Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dear Annie: From wars and battles in far-off lands, to standing guard on the frontiers of freedom, veterans’ experiences shaped their lives in profound ways. For many hospitalized veterans today, a kind word of acknowledgement for their service helps provide them with a sense of comfort and belonging.
In 2008, over 5.5 million veterans received care in VA health care facilities. This year, veterans will receive care in a system that includes 153 medical centers and 1,400 sites of care, including 909 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics, 135 nursing homes, 47 residential rehabilitation treatment programs, 232 Veterans Centers and 108 comprehensive home-care programs.
With compassionate professionals providing an outstanding level of care, it is still the human contact that provides comfort to the mind and soul of the veteran. Many of your readers give that contact during the VA National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. The 2009 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans is Feb. 8-14. Last year, more than 1 million valentines were received at our VA medical centers, and 25,688 caring individuals visited over 56,398 veteran patients during the National Salute Week.
There is a delight in a veteran’s face when he opens a valentine delivered by one of our thoughtful volunteers. The simple “thanks” our veterans receive proves that our citizens have not forgotten their service to our great nation. Writing a valentine is easy; getting it to our veterans is easy as well! To deliver a valentine to your local VA hospital, you can find the address in the local phone directory or visit our Web site at www.va.gov/directory and select your state from the map.
Not only do a few kind words provide comfort, but a personal visit to our hospitalized veterans also affords them a sense of personal connection with the public at large. If you would like to visit one of our veterans, contact your local facility’s Voluntary Services Department. Many of our facilities plan special events during the National Salute and would be delighted to arrange a visit.
Once again, thank you, Annie, for your support of this outstanding program. James Reynolds, National Salute Chairman
Dear James Reynolds: Thank you for allowing us to be part of this terrific and heartwarming annual project. We can never repay these courageous veterans for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, but we can take the time to let them know they have not been forgotten.
Dear Readers: Please send valentines to our veterans at VA hospitals. Teachers, you have always been wonderfully supportive in making this a class project, especially with those lovely and much appreciated handmade valentines. Encourage your students to express their creativity while learning the satisfaction of doing for others.
Last year, volunteers at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Mich., conducted musical programs, bowling outings, a bingo trip, socials and a coffee hour, and had dancers entertain. Participants included a school, the Boy Scouts, a dance troupe, a music group and 19 veteran organizations. It was a wonderful display of community enthusiasm and appreciation.
Every year, the dedicated members of Camp Fire USA participate in this VA program, and Salvation Army volunteers distribute valentines, gifts and refreshments to various VA facilities around the country.
The veterans would be especially thrilled if you could spend a few minutes visiting and talking about their families and hometowns. Tell them how much you appreciate their service.
If you do not live close enough to a VA facility to drop off your valentines in person, it’s perfectly fine to put them in the mail. Again, the address for the nearest VA hospital is in the phone book or can be found at the VA Web site. Please remember our veterans this Valentine’s Day. We know of nothing else that costs so little and brings so much happiness. Marcy and Kathy
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net or write to: Annie’s Mailbox‚Ñ¢, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.
Creators Syndicate