A Surprising Connection
According to UCLA Professor, Matthew Liberman, a growing body of research shows that the need to connect socially with others is as basic as our need for food, water and shelter. (Wolpert, S. 2013)
On January 21, 2019, TMF's CEO Jennifer Brusstar, received a very special letter for WWII veteran Lincoln Leung who served at the Battle of the Bulge and the Nuremberg Trials. As she read the letter, Mr. Leung was overwhelmed with emotion that a (Ret) Brigadier General and his wife would take the time to acknowledge him. A connection he made while visiting the National WWII History Museum, in New Orleans this past December. A "Ya Gotta Believe" opportunity identified by TMF and through their "Make Believe Real" connections with American Airlines, Soaring Valor and the WWII History
Museum.
Making "Believe" Real-Connections Matter
Providing social connections and opportunities falls under TMF's approach to develop sustainable wellness programs that help improve cognitive functions, physical fitness, food choices, as well as spiritual and social connections. Each program aims to improve the physical, cognitive, social and spiritual components of health. Quality of life enhancement is our goal for as many residents as possible. Creating sustainable programs around exercise, healthy eating, and socialization in turn creates a community support system to help better achieve one’s wellness goals.
Photos: Top: WWII veteran, Lincoln listening as Jennifer reads his letter. Middle: Letter writers, Uyen Dinh, Esq, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of Homeland Security, Brigadier General Joe McMenamin USMC (Ret) and escort veteran Nestor Tom at The National WWII History Museum. Bottom: The Museum's Victory Bells comforting Lincoln after viewing, Beyond All Boundaries, narrated by actor, Tom Hanks. Photo Credits: TMF, WWII National Museum, and Uyen Dinh. www.tugmcgraw.org
Ya Gotta Believe
"Nothing feels better than giving back to the Veterans for all that they did for our country and it makes my heart ❤️ feel good. I got to be at a birthday party for a veteran who turned 102 years old today and visiting with veterans and watching the football games with them. I really got to know them and their stories and spend quality time them. I also want you to know how much I respect each and every one of the veterans here that I met. I honor their service and their work and I salute them all. I have to say thank you to all of them for serving our country and keeping us safe." - Ramsey, Meristem student
Tug's Locker: Further Readings and Videos
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, (2019). Protecting against cognitive decline, READ
Wolpert, S., (2013). UCLA neuroscientist's book explains why social connection is as important as food and shelter, READ
Seppälä, E., Ph.D. (2012). Psychology Today, Connect To Thrive Social Connection Improves Health, Well-Being & Longevity, Read
Beyond Boundaries Trailer with Tom Hanks
72 Years Later, Lincoln Leung heads to the National WII Museum
The social brain and its superpowers: Matthew Lieberman, Ph.D. at TEDxStLouis
Come Connect With Us In 2019
