Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Holiday Music for Veteran patients
Harpist Arilyn Mitchell enjoys playing music for Veteran patients at Lovell FHCC. She will perform on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for inpatients. (Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Darren Moore).
Harpist Arilyn Mitchell, 13, from the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, will be volunteering her time to play at Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Arilyn will be playing Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 4th floor ward of Building 133, and again at the same time Dec. 25 in the Building 6, the dining room for patients of Building 7, 11 and 66.
“I played for some of the patients and staff for their Thanksgiving dinner, and had a lovely time,” Arilyn said. “Several of them asked me if I could come back for Christmas, and I am very happy to be able to do so. I know that the holidays can be especially difficult for patients, especially for the ones who have PTSD. Many of them are lonely, and cannot be with their families. If I can help them to feel better, that will be the greatest gift I could ask for. The Veterans and staff are always very appreciative when I come to play, and that makes me happy.”
Arilyn has played the harp for four years and enjoys using her talent to spread joy throughout the FHCC.
“I feel that it is important for everybody to be touched by music, and I am glad to be able to share my music with others,” Arilyn said.
Arilyn is the daughter of Chief Logistics Specialist Brian D. Mitchell, of Navy Region Midwest. She said both of her brothers were combat medics in the Army, and served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“I have a special place in my heart for Veterans and military families,” Arilyn said. “I like playing at Lovell FHCC because I know how stressful a doctor visit or hospitalization can be for military members and their families. I enjoy playing here because I can see that it helps to put people at ease.”
Arilyn said she always loves it when people stop to talk to her and share their stories.
