Dear Editor:
This Valentine’s Day, many Veterans who fought to preserve our freedoms were hospitalized, receiving the medical care they earned, but separated from the homes and communities they defended. No one should be alone on Valentine’s Day, and with the help of our grateful community, no Veteran was.
I would like to personally invite your readers to show their love and appreciation to Veterans by considering how they may be able to give back to our Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, Feb. 11-17. By choosing to get involved as a VA Volunteer, you can show your appreciation for the many sacrifices our Veterans have made and remind them their sacrifices are not forgotten.
However, the love doesn’t have to end on Valentine’s Day. Many of our Veterans are coming to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with special needs and challenges that require the hearts and hands of a new generation of VA volunteers. Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center invites all citizens, young and old, to join us in honoring our Veterans year-round by learning more about VA’s volunteer program as well.
Everyone can impact the life of a Veteran patient. This year, Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center is titling our Salute to Veteran Patients as, “Will You Be My Driver?” which underscores the critical need for volunteer drivers to assist Veterans with transportation to and from their VA scheduled appointments. Volunteers complete a background check and have access to a vehicle to utilize while volunteering!
Call our CDCE office at 304-623-7621 to learn how to join the VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, participate in the donation process or engage in a volunteer assignment.
Our National Salute to Veterans program includes the return of Veteran coffee at the front entrance, music in the main lobby and Canteen, and lots of Valentines! We will have a table set up between 9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.
G. Michael White, Chief, Center for Development and Civic Engagement
Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Facility
