VA home residents receive new popcorn machine Published March 26, 2013 By Susan Jones BIG SPRING, Texas -- VA home residents receive new popcorn machine BIG SPRING, Texas-- Residents of Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring, Texas received a new popcorn machine donated by one of the veterans' family members at their St. Patrick's Day celebration March 15. The veterans' home was opened in 2001 and provides long term care for more than 150 residents. It is the closet veterans' home to Goodfellow Air Force Base. Volunteers from the base help out at the home or Veteran's Affairs hospital in Big Spring, at least once per quarter. Guy McNeal, a resident, served in the Air Force during the Korean War. His entire family frequently participates in the various activities and coordinates care through the staff at the nursing home. Through discussion at a family council meeting, the family learned of the need for a new machine because the old popper was worn out. A favorite activity of the residents is popcorn and a movie. Everyone there loves the aroma of fresh popped popcorn. The microwavable variety was just not as appealing for the residents. Susan Jones, of Odessa, Texas, searched around to determine cost and availability, then set a goal to raise enough funds to buy a new popcorn machine. Flyers went out and family, friends, co-workers and business associates were solicited for about a month. Jones conducted a fundraiser at work providing all flavors of popcorn to co-workers for donations. Her nephew, Dylan Sanders, also of Odessa, Texas, recently celebrated his 10th Birthday. In lieu of presents, he requested party guests donate to the cause as well. It wasn't long until enough cash was collected to purchase the popper and they even had enough to buy a matching cart. Melinda McCann, unit nurse manager, Kent Emmele, administrator, and Viola Barraza, social worker, graciously accepted the gift. The popcorn machine was donated in honor of Mr. Guy F. and Thelma P. McNeal's 58th Wedding Anniversary.
