• Volunteers of the Month:
  Sandra Eckert and Maryanne Dinkey, Fort Collins, CO USBC
• Bowling Center of the Month:
  AMF Rose Bowl, Louisville, KY

Playing the guitar, hitting the ball over the net, practicing your dance moves, picking up that spare. For many Americans, these are typical outlets for fun and recreation. But for some very special Americans, activities like sports and the arts mean so much more. These special Americans are our hospitalized veterans. And for far too many, these simple pleasures are elusive, as they struggle to overcome the health and medical issues that often put these actions out of reach. But, thanks in part to the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) these activities, and so much more, are once again part of their lives.

Each year for the past several decades, the BVL has been a sponsor of four very important events that affect thousands of veterans and help them once again enjoy the fun and fitness of sport or the uplifting boost of the arts. The Creative Arts Festival, the Veterans Golden Age Games, the Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic provide literally thousands of veterans the opportunity of a lifetime. 

"Thanks to BVL, one of our long-time sponsors of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events, veterans have a chance to experience the thrill of competition," said Diane Hartmann, Director of VA's Office of National Programs and Special Events. "BVL's dedication to veterans is unwavering. We know we can count on America's bowlers to continue their commitment to those who have served our country."

Each event brings hundreds of veterans, who have worked all year on their skills, to a national venue to test their talents among fellow veterans. We have asked our BVL representatives attending these events during 2007 to comment on their perspective of the event.

With BVL's generosity, these events will continue to touch the lives of veterans across the country. If your association or center would like to insure that BVL continues to support these important programs, please donate today.