After taking a beating in the press for the past several years, the VA is doing what it can to increase volunteers at the local level to better serve the veterans it's tasked with serving.

The "Summer of Service" is a national initiative being implemented at the local level to increase the number of volunteers serving.  An open house is planned for June 26th, giving potential volunteers a look at the whole operation, as well as how they might best serve.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2015

 

VA Begins “Summer of Service” to Bolster Volunteer Assistance for Veterans

VA Calls Upon Individuals, Organizations and Communities to Serve Veterans in Nationwide Effort

(Temple, Texas) — A new nationwide initiative – a “Summer of Service” – seeks the help of citizens in Central Texas to create and build partnerships to grow the number of individuals and organizations serving Veterans here.

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is renewing its commitment to Veterans by inviting the community to visit and explore opportunities to serve Veterans during an open house, the week of June 28.

“We have made progress over the past year addressing the challenges we face in delivering care and benefits to millions of Veterans and their families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald.  “While there is more work to do to honor our commitment to Veterans, we also recognize that VA cannot do it alone. We are asking Americans everywhere to join the Summer of Service and help us give back to those who have given so much to our nation.”

“Central Texas Veterans Health Care System collaborates with many community partners in Central Texas to help area Veterans,” said Sallie A. Houser-Hanfelder, Director, “but we are always looking for innovative new ways to partner with additional businesses and non-profit organizations to assist our Veterans.  I encourage anyone interested in becoming one of our partners to contact Voluntary Service at 254-743-2893.”

In the coming weeks, the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System will be working closely with Congressional partners, Veterans service organizations, mayors and local communities, private sector and non-profit organizations, and VA employees to identify new and innovative ways to support VA’s commitment to care for those who “have borne the battle” and their families.

As part of VA’s Summer of Service, the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center will host an open house and health fair June 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Avenue of Flags located at 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive in Temple.  The event will help spur increased local engagement and welcome members of the community interested in supporting the needs of Veterans. VA has also established the following goals to achieve by Labor Day:

  • Increasing the number of volunteers: Committed to engaging with 100,000 volunteers nationwide to support care and benefits programs and local events. At the June 26 open house and health fair, Voluntary Service will be available to speak with individuals interested in becoming a volunteer as well as sharing opportunities to support various Veteran-oriented program through donations.
  • Increasing Community Partners: Committed to expanding current agreements to provide services and support reaching more than 15,000 Veterans and family. Central Texas Veterans Health Care System collaborates with many community partners but is always looking for more organizations and business interested in supporting Central Texas Veterans.
  • Recruiting Medical Professionals: Hiring clinicians and clinical support staff to further expand access to care and homelessness.
  • Congress: Host Congressional Members and Staffs at VA facilities across the country.   Each quarter, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System leadership meets with congressional staff in our catchment area to keep them abreast of programs and services available as well as to address their questions/concerns on behalf of their constituents.

The Department has an outstanding volunteer program, which will be highlighted throughout the country this summer. VA will build upon the ongoing work of its more than 350,000 employees and 76,000 volunteers around the nation – and the 1,645 volunteers at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.  While the central focus of the campaign will be increasing volunteerism and partnerships, it will also provide individuals and communities an opportunity to support other important priorities. Despite a hiring effort that brought more than 11,000 net-new employees onboard over the past year, VA still needs more health care providers, claims specialists, medical support assistants, and cemetery directors to continue to expand needed services. VA’s partners can help by getting the word out this summer.

In the last year, (add appropriate local access information).  In an effort to improve the Veteran’s customer service experience, VA has begun the most comprehensive reorganization in its history.  The initiative, called MyVA, has been guided by ideas and recommendations from Veterans, employees and stakeholders.

“There is no mission more noble than serving Veterans and their families. At VA, we constantly strive to improve the way we do our job,” said McDonald.  “State by state, community by community, person by person, there are a number of ways we can all come together to serve Veterans. From expanded partnerships with the private sector and non-profit organizations, to accelerating hiring, to celebrating the commitment of VA employees and volunteers – we need the help of communities everywhere to succeed.”

Volunteers can help serve Veterans by visiting http://www.volunteer.va.gov/ to find out the needs of your local VA facility. Follow #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and join VA in caring for America’s Veterans.  Locally, visit http://www.centraltexas.va.gov/giving/index.asp.

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