This is National Salute to Veteran Patients week. We pay tribute to America’s heroes, the men and women we proudly care for and serve. Men and women who have given more than most to protect and preserve all we hold dear as Americans.
The week of February 14 each year is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, the more than nine million Veterans of the armed services who are cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries and nursing homes.
Each of us who are privileged to live in this nation has a special place in our hearts for these defenders of freedom. That is why VA takes time during the week of Valentine’s Day to encourage our community to express affection and respect for those we admire.
Citizens visit Veterans to thank them
During National Salute, many American citizens visit Veterans to thank them for what they have done for our country in the past and support them in the challenges they face today.
Visiting Veteran patient
Also during the week, VA invites individuals, Veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at VA medical centers. The activities and events include ward visits and valentine distributions, special recreation activities and Veteran recognition programs.
The week also provides an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the volunteer opportunities within the medical center.
Our volunteers perform an endless list of jobs that are necessary in caring for Veterans. Some of our volunteers even blaze their own paths, using their unique skills and creative vision to find new ways to thank Veterans. In short, our volunteers do what it takes to make their heroes feel at home.
Contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America’s Heroes. Locate the facility nearest you.
Volunteers make life better for Veterans
Volunteers make their heroes feel at home
Volunteers read to patients, provide recreation transportation, entertainment and training. They also offer respite for caregivers, coaching and friendship. Sometimes, the value of a volunteer is as simple as the offer of a sympathetic ear or a smile.
This personal dimension of kindness and concern goes to the heart of VA health care. We are blessed to have volunteers who make life better for those who gave selflessly of themselves.
As we treat increasing numbers of Veterans at VA, our reliance on community support and involvement continues to grow.
Volunteer to give back to Veterans
A new generation of proud, young American fighting men and women is serving and sacrificing for freedom around the world, and they are coming to VA medical facilities for care. Their special needs and challenges require the hearts and hands of a new generation of VA volunteers.
Visit www.volunteer.va.gov to discover ways in which you can give back to our heroes.
It is through the sincere dedication of volunteers and trusted partnerships that allow us to live up to VA’s mission to “care for those who shall have borne the battle.” It’s a mission we share with you today, tomorrow and every day of the year.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Lebanon VA is using telehealth to cut the wait for dermatology care for urgent and non-urgent conditions.
SHRIMPS ensures every part of a surgical setup is covered during handoffs.
Perinatal Veterans Socials bring together new parents to build social connection as they navigate parenthood and post-partum care.
I am glad a few veterans get the treatment they need. I know that the greater majority of the veterans at my local VA hospital does not get near the treatment they need to live a good healthy lifestyle. The staff is on the most part very rude. The doctors and administrators are not trustworthy. I have had one meeting with a mental health psychologist in the last seven months and that was to tell me that I was being put on a waiting list. No the VA on a scale of ten, ten being the best, would rate a one.
I volunteer at a VA clinic. I know how it feels to receive and how it feels to give back.
I don’t believe the VA really cares for their patients. The patients have no doctor patient confidentiality. The patients are treated like lab rats with interns treating patients without a license doctor around. Patients medical records being accessed by anyone who works at the VA. The only people the VA cares about is the VA staff. The VA lets interns to use the patient’s medical records so they can get their degrees and make a huge amount of money while patients lose their homes because they can’t make their mortgages. Which intern leads to more veterans suicides.
I am an ambulatory VA patient who is alive today thanks to the presence of the VA system and the care I have received. I send a huge THANK YOU to all VA personnel everywhere for there are many akin to me who have been helped. Along with the entirety of the VA I also thank every politician and bureaucrat that has assisted the VA in their own manner along with all taxpayers who fund the VA system.
It took a team for us to complete our overseas missions and it takes a team at home to tend to the veteran’s medical needs. Thank you, Thank you VERY VERY MUCH to all of you!!!!!!