Fort Hood's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Connects Generations

Single soldiers, vets swap stories
Posted On: Tuesday, Feb. 28 2012 03:46 PM

By Colleen Flaherty
Fort Hood Herald

TEMPLE — Navy veteran Ben Russell, a survivor of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Army veteran Joe August Schovajsa, who fought in Germany, are among the approximately 95 World War II veterans who live at William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home in Temple.

Both 88, they swap stories on a regular basis, sometimes over a drink. During their weekly outings, Schovajsa takes a beer — preferably Shiner Bock, from his native Shiner — or a margarita on the rocks. But it's always beer for Russell.

"We're pretty close," said Russell.

On Friday, however, Russell and Schovajsa shared their stories with soldiers from Fort Hood's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, or BOSS program, who visit the home once a week as volunteers.

"Sometimes we go to the Alzheimer's ward and sit down and play checkers or chess, or just talk," said BOSS president Spc. Torrie Lee, 25. "I come whenever I can."

Spc. Ashley Spurling, a 20-year-old BOSS representative with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said her favorite part about visiting with veterans is hearing their stories.
read more here