2014 National Salute: 710 New VA Volunteers Recruited by Dan Bruneau VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) conducted another highly successful National Salute to Veteran Patients in February. In its recently completed report on the event, VAVS reported it recruited more than 700 new volunteers. Other highlights of the report include: * Actor David James Elliott, famous for his 10 year portrayal of iconic character Navy Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. on the television series “JAG”, is this year’s Chairperson. Mr. Elliott visited VA medical centers across the country as he led the nation in honoring and expressing personal gratitude to Veterans. “I chose to be the National Chairperson because I wanted to give back to the men and women in our military for the extraordinary sacrifice they have made on our behalf,” Elliott said. “I also believe in the sentiment that has been echoed throughout history in regards to society being judged by how it treats its Veterans.” * VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) offices continue to be creative in providing opportunities for the community to pay tribute to the Nation’s Veterans; to witness the quality services provided to Veterans within the VA; and to provide an opportunity to recruit volunteers. As of April 11, 138 National Salute to Veteran Patients’ reports were submitted by the field facilities. This continues to be one of the most productive weeks of the year for recruitment of volunteers. More than 404,367 Valentines were received at medical centers across the country and 20,697 guests visited over 92,945 Veteran patients during National Salute Week. National Salute to Veterans Week provided many reported media events including more than 122 TV Spots, 92 printed articles and 78 radio spots throughout the country. * Thanks to the support of the local planning committees along with sponsorship and donations from many local organizations and businesses that supported the concerts, VA medical centers in 5 major cities hosted “Valentines for Veterans” concerts featuring Motown legends and country music stars. Performances included: Aaron Tippin, Juice Newton, KB Productions, Inc., 1964...The Tribute, The Spinners, Next World Generation and The Grass Roots. This year, 5 Valentines for Veterans Concerts were held across the country. The venues included: Battle Creek, Charleston, Cleveland, Columbus and Sioux Falls. * During the Valentines for Veterans 2014 Concert Series, 485 people inquired about volunteering for our Nation’s Veterans. VAVS recruited a total of 710 new volunteers during the week. • Total Attendance: 6,404 • Inquiries for Volunteering: 485 • Total Cost: $107,322.93 • Total Donations: $57,515.00 • Total Volunteers & Hours: 179/836 For inquires, recommendations or ideas to better promote future programs for National Salute to Veteran Patients, please contact the VAVS Program Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:40:33 +0000
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