Stork Nest program in Landstuhl
receives $3,000 grant from VFW
By Adam Ramirez,
Kaiserslautern bureau
Adam Ramirez / Stars and Stripes
Diane Ruff, of Incirlik, Turkey, was flown into Landstuhl, Germany to have her second
child because of a blood condition. |
LANDSTUHL, Germany — The local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Friday
donated $3,000 to a program that assists pregnant women sent to Landstuhl to deliver their
babies.
The VFW gave the money to the Stork Nest program. Based at Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center, the program provides help and support for women who fly in from outlying areas of
Europe.
Normally, the women have "at risk" medical conditions that require them to be
at Landstuhl for careful pre-natal care.
One of these women is Diane Ruff, 32, who was flown in from Incirlik, Turkey.
"They are really helpful — it’s great to have people here to help you at
a time like this," Ruff said, after VFW officials presented the clinic with the
donation.
Joe L. Lofton said the VFW was happy to help a worthy cause.
"We decided that if we could help these women when they need it, we should,"
said Lofton. "We have limited funds, and we mostly help veterans and their dependents
— but this was a great way to help."
Many of the pregnant women in the program are based in Turkey and have medical risks
that require them to be at Landstuhl. The program helps the women cope with being away
from home and provides a buddy who will guide her through her stay.
Maj. Ann Marie Blunt, Stork Nest coordinator, said the $3,000 would go directly to the
women who need it most.
"We have plans to help lower income women defray the costs of meals and lodging
while they’re here for extended stays," Blunt said.
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