Serving Those Who Served: VA Voluntary Service

One unsung way the Veterans Administration assists vets is by organizing volunteers across the country to serve those who have served the country. VA Voluntary Service matches volunteers to needy vets and collects donations for VA medical centers and hospitals. VAVS reports that more than 140,000 volunteers have given more than 11 million hours of service to America’s veterans. But there are always more opportunities. As attorneys for veterans and as veterans of military service, we urge you to get involved in VAVS or another reputable veterans’ nonprofit organization.

VAVS has local offices throughout the United States. Signing up is easy. State law sets minimum age requirements for various activities. Programs for volunteers include:

• Corporate Volunteerism — The VA works with companies to tailor volunteer programs to the skills and talents of their employees. The volunteer experience can even help your employees learn new skills.
• Student Volunteer Program — Students who volunteer as part of the VA medical centers’ treatment team receive valuable experience and training that benefits them when applying for college and jobs. Exceptional student volunteers may be nominated for James H. Parke Memorial college scholarships.
• National Salute to Veteran Patients — During the week of February 14^th, this program pays tribute to Veterans, increases awareness of the role of the VA medical center in the local community, and encourages citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and to become involved as volunteers.
• President’s United We Serve — Four volunteer opportunities are available: the VA Homeless Veterans Program provides direct, hands-on service to homeless vets; VA National Cemetery Administration maintains the beauty and serenity of our heroes’ final resting places; VA National Transportation Network helps vets get to and from VA facilities; VA Welcome Home Celebrations greets returning military service members and their families and provides important information and guidance on receiving VA healthcare and benefits.

As Americans, we live freely because of the sacrifices our veterans have made. Certainly we can freely give back in some measure to them.

If you are a veteran seeking VA benefits and compensation, the process can be complex and frustrating. For help from accredited attorneys, call Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban at 866-866-VETS or contact our office online.