Milwaukee VA Medical Center
Vietnam Veterans donate 3,000 sub sandwiches to VA
Big thanks to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 324, which came together to donate 3,000 sub sandwiches to our staff. (Photo by Emmy Swartz)
Bob Rugg is a generous guy.
“That’s a vicious rumor,” the 72-year-old said with a laugh when asked if he was doing something nice for the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. “The chapter is going to do something.”
The “chapter” is Vietnam Veterans of America 324, based in Milwaukee. And thanks to a generous donation from Rugg, the chapter is buying nearly 3,000 sub sandwiches for Milwaukee VA staff.
“I came into a chunk of dough that I didn’t expect, so I thought I’d let the people at the hospital know how much we appreciate what they are doing,” Rugg said.
The first delivery of subs came Thursday evening for our second- and third-shift crews.
About 370 sandwiches, intended for second- and third-shift workers, were delivered Thursday, May 14. Some 2,350 sandwiches for first-shift workers will be dropped off Tuesday, May 19.
“It’s no big thing,” Rugg said. “I wanted the chapter to get some positive public relations.”
The sandwiches are from a Cousins Subs franchise at 11401 W. Silver Spring Drive owned by Connie Pytlik, who comes from a military family. While Rugg purchased the sandwiches, Pytlik donated thousands of bags of chips.
Rugg, who served in the U.S Marines for eight and a half years, was a combat veteran, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1974.
He said his first appointment at the Milwaukee VA came in January 1975, and he’s been coming for his care ever since.
Patrick Moore, treasurer for Vietnam Veterans of American 324, and Connie Pytlik, owner of Cousins Subs on Silver Spring Drive, talk to the media about the donation. The VVA bought 3,000 subs, and Pytlik donated 3,000 bags of chips.
He remembered a fitful night in the hospital when he came in for gallbladder surgery. He said a nurse spent the entire night at his bedside.
“That lady never left my side,” he said.
Rugg has been a member of VVA 324 for more than 30 years. Chapter treasurer Pat Moore, who volunteers at the hospital, helped make the arrangement for the donation.
“He’s a great guy,” Moore said of Rugg. “He’s very generous.”
Rugg brushed off the compliment.
“It’s important to know that Vets are giving back to the people helping them,” he said. “I wanted to give something back.
“The care has been exemplary,” he said. “If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be getting the sandwiches.”
