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American Legion Auxiliary

Department of Washington VA & R Bulletin – February 2023

Veterans our heart’s valentines – let it shine!

The Western VA & R Team greets February as a fun and exciting month to share with veterans!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is one of the simplest things that means a lot to our Veterans. 

If you miss Valentine’s Day, consider St. Patrick’s Day. 

Here are some creative ideas:

· Decorate and create boxes to fill with surprises to share at your local VA Medical Center or Veterans Home by contacting their volunteer services or activities director

· Consider contacting your church, coworkers, or American Legion Family for donations to include in the boxes (comfort items, clothing, books to read, magazines, and bedside activities)

· Contact local elementary teachers to participate by giving their students the opportunity to make greeting cards (no glitter, please!) for Veterans

· If you fill your boxes with pre-packaged foods, please contact volunteer coordinator or activities director for their suggestions.

Year-end VA & R Reports are due on May 15, 2023! National needs details about how our Units in Washington support the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program whether as Voluntary Service at a VA Medical Center or in our communities as Service to Veterans. Especially important are activities and projects related to caregiving for both Veterans and caring for Caregivers. Photos are also needed to include with our report. (Our report period is from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.) 

Please send your items to:  randy-diana@comcast.net

Volunteering at our National Cemeteries is also part of VA & R. Some of the ways in which you can volunteer includes honoring Veterans at the time of burial, serving in Military Funeral Honors, providing staff support greeting visitors, directions around the grounds, administrative and groundskeeping support or planning ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Please contact your local VA Medical Center Voluntary Service Office (Center for Development and Civic Engagement) for more information.

Lastly, we need your help!! The Department needs a Chair and Vice Chair for the Orting Gift Shop.

Our Gift Shops truly are a year-round activity as planning and shopping for gifts is continuous. Currently, big box stores like Costco have fantastic bargains on clothing (pajamas, fleece wear, tops, pants, jackets, and shoes).

Please send news and photos of your VA & R activities as they occur. They are welcomed at any time. All news will be added to the Department’s VA & R Year-End Report. 

Service Not Self

Diana Hagen

2022-2023 Dept. VA & R Chair

randy-diana@comcast.net