Category: Hospital

Betty Ashmus 228-990-6969 email

Hello to all the volunteers in and out of the Hospital program. What’s new in your location? A lot has been going on in the coast area. A new program is about to start at the Biloxi VA Center…….COFFEE AND DONUTS! Yeah! October 1st starts the distribution of hot coffee and fresh donuts, twice a week, Tuesday and Thursdays, for our veterans visiting at the Biloxi VA facility for appointments or any other reason. If you would like to help with this worthy project, feel free to ask about joining the volunteering team. We have a monthly social with the PTSD group on the 2nd Wednesday at 1.30pm, and we added to our schedule, visiting and socializing at the Blind Rehab Center, Building 14 on September 24 th. We will have monthly Ice-Cream Socials there on the 4th Tuesday at 1.30 pm. If you are in the area, please don’t hesitate to join in. All are welcome and the patient’s really love the interaction.

We have a monthly social at the CLC. Building 15, on the 4th Friday also at 1.30 pm. I will be asking for donations of personal items for our ‘Blessing Bags’. There will be a list of small items, for example, shampoo, tooth brushes, conditioner, shower gel, soap, deodorant, (you get the picture) that will fit in a gallon zip lock bag to be given to the homeless. More on these programs at the Council of Administration in October. If you can help it will be appreciated. Also donations are always need for the pantry at the VA for the homeless. With the cooler weather coming I know that coats and sweaters will be appreciated along with gloves and scarves. As you are cleaning out those closets, think of the less fortunate and be kind. There are so many ways to help our veterans and their families especially those in nursing homes that have lost their loved ones. Please visit them if you can. They will welcome a smiling face any time of the day. We may be in their shoes (or bed) some day and would really like to see a familiar face to two.

If anyone has free time or maybe just a day that you are sitting around the house doing ho-hum things and want to get out and do something different, think of the time being well spent and get that ‘feel good’ feeling, come see us at the VA, nursing home or any hospital. YOU WILL BE APPRECIATED

See me for your volunteer’s information.

Yours in service to our true heroes

Betty Ashmus 228-990-6969 email

What type of personality are YOU? Outgoing, Witty, Flower Child, Social Butterfly, Creative, Dull, Interesting, Not-so interesting, Wild, A loner, Direct, Indirect, Outspoken, (I wonder who that could be) Quite, maybe not-so quite. The list goes on …….. HOWEVER, what ever type of personality you may be, WE can use you and your unique personality in the Hospital program.

Is there a Nursing home near you? Is there an assisted living facility near you? Is there a Veterans Home or hospital near you? Personalities of all types can do SOMETHING for our shut-ins. If you can’t visit or spend any time with our hospital folks, you can do something constructive at your house or friends homes to make our veterans and shut-ins a bit more pleasant or comfortable. You think, like what? How about making a small ‘happy’ or write some ‘cards’ or a big ‘happy’? A small gesture of your appreciation could be received with a smile or such happiness you can’t imagine.

Some of our veterans have NO family and the only people they see daily are the nursing staff or doctors. These individuals are there for the veterans needs and are dedicated to helping them in a lot of ways, but how about someone who comes in with a big smile on their face and sits with them and ask about their day or their family, how they’re doing or just sitting with them while they remanise about their lives and dreams.

The rewards are not tokens or something tangible but the feeling you get that warms you to the core. I’m most of those personalities at one time or another and use all of them while working with our veterans and feel that you too can bring something to the table for our veterans.

The list is endless and you and your friends that can’t make it to a facility could get together and create something that could be useful to donate to one of the homes and put a smile on a patient’s face and make their day brighter. Think about it and maybe come up with things to do for our true heroes, you may help someone you will never meet but may change their lives for a short time.

If you can’t thing of anything, give me a call and maybe I can help.

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together makes a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these March holidays are:

April 9 – National Library Workers’ Day

April 12 – Grilled Cheese Day

April 15 – Tax Day

April 22 – Jellybean Day

April 26 – Pretzel Day

Auxiliaries were recently mentioned because they gave out watermelons and water pistols and wipes. These were very funny ideas that the veterans loved.

If your VA hospital or Nursing Home allows your auxiliary to visit the veterans on any of these days, think about doing and preparing some of these non-traditional holidays!

These non-traditional holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

All report forms should be turned in by now. Hopefully your Auxiliary will get recognition for all the Hospital and Nursing Homework you have performed to honor our veterans!

Just because the report forms have ended for this year, please don’t forget about your veterans. They are still in the hospital or nursing home, and they still need your care! Continue to honor your veterans!

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these January holidays are:

Feb. 1 – Robinson Crusoe Day – Discuss the trials of Robinson Crusoe,

Feb. 2 – Groundhog Day – Have a party about Groundhog Day, predicting the next six months of weather

Feb. 3 – Golden Retriever Day – Bring a Golden Retriever Service Dog for the veterans to have fun with.

Feb. 6 – Lame Duck Way

Feb. 8 – Laugh and Get Rich Day

If your VA hospital or Nursing Home allows your auxiliary to visit the veterans on any of these days, think about doing and preparing some of these non-traditional holidays!

These non-traditional holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

UPCOMING EVENTS

This month is the NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERAN PATIENTS. It is a special month for our veterans. The week of February 14 is your opportunity to thank a special group of men and women who are cared for throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients

program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and become more involved as volunteers. Our hospital volunteers contribute to VA personnel and patients. It is because of volunteers like you who bring a touch of happiness to those veterans’ faces.

This year on Friday, Feb.9, 2023 the VA Hospital in Biloxi is having a “Mardi Gras Parade” for the veterans. They will be outside (weather permitting) catching beads, candy, toys, stuffed animals from VFW and Auxiliary members and other organizations on floats, trailers, cars and on foot honoring our veteran heroes. Afterwards the veterans will be treated to King cakes” and other goodies. Come on down from North Mississippi and join in the fun.

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

Share the love we have for our veterans and service members this Valentine’s Day by sending a valentine, hosting a party, recognition event or dinner in their honor.

It is time to think about The Awards that can be obtained by filling out the applications in the VFW Malta Member Resources. The reports must e sent to me by March 31, 2024.

1 Citation to the VFW Auxiliary member in each of the 10 Program Divisions who recruits the most Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities) volunteers from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available on MALTA Member Resources. Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

2. “Hospital Volunteer Recruiter of the Year” plaque awarded to one Auxiliary member in the nation who recruits the most Hospital volunteers (VA and non-VA facilities) from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available in MALTA Member Resources. Plaque to be mailed directly to winner after National Convention.

3. Citation to the Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year in each of the 10

Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources

(vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

I would also remind everyone who has not reported on any hospital work they have done, please do so now. You can use the website, email, or snail mail. Any way you want to report, but report! Those who have been reporting, continue to do so!

Remember to bring items for the Hospital Table at

C of A in Gulfport

Carol Fetters, Auxiliary 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form

Welcome to the New Year!

There are many exciting things for our veterans this year.

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these January holidays are:

Jan. 10 – National Bitter Sweet Chocolate Day

Jan. 12 – National Hot Tea Day

Jan. 16 – National Fig Newton Day

Jan. 17 – National Popeye Day

Jan. 23 – National Pie Day

Jan. 26 – National Peanut Brittle Day

Jan. 31 – National Hot Chocolate Day

If your VA hospital or Nursing Home allows your auxiliary to visit the veterans on any of these days, think about doing and preparing some of these non-traditional holidays!

These non-traditional holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

UPCOMING EVENTS

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

Share the love we have for our veterans and service members this Valentine’s Day by sending a valentine, hosting a party, recognition event or dinner in their honor.

NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERAN PATIENTS

The week of February 14 is your opportunity to thank a special group of men and women who are cared for throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and become more involved as volunteers. Our hospital volunteers contribute to VA personnel and patients. It is because of volunteers like you who bring a touch of happiness to those veterans’ faces.

You might also be thinking about The Awards that can be obtained by filling out the applications in the VFW Malta Member Resources.

1 Citation to the VFW Auxiliary member in each of the 10 Program Divisions who recruits the most Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities) volunteers from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available on MALTA Member Resources. Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

2. “Hospital Volunteer Recruiter of the Year” plaque awarded to one Auxiliary member in the nation who recruits the most Hospital volunteers (VA and non-VA facilities) from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available in MALTA Member Resources. Plaque to be mailed directly to winner after National Convention.

3. Citation to the Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year in each of the 10

Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources

(vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

Remember to bring items for the Hospital Table at Mid-Winter Conference!

AGAIN, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TAKE CARE OF OUR VETERANS!

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

Volunteers!

The VA and other health care facilities are always needing volunteers. Please enlist some of your members to make the sacrifice to help the patients at the hospitals and nursing homes.

Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities. Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.

Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and apply for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Christmas and the New Year are holidays that everyone sees our veterans in the hospitals and nursing homes. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these December holidays are:

I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.

Dec. 3 – Make a Gift Day

Dec. 9 – Christmas Card Day

Dec. 16 – Boston Tea Party

Dec. 24 – National Egg Nog Day (Serve them several kinds of egg nog)

Dec. 30- Bacon Day (I bet they would love BACON)

These non-traditional holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Keep in mind the “TRADITIONAL” holidays are coming up! Thanksgiving and Christmas are near. The veterans look for the extra attention they receive during these months. Try to be with them more than usual.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, healthy and safe Christmas.

^{Carol Fetters Email 228-596-5014}

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans. 

HONORS ESCORT 

The Honors Escort Program is an opportunity to honor each veteran in a respectful and open manner and provides an opportunity for a veteran’s family and friends, other veterans, and medical facility staff to participate in a display of high regard and reverence for the individual at the time of death. 

We had an auxiliary participate in this very solemn service. Members of the hospital, other veterans, and onlookers paid their respect to a deceased veteran.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these November holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual! I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans. 

Nov. 1 – National scented candle Day 

Nov. 4 – National Candy Day 

Nov. 6 – Daylight Saving Day 

Nov. 8 – Election Day 

Nov. 10- National Vanilla Cupcake Day 

These holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Keep in mind the “TRADITIONAL” holidays are coming up! Thanksgiving and Christmas are near. The veterans look for the extra attention they receive during these months. Try to be with them more than usual.

I have received many reports and pictures from the activities for our veterans! Keep doing all the wonderful things you have been doing! 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and share it with the hospitalized veterans!

Carol Fetters Phone: 228-596-5014 Email

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE

Women veterans are the fastest growing group within our veteran population. The VA is working towards meeting their health care needs. If one qualifies for VA health care, they can access these high-quality benefits.

· General services, like disease prevention and nutrition counseling.

· Reproductive health services, such as birth control, preconception counseling and menopausal support, including hormone replacement therapy.

· Screenings including cervical cancer screens (pap smears) and breast cancer screens (mammograms).

· Mental health services for depression, post-traumatic stress (PTS) and substance abuse problems.

· Free, confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST).

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our National Hospital Ambassador would like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these September holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual!

I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.

Oct. 1 – International Coffee Day (Bring different coffees)

Oct. 1 – National Homemade Cookies Day

Oct. 4 – National Taco Day (Make tacos at the hospital, better still, let them make their own)

Oct. 10 – National Angel Food Cake Day (Always delicious)

Oct. 12 – National Gumbo Day (What a great meal)

Oct. 13 – National M & M Day (Bring bags of M&M’s)

Oct. 14 – National Dessert Day

Oct. 23 – National Boston Cream Pie Day

These holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans a different look on your VA or Nursing Home Visits. Take care of their caretakers also.

AWARDS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN

1. $25 VFW Store Gift Certificate to one Department Hospital Chairman in each of the 10

Program Divisions for the best promotion that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays at any Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities). Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

2. Outstanding Performance Award in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria

listed on Page XX and for the promotion of Program Goals listed at the top of Page XX. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014  

The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary.  VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program.The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.         

The past few years with covid has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted.  The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals and nursing homes will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

 Success to the program will be thru good communications of the members and volunteers. It is my job to inform and motivate you to become involved.  All volunteers should be creative when planning hospital activities.

COMMUNITY CARE

Veterans may be eligible for care through a provider in their local community, depending on their health care needs or circumstances, and if they meet specific eligibility criteria.  Veterans can still receive care at a VA Medical facility if they choose.

Veterans must receive approval from the VA before receiving care from a community provider to avoid being billed for the care.  VA staff generally make all eligibility determinations for community care.  The veterans can utilize an in-network physician under the following systems or circumstances:

• General Community Care
• Urgent Care
• Emergency Care
• Foreign Medical Care
• Home Health and Hospice Care
• Indian/Tribal Health Services
• In Vitro Fertilization 
• State Veterans Homes
• COVID and Flu Shots

The VA Community Care Network is a connection for veterans to access community providers that will assist with timely and high-quality care.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our National Hospital Ambassador would like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these September holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual!

 Sept. 5 – National Cheese Pizza

            Sept. 9 – National Teddy Bear Day

            Sept.12 – National Chocolate Milkshake Day

            Sept. 14 – National Cream-filled Donut Day

I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.

AWARDS FOR AUXILIARIES 

1.  Most outstanding activity and/or event that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays.

•      Citation to every Auxiliary that hosts an activity and/or event that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays.  Entry form required and available in MALTA Member Resources.  Auxiliaries must send the entry     form to their Department Hospital Chairman by March 31, 2024 for judging. 

The Department Hospital Chairman is to email National Headquarters by April 30, 2024 at a total combined list of every Auxiliary in their Department that completed and submitted an entry form. 

       Citations will be mailed directly to participating Auxiliaries from National Headquarters.

•      Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences that hosts the most  outstanding activity and/or event recognizing veterans on non-traditional holidays.

The Department Hospital Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-winning entry form to the National Hospital Ambassador by April 30, 2024 for judging. 

Citations will be mailed directly to winning Auxiliaries from National Headquarters and money will be deposited into Auxiliary account after National convention.

Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources (vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.