Jayne Cox has a true passion for our military, and she never hesitates to “jump in” and volunteer her time to help a cause she deeply believes in. Last November she learned of Gratitude Charlottesville’s “Birthday Blanket for Vets”, a unique program in which we provide a special Birthday Blanket to veterans who reside in one of six local Nursing and Assisted Living Homes. Jayne decided this was an initiative she’d love to support! She immediately went to work designing the gift wrap presentation and agreed to write the personal note that goes along with each blanket to thank the resident vet for their service to our nation. In the first year of offering this program Gratitude C’ville will reach more than 150 elderly veterans, many who are alone and have had minimal contact with family due to the COVID pandemic.
When asked why she took on this critical role with the program, she responded: “All veterans are more than worthy to be gifted with a Gratitude Charlottesville Blanket, as all veterans have knowingly put themselves in danger to protect our communities, our country, and our country’s liberty, values, and freedom. I felt very strongly that it was very important to remind each senior veteran that their brave contribution to our country is still not forgotten.”
Jayne was also motivated by the memory of her father: “My sweet father recently passed away on Father’s Day weekend of this year, at the age of 97. One of the most cherished photos I own is my pops holding up his Gratitude Charlottesville blanket. He was smiling from ear to ear! Francis George D’Alessandro was a military policeman, stationed in Naples, Italy, during World War II. Pops never spoke about his wartime experiences, as I know he lost many comrades, but he always enjoyed sharing the one incident that had always made him chuckle … the day he wrote General Omar Bradley a parking ticket in front of the Consulate General in Naples. As pops stated, “No Parking means ‘No Parking’!”
Jayne has been happily married to her husband Doug for 38 years and they have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Jayne is also proud of her son-in-law who is active-duty Army and is a recipient of the Purple Heart while serving in Afghanistan. For all Jayne does for our local active-duty military, veterans, and their families, she is the October 2021 Gratitude Charlottesville Friend of Freedom Award winner.
Each month, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will choose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. Winners will get a trophy and sometimes a monetary award. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at gratitudecville@gmail.com.
