Saluting Veteran Patients
February 10, 2017
Did you know that Soldiers’ Angels is one of the few non-profit agencies approved to work within VA Hospitals and Medical Centers? We are so proud of the work our volunteers do within VA Hospitals across the country. Our staff and volunteers coordinate events and activities, organize corporate partner participation, and visit patients.
There are currently more than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. The week of February 13th is National Salute to Veteran Patient Week, a time set aside to express appreciation to Veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center, and encourage citizens to become involved.
Our volunteers gain so much from talking to and serving veteran patients. Here are just a few we have the pleasure of interacting with.
Yvette
Hometown: Princeton, West Virginia.
Branch of the Military: Coast Guard
How long/how many deployments? 4 years
Why did you join the military? Yvette originally tried to enlist in the Air Force but was told her test scores were not high enough. So she went to a Coast Guard recruiter, who told her the scores were entered incorrectly and in fact her scores were above what was needed to join the military.
What do you wish people knew about the military/veterans? We are a great country and should take pride in it. Everyone should learn the history of our country and our flag.
She also wants “In God We Trust” to stay.
Perry
Hometown: Lester, West Virginia
Branch of the military: Army
How long/how many deployments? 4 years in Germany
Why did you join the military? Was drafted but was going to join anyway to have a job.
What do you wish people knew about the military/veterans? He wishes people knew more about our country and how hard Veterans have fought for our freedoms. He also wishes for more respect to our Flag.
Favorite activity/snack? He loves West Virginia University (WVU) football & basketball, Pittsburg Steelers, and all flavors of ice cream.
Have you received any support while in the hospital from Soldiers’ Angels or other organizations? If so, what was it and what does that support mean to you? He appreciates Soldiers’ Angels and says thank you that he hasn’t been forgotten.
Drema
Hometown: Oak Hill, West Virginia
Branch of the Military: Navy
Why did you join the military? She joined to experience opportunities outside her community. She knew since the 8th grade she wanted to join the military.
Favorite activity/snack? She loves to crochet
Have you received any support while in the hospital from Soldiers’ Angels or other organizations? If so, what was it and what does that support mean to you? She has received support from SA and is thankful and appreciates that someone is interested in her.
Quince
Hometown: Radcliff, Kentucky
Branch of the Military: Army
How long/how many deployments? 37 years
Why did you join the military? He volunteered to join because his only other choice was to go in the coal mines.
Favorite activity/snack? He loves to hunt, fish, take it easy, and read war, history, and western books.
What is our work important? Because Nice Matters!
Raymond
Hometown: Charleston, WV
Branch of the Military: Army
How long/how many deployments? 3.5 years in Germany
Why did you join the military? Joined out of boredom.
Favorite activity/snack? Loves music
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country. We love making them feel appreciated and loved. We’re always looking for more volunteers for our VA Support Program. Click here to learn more.