BUCYRUS — In honor of Veterans Day, a local business, with the help of area organizations, found a way to help the physical wellbeing of area veterans.
Many local veterans do not have dental insurance through the VA (Veterans’ Administration) so the staff at Bucyrus Dental at 314 W. Warren St. decided to offer free exams and cleaning to veterans in honor of Veterans Day.
U.S. Army veteran Robert Hatfield said he has medical and optical coverage through the VA but not dental.
“I am grateful to the sponsors that gave so I could receive a free cleaning,” Hatfield said. “I needed it and it meant a lot.”
Hatfield served in the Army from 1986 to 1988, following in the footsteps of his father and uncles who also served.
Sponsors for the exams included the Bucyrus AMVETS Post No. 27, the Galion VFW Post No. 4329 and Flick Packaging Inc. of Galion.
Office and dental assistant Morgan Allen said she and the staff reached out to area businesses for donations also. Four Bucyrus restaurants, including Arby’s, Taco Bell, Subway and Bob Evans, gave donations for the event.
“I saw that a dentist office in Mansfield was doing this so I suggested it to Dr. Lin, and he agreed we should try it,” Office manager Shelley Harding. “We have eight veterans coming in for exams and cleanings and hope to have more next year.”
Zane Plumley also came for an exam.
“I was in the Army and stationed in Korea in 1962 and 1963,” Plumley said.
He said even though he was drafted, those were the best two years of his life.
Dr. Lin said this was a great way to give back to local veterans who have sacrificed so much.
“We owe our freedom and liberty to our veterans who serve our country,” Lin said. “Giving back to them in some way is the least we can do.”
Cookies made by dental hygienist Amy Coldwell and cupcakes made by Harding were given to veterans and other patients when they finished their exams.