VA Summer of Service: Houston National Cemetery reaches out

This summer, VA is renewing our commitment to America’s Veterans, and we’re asking for our partners’ help in honoring that commitment.

Last week, community members and partners in Houston were invited to attend an open house at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.  Among those on hand for the event were representatives from the Houston National Cemetery, including cemetery director, Mat Williams, and staff members Jackie Reyes and Angela Guillory.  U.S. Representative Al Green spoke to those in attendance, including the Texas Blasters, a team of dedicated Veteran wheelchair athletes who recently attended the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Houston National Cemetery staff used the open house to highlight opportunities to volunteer at the cemetery, which include:

• Serving in Military Funeral Honors details
• Playing live “Taps” at Veterans’ funerals
• Greeting visitors at the public information center
• Planning ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day
• Serving as guides who educate the public about the nation’s history and Veterans’ sacrifices
• Providing walking tours to students and other visitors
• Pruning and sculpting cemetery trees

The possibilities are endless and volunteers across the country are making a difference.

VA takes its commitment to care for the nation’s Veterans and their families very seriously, and this summer, we invite all of you to join in that commitment. Community by community, state by state, our nation can work together to serve Veterans during the VA Summer of Service.

• Look for VA at community events and engage our employees and partners.
• Reach out to your local medical facility or National Cemetery to find out what you can do to help.
• Check out #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and join VA in caring for America’s Veterans.