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October 22, 2004/Cheshvan 7 5765, Vol. 57, No. 8
Veteran volunteer inducted
JUDY HIPPNER
Special to Jewish News
Jesse Gersten, who served his country for three years in the Korean War and is now an officer with Jewish War Veterans, Copper State Post #619, will be the first Jewish veteran to be inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
He will be inducted on Nov. 4.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame annually recognizes Arizona veterans for significant contributions at the local, state, or national level following their military service.
Fellow post member Sam Fierstein nominated him.
Gersten served two terms as post commander, as well as vice commander, service officer and quartermaster. He is also a full-time volunteer in Sun Lakes and the surrounding areas.
Gersten's commitment to a life of volunteerism was born out of the seeds of personal tragedy. While he and his wife Shirley were living in Connecticut about 10 years ago, their daughter Karen Gersten Sternheim was in California undergoing multiple surgical procedures in an attempt to halt a recurring cancer diagnosis.
"I was so impressed with all the people who helped her during her illness, including a retired colonel who drove her to dialysis," says Gersten. Karen died in 1993, but the example of her courage and the love of all her friends created a role model for Gersten.
"When I had the opportunity, I started driving for the American Cancer Society as a volunteer," he recalls. When he and his wife moved to Sun Lakes in 1995, Jesse got involved with Neighbors Who Care (NWC), the only nonprofit service organization in the East Valley. In the last nine years, he has volunteered more than 800 hours and driven about 7,000 miles for Neighbors Who Care, and currently serves as secretary on the board of directors of NWC. Reaching further into the community, Gersten serves the homeless at Paz De Cristo collecting, preparing and dishing out food, then cleaning up, and was an active member of the Sun Lakes Interfaith Council.
When he isn't driving, Gersten can always be found doing something for the Jewish War Veterans. He is a member of the Veterans Memorial Day Cemetery Committee, which organizes the program at the National Cemetery in Carefree. He is also a member of the Veterans Recognition Day Committee at the Arizona State Fair. At the Carl V. Hayden Veterans Hospital in Phoenix, Gersten is a regular visitor, but what really makes him happy is the sight of the patients using the six-person golf cart transportation vehicle with wheelchair ramp, which he was instrumental in procuring. When he walks to the parking lot, he sees 50 U.S. flags blowing in the breeze, another of his projects.
In 2000, Gersten was named Sun Lakes Man of the Year by the United Way. He now serves on the Selective Service Board of Arizona, the result of a nomination by Gov. Janet Napolitano, which was approved by President George W. Bush. He is a current member of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's Veterans Ad Hoc Committee.
Despite serious physical challenges Gersten keeps up with his volunteer work. In 1995 he suffered a spinal stroke, which left him almost completely paralyzed. Determined to walk again, Gersten tackled physical rehabilitation with his usual dedication. Today, he is employed part-time at a local fitness center.
Gersten and his wife are the proud parents of son Michael; their pride and joy is their 9-year-old grandson Ben. Asked what advice he would like to give the child, Gersten says, "Honor those who have honored you, and always remember to give back ... it's not a free ride."
Judy Hippner is a member of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
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