Veterans Affairs & Rehabiliation
Purpose: “To initiate, sponsor and participate in programs and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans and their families; ensuring restoration and/or transition to normally functioning lives, physically, mentally, socially and vocationally.” National POA
| Department | Chairman: | Barbara (BJ) Lysic |
Grocery Coupon program for Military Families, for information visit page.
For Christmas Hospital Tour and Santa Fund Info., click here.
10 Programs that are built on the foundation of VA&R:
VA Medical Center & outpatient Facilities
The ALA fills an imperative role at VA facilities and Veterans Homes. This done through volunteering. This enables the facilities’ staff to extend services to more patients. Field Service and Home Service Volunteers also assist veterans and active duty service members as well as their families.
Field and Home Service (see Hospital Field and Service)
Volunteers provide services to veterans outside the VA facility. They keep their own record-keeping and monies spent. Assistance can be in the veteran/service member’s home. In addition, errands and transportation for doctor visits is services provided.
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
This is an annual celebration which is the pinnacle of talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for veterans treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system. For more information about the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, please visit their website on US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Homeless Veterans
Active involvement is encouraged pertaining to working with veteran homeless programs. The American Legion has a program that assists homeless veterans. It is the American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans. ALA members can work with the VA Homeless Veterans program, the American Legion and National Coalition of Homeless Veterans. Members are encouraged to actively participate in initiatives for the homeless veterans.
Welcome Home Celebrations
Members are to work with local VAMC in supporting returning service members and their families in their communities. VAMC’s have been mandated to sponsor Welcome Home Celebrations in their facility and community.
If there is not a VAMC in the area, members can work with their Legion Post, local VFW and other civic organizations to hold welcome home celebrations in their own towns and communities.
Fisher House
Units and members are encouraged to volunteer at their nearest Fisher House. Donations are always welcome. For more information about Fisher House, please visit their website.
Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services National Advisory Committee
Also known as VAVS committee. Units and members are are to actively engage in the VAVS committee’s activities. For more information about the National Advisory Committee’s programs, please visit their website.
Support The American Legion Programs
Units and members are to promote The American Legion’s legislation efforts. These efforts support Department and Post levels programs to increase awareness of and contribute in programs and resources. These assist the transitioning of service members from military life to the civilian life, maintaining the highest quality of life.
National Recognition Programs
Annually salute America’s Heroes – more than 98,000 veterans of the Armed Forces. The week of February 14th is awareness week for VA facilities. All are encouraged to volunteer, furnish refreshments or donate to their local VA facility
National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer month is the April. All Units and members are to recognize and celebrate the importance of the volunteers that give their time on the behalf of the veteran.
Resources:
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| VA&R Guide |