When we consider the sacrifices of the men and women who served our country in the armed forces, mere words cannot express our gratitude as a nation. How do we thank veterans for the service that might have compromised their health?
Valentine’s Day is a great time to say thank you to America’s Veteran patients. During this year’s annual VA National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, celebrated February 12-16, the VA Maryland Health Care System joined VA facilities across the Nation to honor the men and women who have worn the cloth of of the Nation with a multitude of events.
The week included many visits by community groups to thank our veterans for their sacrifices and to let them know that their deeds are not forgotten.
Today, more than 1,000 community members, ranging in age from teens to 80s, volunteer throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System performing a variety of tasks to support the needs of Veteran patients. Tasks include reading to Veterans on long-term care units; driving patients to and from their VA clinic appointments; and doing behind -the-scenes type tasks that don’t require direct patient interaction, but are vital to keeping things running smoothly. In short, volunteers are integral to our mission of patient and family centered care. To our VA Maryland Health Care System volunteers— thank you for giving your time and talent to support the needs of our veteran patients. We hope that Maryland citizens continue to support and care for our veterans through their visits, volunteerism and donor contributions.Every citizen can make a difference in the life of a veteran patient.
Many returning veterans come to the VA with special needs and challenges that require the hearts and hands of a new generation of VA volunteers. For Veterans, their healing process is
enhanced knowing that others appreciate their sacrifice and service.
To learn more about the many volunteer and donor opportunities available throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System, visit our Volunteer & Donate website at: http://www.maryland.
va.gov/giving/volunteer.asp.
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., M.D.
Director
VA Maryland Health Care System
Baltimore, MD