My mother was once an active soldiers’ home sister and also “forced” me to join at the age of 15, even though I was anything but interested. My friend Marja Tuovinen and I did sister shifts there, but she wasn’t too enthusiastic about it at first. As a fun detail, I can say that Marja is currently the vice-president of Sodankylä Sotilaskotiyhdistys, which means that two rather reluctant and perhaps even resistant young people became active members who are still enthusiastically involved in the activities! I got the hobby badge in 1977, the same year that my favorite band Popeda started their musical journey.

From Sodankylä I moved to Rovaniemi, from where life still took me to Oulu. There, my enthusiasm for soldiers’ home activities started smouldering again and I contacted Oulu Sotilaskotiyhdistys. It turned out that that evening there was a sisters evening to which I was invited. Despite a slight fever, I went there and quickly found myself in the action! Oulu is an active association, even though it doesn’t have a garrison, and I was able to participate in fairs, police days and many other nice events.

About three years ago, I jumped out of working life and moved to Tampere, close to my children and grandchildren. Because I wanted to continue my sister activities, I joined Tampere Sotilaskotiyhdistys, where I have worked both on the board and as a transport manager.

Although I was somewhat reluctant to get involved, today I feel it is important to continue my mother’s tradition. My mother joined Sodankylän Sotilaskotiyhdistys and received the 10th anniversary badge in 1975. She served as secretary of the board until her death, and I still remember well all the handwritten minutes from those days.

My mother was a respected member and received a silver badge of merit, as well as the Lapland Jaeger Cross, which was presented by President Mauno Koivisto. My mother’s memorial service was held at the soldiers’ home and the soldiers’ home sisters made an alley of honor from the church to the cemetery.

Nowadays I work 1–2 shifts per month in a home. It is important for me to spend time with my grandchildren, so I appreciate being able to define the contribution I make. Now that I have retired from working life, I feel that the social side of the soldiers’ home hobby and working in the community is especially important. I have made many close friends and I think it is great that I can use the experience I have gained in banking for the benefit of the association. In addition, the values of the Soldiers’ Home Organization, such as communality, reliability, cheerfulness and readiness to serve, are also part of my own values.

I can warmly recommend soldiers’ home activities, don’t hesitate to join us – there is something meaningful for everyone! The activities offer an inspiring hobby that is open, respectful of others and moves things forward.