Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Your neighborhood. Your News.

img src=”/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/news-icon.png” alt=”news” width=”40″ border=”0″ /><Milwaukee NNSMilwaukee NNSSearch
Subscribe to NNS today!

 

Advertisement
Advertisement

 

  • Home
  • News
    • Arts and Recreation
    • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Health and Wellness
    • Housing
    • Public Safety
    • Special Report
  • Posts From Community
    • Submit a Story
  • Community Voices
  • How To
  • Multimedia
    • On the Block
    • NNS Local Video
    • Photos
    • NNS on Lake Effect
    • NNS WGLB 1560 Radio
  • Subscribe
  • Donate
  • Calendar
  • About
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • The neighborhoods we cover
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Diederich College of Communication, Marquette University

Friday, February 15, 2019

You are here: Home / Home / Carousel / VA therapist retires, leaving life-changing legacy for veterans

VA therapist retires, leaving life-changing legacy for veterans

September 29, 2015 by Peggy Schulz Leave a Comment

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Occupational therapist Nancy Wilke helped develop the “Walk A Mile or More” (WAMM) program, which inspired Vietnam veteran Jim Jennings to continue walking to maintain his health. (Photo by Peggy Schulz)

Occupational therapist Nancy Wilke helped develop the “Walk A Mile or More” (WAMM) program, which inspired Vietnam veteran Jim Jennings to continue walking to maintain his health. (Photo by Peggy Schulz)

When Nancy Wilke retired from the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center earlier this month, her title was occupational therapist and lifestyle coach. But in the minds of many of the thousands of veterans she met over the course of her 38-year career at the VA, it easily could have been “life changer,” or even, “life saver.”

Wilke’s recent retirement party was an opportunity for coworkers, administrators and clients to express their thanks and appreciation. Mayor Tom Barrett proclaimed her last day of work “Nancy Wilke Day.” And Congresswoman Gwen Moore sent a note of recognition for Wilke’s service at the VA.

But, it was an honor Wilke received in 2014, awarded by the Secretary of the Veterans Administration to just a few individuals nationwide, that perhaps best sums up the indelible impression Wilke made during her tenure at the VA, which began in 1977 when she was an intern in the Occupational Therapy department in 1977. In early 1978, she was hired to work full time in the new model cardiac rehab program.

The Hands and Heart Award is given each year to recognize the outstanding service of VA employees who “consistently do the most to provide emotional support, help and guidance to patients, above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs Handbook.

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Pat Kostka, a registered dietician at the VA, nominated Wilke for the award. “From the beginning, Nancy embraced the opportunities and challenges of developing and expanding the role of what Occupational Therapy (OT) could offer veterans,” Kostka wrote. “For over 35 years, Nancy’s guiding focus has always been, ‘How is what I’m doing meaningful to this veteran’s life?’”

Kostka also talked about some of Wilke’s accomplishments in what is now known as the Lifestyle Coaching Clinic, but was formerly simply the OT department.

“Nancy broadened the role that the OT could provide as a ‘change agent’ for these veterans,” Kostka said. “Gradually, the weight management feature of the cardiac rehab program evolved into the OT Lifestyle Program, and continues to guide veterans to improve not only their physical health, but their overall life, as well.”

Wilke did not simply demonstrate exercises, or suggest lifestyle changes to the veterans. Rather, her heart always was at play, as well. She listened to whatever one of her clients had to say, helped them understand their own medical conditions and, above all, showed that she cared for them.

In addition to the pilot cardiac rehab program that Wilke helped move forward, she also was instrumental in developing WAMM. “Walk A Mile or More” began as a basic concept: the veterans sporting bright red WAMM T-shirts would set a one-mile or more daily walking goal for themselves.

“WAMM demonstrates the benefits of support and accountability in a continuing group over time, versus a limited, 12-week program,” Wilke said.

Jim Jennings, a Vietnam veteran, appreciates the long-term value of a program such as WAMM. He started in the Lifestyle Coaching Clinic on the exercise machines, took four classes in the national VA “MOVE” program, and then completed the 12-week OT program, tailored specifically for his needs.

“People graduate out after 12 weeks,” Jennings said, “and then they can move on to WAMM forever.”

“WAMM really got me,” he noted. “You can say, ‘I should do this, I should do that.’ That’s easy.” But, with WAMM, “you get to the point where you actually want to do it. Once you start walking,” Jennings said, “it’s easy to keep going.”

Mark Lahti is another Vietnam-era veteran who was grateful for Wilke’s comprehensive approach.

Lahti came to the VA with some serious medical issues, including recent surgery on his right arm that limited his ability to use traditional exercise machines.

“Nancy recommended ‘MOVE OUT’ to me,” Lahti said, referring to the local VA’s expansion of the MOVE program from the VA hospital into the community.

MOVE OUT is a weight management program in which professionals and trained volunteers lead veterans in a variety of activities at community sites across southeastern Wisconsin.

“Every single person that came into that situation, she knew their name, she took an interest in their life, she inspired and motivated them, and me,” Lahti said. He attributes his 60-pound weight loss and dramatic drop in blood sugar levels directly to Wilke.

“That woman saved my life,” Lahti said.

Wilke was given a book of memories and photographs at her retirement reception. On the cover was a quote sometimes attributed to Teddy Roosevelt: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” The book’s creator added: “Thank you for ALWAYS caring!”

Wilke’s retirement was motivated, in part, by the upcoming birth of twin grandchildren, for whom she and her husband will be part-time caregivers. She said she’ll miss the strong sense of satisfaction she got every day on the job at the VA.

“It’s so rewarding to see people believe in themselves. They hold the key to their health.”

Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

Related

Filed Under: Carousel, Community, Home, Neighborhoods, News

About Peggy Schulz

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Advertisement
New editor vows to ‘proceed until apprehended’

New editor vows to ‘proceed until apprehended’

By Ron Smith

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

It’s an honor to lead the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Expect us to continue to celebrate the many good things happening in our neighborhoods as we strengthen our watchdog role in the community.

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

Most Popular

  • Lloyd Street School teacher uses ‘mirror messages’ to combat bullying Lloyd Street School teacher uses ‘mirror messages’ to combat bullying
  • First-ever COP houses to come to Milwaukee, amid controversy First-ever COP houses to come to Milwaukee, amid controversy
  • New editor vows to ‘proceed until apprehended’ New editor vows to ‘proceed until apprehended’
  • ‘We deserve to feel safe in our own skin:’ North Division students march for Black Lives Matter ‘We deserve to feel safe in our own skin:’ North Division students march for Black Lives Matter
  • MPS defends decision to keep schools open despite storm MPS defends decision to keep schools open despite storm
Advertisement

How To …

How to stay safe when temperatures plummet

How to stay safe when temperatures plummet

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is reminding all residents to take precautions as single-digit temperatures and record below-zero wind chills move into the area.

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email

More "How To" articles

Connect with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Upcoming Events

  1. Daddy-Daughter Dance

    February 16 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

View All Events

Advertisement

Links

  • Milwaukee Film is showing Black History Month through a Black Lens
    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    FacebookTwitteremail Subscribe to NNS Daily: Leave this field empty if you’re human: radiomilwaukee.org Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.   FacebookTwitteremail Related

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Related

  • Senate Republicans vote to keep Colin Kaepernick’s name off Black History Month resolution
    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    FacebookTwitteremail Subscribe to NNS Daily: Leave this field empty if you’re human: wpr.org Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.   FacebookTwitteremail Related

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Related

  • Tony Evers proposes millions in next budget to replace lead pipes, improve dental care access
    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    FacebookTwitteremail Subscribe to NNS Daily: Leave this field empty if you’re human: jsonline.com Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.   FacebookTwitteremail Related

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Related

  • Solar seen as bright career path at Illinois community colleges
    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    FacebookTwitteremail Subscribe to NNS Daily: Leave this field empty if you’re human: energynews.us Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.   FacebookTwitteremail Related

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Related

  • Milwaukee African-American immersion school embodies the spirit of Black Lives Matter
    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    FacebookTwitteremail Subscribe to NNS Daily: Leave this field empty if you’re human: jsonline.com Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.   FacebookTwitteremail Related

    Share on Facebook

    Facebook

    Tweet about this on Twitter

    Twitter

    Email this to someone

    email

    Did you like this story? Subscribe to NNS today.  

    Share on Facebook
    Facebook
    Tweet about this on Twitter
    Twitter
    Email this to someone
    email

    Related

Compiled by Andrea Waxman

News

  • Arts and Recreation
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Health and Wellness
  • Housing
  • Public Safety
  • Special Reports
  • Multimedia
    • On The Block
    • NNS Videos
    • Photos
    • NNS on Lake Effect Radio

Engage with us

  • Posts from Community
  • Community Voices
  • Submit a Story
  • Calendar

About NNS

  • Staff
  • Partners
  • The neighborhoods we cover
  • Internship opportunities
  • Careers
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS feed

Communities

Contact

mailing address
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Diederich College of Communication
Marquette University
1131 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Johnston Hall 430
Milwaukee, WI 53233

email
info@milwaukeenns.org

phone & fax
PHONE: 414.604.6397 FAX: 414.288.6494

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is a project of Diederich College of Communication and Marquette University.
© 2019 Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Terms of use.
1131 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee WI 53233 • info@milwaukeenns.org

Copyright © 2019 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in