LETTER: VALENTINES FOR HOSPITALIZED VETERANS
By Edgar L. Tucker,
Director, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Lufkin Daily News
www.lufkindailynews.com
January 12, 2008 - February 10-16 is a special time at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals across the nation. Established as an official VA program in 1978, this week is known as National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and is an annual event designed to increase awareness of hospitalized veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our nation. Here in Houston, it is an opportunity for the public to visit the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), meet America's veterans, and explore the various aspects of our facility's volunteer program.
Columnist Ann Landers initiated a movement several years ago encouraging school children and adults alike to write a special note of thanks to hospitalized veterans in a Valentine's Day greeting. We take great care in distributing these cards to veterans and displaying them throughout our hospital during this particular week.
In many cases, students deliver their Valentines in person. It is so touching to see how young children brighten the lives of hospitalized veterans with their colorful Valentines. Cards come in every shape and size - and are made with everything from baseball cards, stickers, and colored doilies to crayons, construction paper, and stamps. One thing all of these cards have in common is they are made with love and respect for our nation's veterans.
In addition to school children, hospitalized veterans and those with outpatient clinic appointments receive visits and enjoy special programs provided by community and area veteran service organizations, ROTC and Junior ROTC members, elected officials, celebrities, and local personalities throughout the week. These visits have traditionally included personal time together sharing stories and interests, playing cards or board games, musical programs, and distribution of U.S. flags.
National Salute also draws awareness to the role of MEDVAMC in the community, as well as the many important volunteer opportunities at the facility.
I encourage you to consider sending a Valentine to a hospitalized veteran or visiting the MEDVAMC in support of the week's special activities. I know you will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere created by staff and volunteers to honor our nation's heroes. The cheer and well wishes spread to hospitalized veterans is quite "contagious" and is a "prescription you can fill!"
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Nikki D. Verbeck, Voluntary Service Specialist at (713) 794-7347 or nikki.verbeck@va.gov.