,” Brewster Legion Commander Tom Behrends said. He explained selfless service, and said, “if you look that up in the dictionary, you’ll see Bud’s picture.”
Veterans helping other veterans is an important part of the Legion philosophy, and Bud is doing his part to help take care of other veterans.
