For over 53 years, the VFW has affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services and was one of the founding organizations of this vital program that provides support and services to veterans receiving VA health care. Through this program, VFW members have been providing over one million hours of services annually to our nation's veterans in VA medical centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics and veterans outreach centers.

During National Volunteer Week, April 9-15, the VFW wishes to especially honor our members who, along with tens of thousands of other volunteers, providing caring services to our nation's veterans

"While it is impossible to quantify the intrinsic value of the emotional support and personal care that VFW volunteers provide to their fellow veterans", observed Frederico Juarbe Jr., Director National Veterans Services and VFW National VAVS Reperesentative, "... we are very proud of the fact that VFW volunteers contributed over one million hours of time. The value of these hours equates to salaries exceeding $1,500,000. Added to this, VFW volunteers also raised over $500,000 in gifts and donations during fiscal year 1999."

VFW volunteers work at VA hospitals in traditional roles, such as escorting patients and assisting in recreational activities. Their duties also include non-traditional assignments outside of medical centers in such programs as hospice care and home-based primary care. Opportunities also exist in patient education, advocacy and services supporting patient care. "Our volunteers also provide military honors at burial services, plant trees and flowers and place flags on graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day", said Juarbe.

"National Volunteer Week is an excellent time for Posts and Auxiliaries to publicly thank our volunteers who give their time and their hearts by serving our nation's veterans. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of them myself."

To volunteer as a VFW Volunteer or VFW Ladies Auxiliary Volunteer contact your Department Adjutant or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you.