Mapleheightspress.com - Veterans Beat: Volunteers at veterans' hospitals perform invaluable duties

by Ron Seman
As the nation prepares to mark National Volunteer Week April 27 to May 3, officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs encourage more Americans to join the department's corps of 85,000 volunteers.

Over the 22 years of this column's history, I have reported on individuals from area veterans organizations and auxiliaries who have donated hundreds and even thousands of hours as volunteers over a period many years.

These dedicated men and women perform these activities on their personal time, without fanfare, and at personal expense. The number of volunteers who are active at Brecksville and Wade Park is estimated to be in the 1,500 range.

Since the Cleveland area has two major veterans hospitals at Brecksville and Wade Park, the need for volunteers is ongoing. I might add that there are members of civic and social groups who also perform this valuable service to our hospitalized veterans.

You can ask any of the volunteers why they do what they do and the answer always centers on the personal satisfaction they receive from their involvement. Volunteers provide a smile and conversation to a veteran who may be far from home, who may not have a family. They provide a variety of services that a patient may need from time to time.

For some younger patients, the volunteers sometimes serve in the role of a mother, grandmother, father, grandfather or other family member.

I knew a volunteer whose husband and son were veterans. She traveled by bus several times a week from her west side home to volunteer as a librarian in the Brecksville hospital.

Lest I forget, you have seen many reports of area veterans' posts and their members visiting with patients at Brecksville and Wade Park where they play bingo, provide entertainment and always bring along a variety of treats. These group visits are a highlight for the patients who enjoy them immeasurably.

"Volunteers make important contributions in the operation of VA hospitals, nursing homes and national cemeteries," said Dr. James B. Peake, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "I encourage everyone to consider becoming a VA volunteer. These dedicated private citizens prove that one person can make a difference in the lives of our veterans."

The 11.6 million hours of service donated last year by VA volunteers was equivalent to 5,500 full-time employees, the department estimated. VA officials say the donated time was worth nearly $220 million.

When VA's volunteer program began in 1946, volunteers helped primarily in VA medical centers, escorting patients to appointments, helping with administrative duties and overseeing recreational programs for patients.

In recent years, however, the role of VA volunteers has expanded in the health care arena, the volunteers are involved in helping VA medical staff in hospices, outpatient clinics and home-based programs. Volunteers are also active at many of the 125 national cemeteries managed by the department, where they place flags on gravesites, provide military honors and help with landscaping.

AMVETS Post 80, Maple Heights, is an excellent example of a group of volunteers who provide military honors at the Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Their superb honor guard provides this service on a monthly basis and has rightfully earned the accolades that this exceptional effort deserves. Volunteers are also important in programs reaching out to homeless veterans, especially annual "stand downs" conducted in many communities to provide health check-ups, clothing and benefits assistance to the homeless.

For the record, the VAVS, as we know it today, was started on April 8, 1946, when Gen. Omar Bradley, then head of the Veterans Administration, established a Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee to assist hospital administrators in organizing spontaneous volunteer movements that developed in communities near military and VA hospitals.

A national advisory committee was established, made up of representatives of the American Legion and its auxiliary; American Red Cross, Disabled American Veterans and its auxiliary; United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO); and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its auxiliary. The committee recommended a plan for community volunteer participation in activities for hospitalized veterans, including the establishment of advisory committees at local hospitals.

The committee has grown from six to 65 major veterans, civic and social organizations and more than 350 local organizations. The committee gives direction for the recruitment, training and placement of volunteers in medical centers.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the VAVS office at either the Brecksville VA Hospital, or the Wade Park Hospital. The phone number for the VAVS office is 216-421-3203. You can ask one of the members of your post or auxiliary who are volunteers and they will be happy to provide the information needed to participate in this vital activity.

ELECTION RESULTS: A reminder to public relations officers of all post and auxiliaries to give us the list of new officers when they become available. Information can be mailed to me at 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma 44129, or e-mail: SemanRJ@aol.com.

Let's recognize these willing volunteers for accepting the important responsibilities attached to these various offices. Thanks!

AL 309 ELECTIONS: Cmmdr. Al Glontz and President Patti Tropf of American Legion Post 309 and auxiliary, Maple Heights, say nominations and election of officers for the upcoming year will be May 6 at 8 p.m. for the men; the ladies will meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; and members of Sons of American Legion meet on the second Monday at 8 p.m. The post phone: 216-662-7768.