Charmain Z. Brackett
Correspondent
AUGUSTA, Ga.--(May 22, 2009) It was almost like Christmas morning for a few patients at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center on May 18.
"Once you've had these nothing else compares," said Pvt. Theresa Thomas, a native of Carlisle, Pa., who loves Tastykakes.
Laurie Ott, Wounded Warrior Care Project executive director, brought two cases of the baked goods, donated by the company, to the Wounded Warriors at the VA.
A concerned citizen heard there were some Soldiers at the VA from the Pennsylvania and Maryland area, and they were longing for a taste of home, she said.
Pvt. Sarah Minarik, a native of Glen Burnie, Md., was thrilled as she opened up a case of her favorite Tastykake treat, the Butterscotch Krimpets.
"You don't know how much I appreciate this," Minarik said to Ott.
Ott delivered the Tastykakes to the active duty rehabilitation gym. Although Minarik and Thomas loved the taste of the baked items, they didn't hesitate to share the goodies.
"These are what I've been telling you about," said Minarik as she encouraged other patients and the therapists to try a bite.
Only minutes before the delivery, the patients and staff had celebrated a staff member's birthday with a cake, but that didn't deter Minarik and Thomas from sampling and sharing the Krimpets and the Kandykakes, a chocolate and peanut butter confection.
Started in Philadelphia in 1914, Tastykake is a regionally sold item not available in the South.
A few years ago, Minarik said her sister had moved to Oklahoma and requested the Family bring along some Tastykakes when they visited.
At the time, Minarik didn't understand why her sister would make such a request. Now, she does.
"You grow up eating Tastykakes, and it reminds you of home," she said.
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