Remember veterans during 2nd week of February

Kathy mitchell and Marcy sugar \ Annie’s Mailbox

Remember veterans during 2nd week of February

ANNIE’S MAILBOX: Remember veterans during 2nd week of February

Dear Annie: Those who wear our nation’s uniforms and their families bear the heaviest burdens on behalf of our nation. Both at home and abroad, our servicemen and women have sacrificed to protect this great nation from those who hope to extinguish the torch of freedom we hold high in the world.

The Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities provide veterans not only the health care they deserve, but also the recognition from a grateful nation, as well. Millions of our nation’s veterans receive care in VA health facilities each and every year. VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health-care system, with more than 1,400 points of care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries and readjustment counseling centers. VA staffs these facilities with more than 239,000 compassionate and dedicated health professionals and 85,000 volunteers who provide an outstanding level of care. However, it is sometimes the direct contact with their local community that provides the ultimate degree of acknowledgment to a veteran.

Last February, many of your readers provided that contact during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. More than 500,000 valentines were received at VA medical centers and 19,838 visitors visited more than 54,400 veteran patients. Also, four Valentines for Veterans concerts took place across the country — in Tampa and Bay Pines, Florida; Prescott, Arizona; Charleston, S.C.; and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

The act of sending a valentine, visiting with a hospitalized veteran or volunteering at one of VA’s medical facilities provides a simple acknowledgment of the sacrifice our nation’s veterans have endured in the cause of freedom.

This year’s National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans will take place from Feb. 7-13, 2010. Getting involved is easy. To deliver a valentine or get additional volunteer information about your local VA medical center, you can find all the information you will need at VA’s Volunteer Service Web site (www.volunteer.va.gov). From this site, you can generate an e-mail to your local VA Volunteer Service and find out whether it can use valentines or other items.

I am personally committed to ensuring our nation’s veterans receive the exceptional care and respect they deserve. We hold a sacred trust for those who have worn the uniform of the United States of America. Please take some time during the second week of February to honor our veterans. Many of our facilities are planning special events during the week and would be pleased to arrange a visit.

Once again, thank you, Annie, for your support of this outstanding program. Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Dear Secretary Shinseki: 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.

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.

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

• E-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net or write to: Annie’s Mailbox‚Ñ¢, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.

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