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