Handwritten messages delivered to veterans in Mountain View Therapy community exercise classes
MONTROSE, Colo. (November 24, 2025) – In honor of Veterans Day, K-8 students at Redeemer Lutheran School in Delta, Colorado, created handwritten thank-you messages for 25 local veterans who attend community exercise classes offered through Montrose Regional Health (MRH).
The effort began when Chris Borgard, an exercise physiologist at MRH and a veteran himself, wanted to show appreciation for the veterans participating in Mountain View Therapy’s community classes. He shared the idea with Lisa Althaus, a rehab technician at MRH.
Outside of her work assisting patients, Althaus also serves at Redeemer Lutheran School, which incorporates Christian teachings into its curriculum. When she brought the idea to teachers, they immediately embraced the project. Students wrote letters and drew pictures thanking veterans for their service and the freedoms they help protect.
“It was a meaningful learning experience for all our students to write a note of appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy in our country,” Althaus said.
Montrose Regional Health extends its heartfelt appreciation to all veterans in the community and beyond. Their service and commitment continue to inspire the compassionate care MRH caregivers strive to provide each day.
To learn more about Mountain View Therapy’s community exercise classes, please call 970-252-2646.
About Montrose Regional Health (MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health (MRH) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale, and San Juan counties. Licensed for 75 beds, MRH offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory services, medical imaging, Mountain View Therapy, a Level III Trauma Center, an Acute Rehabilitation Unit, a Spine and Pain Center, advanced respiratory and pulmonary care, and a family birthing center. Known for adopting advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and UVC disinfection, MRH is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 850 employees and 100 providers representing 27 medical specialties. MRH is recognized for its warm, personalized care and lives its tagline: “Caring for you like family.”
Photo Caption: Veterans in Mountain View Therapy’s community classes display the handwritten thank-you cards they received from Redeemer Lutheran School students.
Photo Caption: Veterans in Mountain View Therapy’s community classes display their thank-you cards alongside exercise physiologist and U.S. Army veteran Chris Borgard, center.
