As we embark on the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and remember those who were injured and killed, let’s take time to give back to those Veterans who gave so much defending our country after these tragic events through service.
September 11 is recognized as a National Day of Service. VA has many great opportunities for you, your family, a community organization or a service group to give back to area Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.
Many VA facilities across the country are in need of additional volunteer drivers to assist with the Volunteer Transportation Network. As a volunteer driver, you will transport Veterans from their home to their scheduled VA appointments. With the assignment, a vehicle is provided. The volunteer drivers say they make lifelong friends and enjoy the camaraderie with their passengers.
Compassionate Contact Corps
If you are not sure you want to volunteer within a medical center, virtual opportunities such as the Compassionate Contact Corps are available. This social prescribing program connects a trained volunteer with a socially isolated Veteran, or one who is experiencing loneliness, to make routing phone calls to them. Volunteers in this program have many great conversations with Veterans about sports, hobbies and times of yesteryear.
These are just two of the many robust experiences available, with other assignments including working at a food bank to helping combat food insecurity, assisting Veterans with wayfinding support at the medical center by aiding them as an escort or simply greeting Veterans at the main entrance as a Red Coat Ambassador.
Your time and talent do not have to be a full-time obligation. The assignment you choose can be worked around the schedule you have and the hours you would like to give.
By becoming a VA volunteer, you are joining over 25,400 volunteers who give their time to honor the sacrifices of Veterans across the nation.
Take time to research these opportunities or explore the many avenues to donate to your local VA. Through your efforts, you can truly make a difference in the lives of Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.
Learn more about donating and becoming a VA volunteer.
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