Have you seen a VA employee doing something noteworthy, in words or action, and making a positive difference to the Veterans we serve? If so, you can recognize these heroes by nominating them for an I CARE Award. 

In a changing world, VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (I CARE) provide an enduring description of our culture and the quality-of-service VA provides to Veterans. These values aren’t new—VA employees live by them every day—but formalized. They offer a clear path to our success in fulfilling our sacred obligation to care for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. 

“Core values describe our culture and serve as the foundation for the way we are committed to interacting with Veterans and their supporters, fellow employees and those outside the organization,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. 

There are many wonderful examples of employees demonstrating these values in their day-to-day work. One of the best ways to recognize them is to simply thank them and acknowledge the difference they are making.  

An “I CARE” award gives Veterans, their caregivers or family members a voice to recognize those who meant something special to them while building morale and giving employees something to strive toward. 

“When we reward those who demonstrate our I CARE values, we reinforce the very behaviors and actions that build and sustain a culture of service,” Secretary McDonough said.

Please thank our VA employees for their service to our nation’s Veterans. 

Veterans can share their stories about VA employees demonstrating I CARE core values in their daily interactions. You can nominate an employee or group who has gone above and beyond and displays the I CARE core values. 

If you would like to nominate a VA employee for an I CARE certificate, contact us and tell us what they did that demonstrated one or more of our I CARE values. Attachments are allowed with the submission. 

For more information, visit the I CARE website

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

6 Comments

  1. Carita LINDEMANN June 7, 2023 at 23:17

    Absolutely grateful for PA Daniels, Dr Mitchem and their staff. They caught my cancer early which the staff at Phoenix VA missed! They treated me with kindness, respect and their expertise! I feel I’m in excellent hands and I would not want to go anywhere else! Thank you from the bottom of my heart ?

  2. Trevor. Anderson June 2, 2023 at 17:24

    I nominate nurse Susan Huron for the I Care Pin.She works at Hines Jr VA hospital in Chicago Il.She is totally committed to the professional care of all vets ,earning her the respect and confidence with the utmost trust .

  3. KA Johnson June 1, 2023 at 10:14

    The link to nominate for an “I Care” pin does not work. Goes to a blank page. Please nominate Shun Wilkes, VA Hospital Mather, California for an I Care pin. Thank you.

  4. William Clare Matthews May 31, 2023 at 23:13

    Need to thank all who work VA I been using the VA since 1970,hudreds of visits,
    I have nothing but respect and most grateful for best care
    Ty Willaim C. Matthews

  5. jcb May 31, 2023 at 19:50

    VA cares nothing about us veterans and are totally anti America in all aspects

  6. Paul JJ Jensen May 31, 2023 at 18:27

    Jill, a nurse at the Hancock VA Clinic in Hancock Michigan should have an Icare pin……

Comments are closed.

More Stories