The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will honor hospitalized Veterans at VA medical centers, clinics and facilities nationwide from Feb. 9-15 during National Salute to Veteran Patients. The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has planned several activities to honor our inpatient and outpatient Veterans and celebrate the special week.
Outpatients at the Medical Center and in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics will be welcomed all week with cake and fruit or special treats. Inpatients in our Community Living Center will enjoy special gifts, community entertainers, fun activities, group socials, and celebratory meals as part of the week-long events.
Each year, volunteers from schools, community groups and youth organizations nationwide send more than 100,000 Valentine’s cards to VA medical centers for National Salute to Veteran Patients
“VA values the contributions of our volunteers, donors and partners that help us keep the promise to America’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “I encourage more people to reach out to their local VA facility and find ways to volunteer not only during the National Salute to Veteran Patients, all year long.”
In addition to celebrating our Hospitalized Veterans, National Salute Week aims to increase awareness of each VA medical center by encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans, volunteer their time, or donate to their local VA facilities.
Nationally, in 2019, 2,900 volunteers and 520 community organizations participated in National Salute. At the Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center, over 300 volunteers donated more than 31,000 hours to our Veterans last year, serving in a large variety of roles, including; transportation, entertainment, office support, coffee station, patient greeters, activities, care companions, and more.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to join the mission to honor the sacrifice and service of America’s Veterans during the National Salute or any time of year, contact Voluntary Service at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center at 906-774-3300, x32780 or visit us at the facility in office 6107 on the 6th floor. Donation can also be sent to Voluntary Service, payable to VA Medical Center, 325 East H Street, Iron Mountain, MI, 49801.
