Through the power of music and Britt's dynamic voice, he gave the gift of love.
"A belated but heartfelt thank you note, for the great afternoon you provided to our veterans residing at Alexander Nininger State Veterans Nursing Home, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Wednesday, July 14th, was not an ordinary day, because as soon as you began to play and sing, that afternoon became very great. The music and singing creates a very friendly atmosphere, inviting people to be brave and self-express. On behalf of the residents, families and recreation team, I thank you again, and I hope we will see you again in south Florida."
Oscar Correale, BS, MA, CRTS, Director Recreation Therapy
"On behalf of the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and Voluntary/Recreation Therapy Service, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to you for the musical program you provided for the residents at the Community Living Center on July 15th. The staff and veterans thank you for the wonderful program which gave them much pleasure. All throughout the course of the year, this social interaction certainly contributes to increasing the quality of life for our veterans. This medical center is fortunate to have people such as you, who make a difference for our patients. Again, we wish to thank you for your compassionate interest in the hospitalized veterans' welfare. We and the patients are most grateful for the time you take to put a smile on the faces of our hospitalized veterans."
Mary Phillips, MS, Chief, Voluntary/Recreation Therapy Service
“Now that’s compassion! Feeding ice cream while singing. You were singing and saw a resident having trouble getting a bite of ice cream. Without missing a beat, you helped him out, gave him a bite of ice cream, and then, helped him with his drink! Britt, your love not only shows through your songs, but also through your actions.” Volunteer, VA Medical Center, Coatesville PA
“Britt, It’s all your fault! I was late getting back to work after having lunch with my Granddad, but I didn’t care. You began to sing and you just captivated me. I wish they had more programs like yours at the home. The others are cute and nice, but you really touch the heart. Thanks for remembering my Granddad and making him (and me) feel very special.” J.Jones
Dear Britt, My name is Travis Reed. My Father is a Vietnam Veteran that served with the 299th Combat Engineers. I remember growing up that he brought me to the annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Kokomo, IN for quite a few years. I cannot remember a better time than seeing you and your group perform every year. It gave me chills, it gave me pride and it allowed me to see the close bond that the armed forces brothers share, which eventually opened my eyes and allowed me the honor of serving in the US Army for 10 years. I'm now 29 years old, honorably discharged and, as I was on the internet this evening, recalled your name and music and decided to look you up. I won't make this much longer and take up your time, but you should know that there are several of us of my generation that know you and respect you very much! I recently ordered a couple of your DVD's from your performance at the Wall, which my father is very much aware of. I plan on giving it to him on his birthday (and of course ordered a copy for myself too. I close by saying that I am glad I had this opportunity to express my appreciation and deep respect for you and what you stand for. Thanks for your service and God Bless You Sir! Respectfully, Travis Reed, Lafayette, Indiana, Veteran, US Army, MP
"Mr. Small. When you came out on stage, I didn't know what to think. But you started singing America The Beautiful and for the first time, I really paid attention to the words. Then when you started telling the boys, especially the football team, that when our country calls to defend our freedom, they were the "meat" and would be the first to go, I started to think. Then when you said to the girls, "Ladies all things being equal", it made me laugh, but now after what happened to Jessica Lynch, I'm no longer laughing. Thank you for opening my (our) eyes." Sarah, Senior Class, North Attleboro, MA
"On behalf of the Hines VA Hospital patients and staff, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for your donation of your music therapy program. Your thoughtfulness reflects the concern that you feel for our veterans and for the service they provided to all of us while in service to our country. Without your support, we could not provide for the smaller niceties that make hospitalization more bearable. Your thoughtfulness also reflects the concern and compassion that our community feels for our veterans. Thank you for your continued support."
Barbara J. Hunt, MA, CVRT Chief, Voluntary Service, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL
“Thank you for performing at the Nebraska Veterans Home. Our goal is to provide quality entertainment for our members...that goal was met...your performance was wonderful.” Nebraska Veterans Home, Grand Island, NE
"I was coming to your shows when you had that big band with you. Then I had to move in here and I can't get out as much as I used to, but that's OK, I still get to see you, so things aren't so bad."
Resident at the Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy
“We wish to thank you and your manager, Annette, for coming to our facility to entertain our patients and visitors. Your interest in our veterans made it a very pleasant and memorable event for all.”
John D. Dingell Medical Center, Detroit, MI
“Your performance was definitely a big hit. Performances such as this are of true benefit to our veterans.”
Dayton VA, Dayton, OH
“BRITT SMALL always brings great joy and excitement to the patients of our medical center. The music and patriotism shown by you was certainly respected and appreciated by everyone.”
Marion Medical Center, Marion, IN
“Music has to be the universal therapy. As we looked around the room we couldn’t see anyone who wasn’t involved in some way. The songs lifted our spirits.”
IL Veterans’ Home @ Manteno
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for the excellent entertainment you provided. When you are in Nashville, please let us know as we are sure that the patients would appreciate a return performance.”
Nashville VA, Nashville, TN
“Mr. Small, I wanted you to know how sorry I am that I missed your performance today. When I visited my Dad this evening, he was so excited and so happy. I haven’t seen him this way in, well, it’s been too long. I wish I could have been there to share that experience with him; you gave him an extra breath of life. Thank you.”
E. Loutermilch
“Your performance was both very entertaining and very powerful emotionally. I was moved to tears a number of times just seeing the reactions of the vets as they listened to your songs. Thank you for generously contributing the audio tapes of all your songs to our PTSD clinic. We work exclusively with combat-related stress disorders.”
Psychology Service, Hines VA Hospital, Hines IL
“Your performance filled the room with energy and enthusiasm, and certainly displayed the love you have. Your closing remarks were expressed with sincerity and reminded us all of the debt we have to the US veterans.”
Lincoln VA, Lincoln, NE
“You did indeed “lift the spirits” of our veterans by generously sharing your time and very special talents.”
Omaha VA, Omaha, NE
“On behalf of the patients and staff at the Dayton VA Medical Center, please accept our sincere appreciation for your recent American Pride Concert. Performances such as this are of true benefit to our veterans.”
Chief, Recreation Therapy/Voluntary Service
“This country is a better place to live because of Britt Small. It doesn’t count what we say...what counts is what we do!”
Resident Veteran, OH Veterans’ Home
“You are not just an entertainer doing another show, but a real person who really cares about people. Thank you so much.”
Battle Creek, MI, VA
“The special efforts extended to recognize those who served our country was an excellent tribute. I believe this was the best celebration we have ever had and I am firmly convinced that is largely due to your involvement.”
Kansas City VA, Kansas City, MO
"Dear Britt, My father came to two of your concerts in North Attleboro, MA. He truly enjoyed your music. He always listened to your CDs at home and in the car. The last weekend in the hospital we played it for him. My father was proud to be an American and a Vet. I will always be grateful for the happiness you brought to my Dad. God Bless you Britt! He was a great Dad and you really touched his life. Thanks Britt." Marie
“The Prescott VA Medical Center extends its special thanks for the time donated by your personnel; we are aware that your production was provided to our patients and that a performance of that caliber would not have been possible without your generosity.”
Prescott AZ VA Medical Center