Volunteers are a priceless asset to the nation’s veterans and to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA is fortunate to have volunteers who make a difference every day. There are many ways volunteers make a difference in the lives of our veterans. You might recognize them by their red coats or vests. They stand at the front entrance of VA facilities, welcoming veterans and helping with directions. They work at the information desk, answering questions and even providing essential transportation for veterans seeking services from VA facilities. You might even find them selling popcorn to make a Veteran’s Day even better with a favorite treat.
Air Force veteran Louie Greene of Elizabethton, Tennessee, receives his care at Mountain Home VA and says he often observes these volunteers giving back. Inspired by their kindness and dedication to helping veterans, Greene was determined to contribute in some way.
“Well, what can I do for my brothers and my sisters?” he asked himself.
Greene met with Kevin Jones, the chief of Mountain Home VA’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement, to express his interest in making a donation.
Having a little spare change, Greene decided to “pay it forward.”
“So that’s what I did,” he said. I gave, I gave $20,000.”
He directed $10,000 of his donation to the Community Living Center’s Recreation Therapy program to support programming and activities. The other $10,000 went to the general-purpose fund, enabling CDCE to purchase necessary items for fellow veterans.
Every donation, no matter how large or small, positively impacts the lives of veterans.
“At Mountain Home VA, we are fortunate to have strong community support and dedicated volunteers,” said Jones. “I am continually inspired by the stories shared by our volunteers regarding the profound effect their voluntary service has on their lives.”
One of the most meaningful ways to express gratitude is through acts of service. Each day, volunteers come to a VA facility to honor the nation’s heroes.
“Volunteering at VA can take many forms, but it is the collective effort of each individual that sustains our mission of serving veterans,” added Jones.
Find out how you can get involved here.