VA Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee … Annual VA Voluntary Service National Advisory...

69th Annual VA Voluntary Service

National Advisory Committee

Meeting and Conference

April 22-24, 2015 Albuquerque, NM

Celebrating 150 Years of Service to Veterans

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

MessagefromtheSecretaryofVeteransAffairs 2 MessagefromVeteransIntegratedServiceNetwork(VISN)18Director 3

MessagefromNewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem(NMVAHCS)Director 4

VeteransHealthAdministration(VHA)HistoryFeature-150thAnniversaryofVHA’s 5-20 CivilWarOriginsastheNationalHomeforDisabledVolunteerSoldiers

2015VAVoluntaryService(VAVS)NationalAdvisoryCommittee(NAC)Chairs, 21 ExecutiveCommittee(EC)Members,andVAVSECSubcommittees 2015MeetingandConferenceHostandPlanners 22 2015VAVSNationalRepresentativesandDeputyNationalRepresentatives 23-27

GoalsandObjectives69thVAVSNACAnnualMeetingandConference 28

2015NACRecommendations 29 HotelMap 29 RegistrationandGeneralInformation 30 69thVAVSNACAnnualMeetingandConferenceDailyAgenda 31 Tuesday 31 Wednesday 31 Thursday 32-33 Friday 34-35 KeynoteSpeaker-ChipMadera,MS,CSP 36 WorkshopDescriptions 37

AwardRecipients 38

JamesH.ParkeMemorialScholarshipAwardRecipients 39 VAVoluntaryServiceAwardforExcellence 40 NACMaleVolunteeroftheYear 41 NACFemaleVolunteeroftheYear 42 VAVoluntaryServiceAmericanSpiritAwards 43-44

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY150th Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

OnehundredandfiftyyearsagoonMarch4th,1865,thebloodyCivilWarwascomingtoaconclusion,andPresidentAbrahamLincolntookhissecondoathofoffice.TheweatherprecedingPresidentLincoln’sSecondInauguralAddresswasrainy,windy,andthreatening.ButasthePresidentpreparedtotakehisplaceonthestepsoftheCapitol,thecloudscleared,andthesunshone.Onereportercalledit“awellacceptedomenofthebetterdaysjustdawningonthecountry.”Inhisspeech,PresidentAbrahamLincolngaveawoundedNationavisionforhealing,andhechargedustocareforthose“whoshallhavebornethebattle”andfortheirfamilies.Thatclear,broadmissionstillguidestheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA)today.Itisthenoblestmissionsupportingthegreatestclientsofanyagencyinthecountry.We answer that mission every day by living our I CAREValues – by interacting withVeterans andfellowemployeeswithunimpeachableIntegrity;byrenewingourCommitmenttothebestoutcomesforVeterans;throughrigorousAdvocacycharacterizedbyprofoundRespectforthoseweserve;andbydoingallofthatwithunparalleledExcellenceindeliveringtheworld-classbenefitsandhealthcarethatVeteranshaveearned.That’s really why we’ve begun our transformation, MyVA. MyVA is a historic, Department-widetransformationmakingVeteransthecenterofeverythingwedo.Anditmaywellbecomethelargestrestructuring in the Department’s history. MyVA is about improvingVeterans’ experiences, and itincludesorganizationalreformstounifyourworkforVeterans.Andit’saboutimprovingouremployees’experiences–yourexperiences–andeliminatingbarrierstoprovidingVeteranstimely,qualitycareandservices.Wewanttofocusonourpeoplesowecanbest serveVeterans. We’re going to improve internal support services and enhance our strategicpartnerships. Andwe’reestablishingacultureofcontinuous improvementsothoseofyouat thefront linesofservicecancorrectproblemsyou identifymore immediately. Then,wecanreplicateyourprovensolutionsacrossallfacilities.ReorientingusaroundtheneedsofVeterans,MyVAwillrevolutionizeourcultureandallowustogiveeveryVeteranaseamless,integrated,andresponsivecustomerserviceexperience,everytime.Andwe’llmeasureoursuccessbytheonlymetricthatcounts–Veterans’outcomes.MyVAisaproductofyourheartfeltdedicationtothemenandwomenwhohaveservedourNationsoselflesslyandsohonorably.Ourmission,establishedinPresidentLincoln’sSecondInauguralAddress,iscarvedinstoneonthewallsoftheLincolnMemorial–andmanyVAfacilities.WeshouldallseethatasanenduringemblemofourindividualandcollectivedevotiontoVeteransandtheirfamilies.Thankyouforyourwork,andGodblessyouall.

RobertMcDonald

150th Anniversary of VHA’s Civil War Origins as the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers

Introduction

America’s federal system of Veterans’ hospitalsand domiciliaries, known today as the U.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs,originatedasanationalsoldiersandsailorsasylumforCivilWarVeteransoftheUnionmilitaryforces.PresidentAbrahamLincolnsignedalawonMarch3,1865,the day before his second inauguration, toauthorize it. Thatnationalasylumwasthefirstgovernmentinstitutionintheworldestablishedfor Veterans of temporary “volunteer” militaryforces. It evolved over the next 150 years tobecomethemodernhealthcaresystemthatVAistoday.VAanditsancestorshaveprovidedcareforgenerationsofVeteransfromeveryAmericanwar.

Volunteers vs. Regular Forces – Benefits According to Which Force You Served With

Inthemid-19thcentury,theU.S.(Federal)militaryforceswerecomprisedoftwomaingroups—“Regulars”and“Volunteers.”

“Regulars”wereAmerica’sprofessionalfull-timemilitaryforces.Theywerethe“lifers,”menwhomadethemilitarytheircareers,the24/7forcesofskilledsoldiers,sailors,andmarines.Regularssignedupfor5-yearstintsatatime,somehadattendedmilitaryacademies,andtheywerewelltrainedindiscipline,chainofcommand,givingandfollowingorders,rulesofwar,strategies,andweaponry.

“Volunteers”weretemporaryforcesmadeupofaveragecitizenswhovolunteeredtoserveforshortperiodsor during a war emergency, then returned to their homes and former occupations. “Volunteers” werefarmers,factoryorrailroadworkers,students,andsuch,whohadlittletonomilitaryexperience,oftenhadnoexperiencewithweapons,anddidnotadapttomilitarydisciplineorthatwayoflifeverywell.“Regulars”werethepermanent,primaryforcesthatthenationdependedonatalltimesforitsdefense.TheAmericanCivilWarwaswonbytheUnionlargelybecauseofthelargevolume“Volunteer”forces.

Veterans Benefits before the Civil War

BeforetheCivilWar,therewerenostandingfederalbenefitsforVeteransofthe“volunteer”forces.Congresscouldgrantpensionstoanyoneattheirdiscretionandoccasionallydidsotospecificgroups, regiments,orindividuals.“Volunteers”couldpetitionCongressindividuallyfordisabilitypensions,buteachcasewasconsideredonitsownmeritandfewobtainedthem.SomeVeteransofthevolunteerforcesreceivedstatebenefits,buttheyoftenreliedonfamily,church,orcommunitycharityforsupport,too.

There was no system ofVeterans’ hospitals for“volunteer”Veterans. Only two federalVeterans’ facilitiesexistedbeforetheCivilWarandtheywereestablishedsolelyformenoftheRegularmilitaryforces. TheNavalAsylumopenedaround1834 inPhiladelphiaforold,sick,anddecrepithonorablydischargedmenwhoserved in theRegularNavy foraminimumof20years. TheU.S.SoldiersHome,opened in1851 in

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Washington,D.C.,wasinitiallyestablishedforhonorablydischargedMexicanWarVeteranswhoservedintheRegularArmyforaminimumof20years.Eachofthosefacilitiesaccommodatedroughly300VeteransoftheRegularforcesandadeductionfromactivedutyservicemen’spayhelpedfundthem.In1855,CongressauthorizedaninstitutionfortheinsaneoftheArmy,Navy,andDistrictofColumbia,thatwasinitiallyforactivedutymilitarymembersoftheRegularforcesandD.C.residents.ItwasknownofficiallyastheGovernmentInsaneAsylum,butcommonlyknownasSt.Elizabeth’s.

Volunteer Forces Used in Unprecedented Numbers during the Civil War

WhenthefirstshotsoftheAmericanCivilWarwerefiredatFortSumter,SouthCarolinainmid-April1861,theU.S.professionalmilitaryforces-the“Regulars”-werecomprisedofroughly1,000officersand14,926enlistedmen.DuetosettlementoftheAmericanWest,theU.S.Army’sforceswerespreadoutacrossthecontinentandnotable toquickly regroupontheSoutheastseaboardtofightawar. OnceConfederatePresidentJeffersonDavisannouncedhisintentiontoenlist100,000mentoformhisConfederateforces,theU.S.forcesknewthattheywouldsoonbeoutnumbered.

TheU.S.(Union)forceshadnochoicebuttoraisetheirowncorpsoftemporary“Volunteer”forcesiftheyhoped to win the war and keep the country united as one nation. For the first time in history, in 1862,Congressplacedthe“Volunteers”onequalfootingwith“Regulars”asfarasfederalVeterans’benefits.Overthecourseofthewar,morethan2million“Volunteers”enlistedintheUnionforcesmeaningthatalmosteveryfamilyinthenorthernstateshadarelativeservinginthewar.Thatmeantthatnearlyeveryfamilyfacedthelossoftheirprimarybreadwinneranddealtwithdisabilitiesthattheydidn’tknowhowtotakecareof.Theydesperatelyneededhelp.Bythewar’sendCongresshadestablishednumerousnewbenefitstorewardtheUnionforcesincludingnationalcemeteries,prosthetics,anationalhospital-home,andpreferenceinhiringforjobs.

U.S. Sanitary Commission and the Volunteer Forces

In1861theU.S.militaryforceswereverysmallandsoweretheirmedicaldepartments.Theywereill-preparedtocoordinatecareforthousandsofwoundedRegularforcesatwar,muchlessthemillionsofmencomingtofight intheVolunteerforces,soonJune9,1861CongressauthorizedtheU.S.SanitaryCommissiontoprovidesupportandservicestotheWarDepartment’smedicalstaffandthevolunteerforces.ClaraBarton,WaltWhitman (American poet), Frederick Law Olmsted (father of American landscape architecture), andcountlessotherindividualsflockedtovolunteertheirtimeinservicetotheU.S.SanitaryCommissionandthe“boysinblue.”

TheU.S.SanitaryCommissionwasavolunteerorganizationthatestablishedhospitalsandfieldofficesatkeylocations,held“sanitaryfairs”toraisemoneyforsupplies,initiatedthefirstambulanceservice,maintainedhospital ships and rail cars, kept detailed hospital, medical, and burial records, and touched the lives ofvirtuallyeveryUnionsoldierduringthewar. Theywrote letters for injuredmen in thehospitals,helpedconnectfamilymemberswithlostlovedones,combedsoldiers’hair,readthembooks,broughtthemtreats,andmuchmoretocomfortthem.

As the CivilWar entered its second year, the number of casualties skyrocketed and more hospitals bedswere urgently needed. The U.S. Sanitary Commission recognized a need for transitional places whererecoveringmenwhowereoutofimmediatedangercouldconvalesce.Suchplacesfreedupvitalhospitalbeds foremergencycases, thenewlywoundedordyingmen. Theyestablishedanumberofwhat theycalled“soldiers’homes”forthatverypurpose.Increasingnumbersofvolunteersoldiersleftthehospitalswithamputated limbsandU.S.SanitaryCommissionstaffsoonrealizedthepotential impactthatwouldhaveonsociety.Theneedfor“soldiers’homes”duringandafterthewarwascertain,buthowmanyandhowtoproceedwasunknown.

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The Perkins Report

In1862theU.S.SanitaryCommissionundertookastudytodeterminefutureoptionsforthetensofthousandsofdisabledsoldiersafterthewar. TheyhiredStephenPerkins,Esq.,ofBostontovisitprincipalEuropeannationsto“studythemilitarypensionandinvalidsystem...visitingthemoreimportantestablishmentsinwhichinvalidsoldiersaremaintained,andtoreporthisobservationstotheCommission,withtheconclusionsofhisjudgmentinregardtoaninvalidandpensionsystemforthedisabledsoldiersofthepresentwar.”

Mr.Perkins’recommendationswerepublishedinthesummerof1863:

1)establishaNational-notastate-institutionfordisabledsoldiers

2)theinstitutionmusthonorbothmilitaryandcivillife

3)everyofficerandsoldierpermanentlydisabledbeentitledtoaU.S.pension

4)setpensionsatthreerates:maximum,medium,andminimum

5)widows&orphansreceivehalfmaximumrate

6)pensionersbedividedinto2classes-fitorunfitforgarrison/militaryservice

7)allpensionershavetherightforpreferenceincivilserviceappointments(basedonPrussia’spracticeofVersorgungs-schein)

8)thattheU.S.governmentestablishinvalidindustrialvillageswithboarding-housesforunmarriedmenineverystate

9) that these establishments be under strict military government with a resident pension agent andoccupationsofvariouskindsforallinvalidstoworkandbepaidfortheirlabor;thattheproductsbeusedtosupporttheestablishment.

10)thatallpensionershavetherightofadmissionintothesehospitals(eachwithinhisownstate)withtwooptions:abandonhispensionandhaveallcare renderedbygovernmentORretainhispensionand livetherepayinghisway.

Twocampsofthoughtevolvedoverwhatdofordisabledsoldiers.ReverendHenryBellows,PresidentoftheU.S.SanitaryCommission,favoredsubstantialpensionsthatallowedVeteranstopaytheirownwayandnotdependongovernmentinstitutionsforcare.FrederickN.Knapp,SuperintendentofSpecialRelieffortheU.S.SanitaryCommission,Mrs.DelphineBaker,andmanyothersfavoredestablishingaFederalinstitutionaspartofwhatwasowedtothosewhofoughttopreservethenation.

A “National Military and Naval Asylum” authorized for U.S. Volunteer Force Veterans

Inthefallof1864DelphineP.Baker,UlyssesS.Grant,andothersmetwithvariousCongressmentourgethecreationofanationalinstitutiontotakecareofdischargedvolunteersoldiers. SenatorHenryWilsonofMassachusettsintroducedthebilltoestablishthenationalinstitutionfordisabledVeteransoftheUnionforces.OnMarch3,1865,thedaybeforehissecondinauguration,PresidentAbrahamLincolnsignedthebillintolawandauthorized“anationalmilitaryandnavalasylumforthereliefofthetotallydisabledofficersandmenofthevolunteerforcesoftheUnitedStates.”Theasylumwasthefirstofitskindintheworld-thefirstforVeteransofvolunteerforces-anditwastheoriginsofVA’snationwidesystemofVeterans’healthcarefacilities.

Thelawappointed100ofAmerica’sleadingmen,includingUniongenerals,newspaperowners,abolitionists,clergymen,philanthropists,membersoftheU.S.SanitaryCommission,andmore,asincorporatorsforthenewinstitution.Thelawstatedthattheasylumwouldbemanagedbyaboardof12directorswhichincludedapresident,twovice-presidents,andasecretary.Liketheearlierasylumsfor“Regular”forces,itwouldbe

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fundedbyfines,etc.,imposedonactivedutysoldiersandseamen;thatasitecouldbeselected;definedwhowasentitledtoitsbenefits;authorizedtheirabilitytoacceptdonationsofmoneyorpropertytobenefittheinstitution,andmore.

1865 – A Rough First Year

TheNationalAsylumincorporatorswereeagertogettoworkbutwerestoppedintheirtrackswhenJohnWilkesBoothshotPresidentLincolnatFord’sTheatreonApril13,1865.Theirfirstmeeting,originallyscheduledforApril19,1865,wascancelledwhenLincolndiedonthemorningofApril14andrescheduledforalatertime.

A few weeks later, on May 9, 1865, Frederick Knapp, SuperintendentofSpecialRelieffortheU.S.SanitaryCommissionpublishedalengthyarticleinTheNewYorkTimesabouthisvisionforthe“SanitariaorHomesforDischargedDisabledSoldiers.”Heespousedmuchofthesentimentatthetime,justonemonthafterLee’ssurrenderatAppomattox,statingthat“we want to follow no ambitious examples of the OldWorld... asAmericans, we are to show our faith in the healing powers of ourrepublican homes and our republican industries... it will never do forthedisabledmenofthisnation,wherethearmywasmadeupofthosewho, when they went into the ranks, left homes which spurned alikedependenceandindolentease,”andsuggestedthattheinstitution“benotmerelyanasylum,butalsoaworkshop,aschool,andahome...tosetupabureauofemployment...andastomedicalandsurgicaltreatment,notmerelytosecureaverageskillandcare,buttheveryhighestskill...asopportunityforimprovementorrecovery.”

AsecondmeetingwasscheduledforJune7,1865,attheSmithsonianInstitution,butonly11menshowedupwith32byproxy,sonoquorumwasmet.SecretaryStanton,GeneralBurnside,Surgeon-GeneralBarnes,GeneralMeade,GeneralHoward,AdmiralDavis,GeneralGrant,GeneralButler,GeneralDix,andPresidentAndrewJohnsonwereamongthosepresent. Theymadeamotiontoproceedtocreate thepermanentorganization and elect officers, but a question of legality in doing so with so few incorporators presentarose,sotheysoughtcounselfromtheAttorneyGeneralandscheduledalatermeeting.

TheirthirdmeetingwasheldinthelibraryoftheSmithsonianInstitutionat12noononOctober18,1865with23appearingoutof51neededforaquorum.Theurgencyofgettingtheorganizationoffthegroundwasclear,soChiefJusticeChasesuggestedthatthegroupproceedasaprovisionalbodyinmakingby-laws,rules,andregulationswhileseekinganamendmenttothelaw.TheywentontohavetheirmostproductivemeetingoftheyearandmovedforwardtoconsultwithCongresstomakechanges.TheloftyideaofhavingAmerica’stop100meninvolvedinthecreationofsuchanimportantinstitutionwasambitious,butinanerawhenrailroadsteamengines,stagecoach,or ridinghorsebackwerethemeansof travel,getting100mentogetherfromacrossthecountryonthesamedateprovedimpractical.OnMarch21,1866,Congressapprovedamuchneededamendment.

Drastic Measures Needed – the 1866 Amendment

TheMarch21,1866amendmentmadeafewsignificantchangestotheoriginallawandjustinthenickoftime.TheFreedmen’sBureauandotherorganizationshadgrowingnumbersofformerUSCTandotherVeteransapplying for assistance and the nation was counting on the Asylum to provide relief. The amendmenteliminatedthe100foundingmenandplacedtheorganization’sdecision-makingwithaboardofmanagerscomprisedof12individuals,whichincludedtopgovernmentleaders. Itclearlydefinedaquorum:sevenmanagerswithonebeingtheboard’spresidentandoneavicepresident.Theboardof12wouldconsist

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of the U.S. President, Secretary ofWar, Chief Justice, selected affiliated associates, and at least 6 citizensfromwhomtheboard’spresident,twovicepresidents,andsecretarywouldbeselected.ThecitizenboardmemberscouldnotbeformerConfederatesorthosewhoaidedthem.Thelawrepealedthenavalportionoftheoriginalact,authorizedanofficialseal,grantedtheboardofmanagersthepowertoprovide“outdoorrelief”toVeterans,andapprovedPointLookout,Maryland,asthesitefortheasylumoncecleartitlewassecured.

The First Officers

OnApril21,1866,aJointResolutionofCongressapprovedninecitizenstoserveonthefirstBoardofManagersfortheNationalAsylum.UnionGeneralBenjaminF. Butler, of Massachusetts, who gave us the term “contrabands” and gainednotoriety forhis treatmentofSouthernwomenwhilehis forcesoccupiedNewOrleansduringtheCivilWar,waselectedasthefirstPresident.Hewasoneofahandfulofotherswhoshowedupateverymeetingin1865.OthermembersoftheboardappointedwereRichardJ.Oglesby(IL),FrederickSmyth(NH),LewisB.Gunckel(OH),JayCook(PA),P.JosephOsterhaus(MO),JohnH.Martindale(NY),HoratioG.Stebbins(CA),andGeorgeH.Walker(WI).ThesemenhitthegroundrunningandwithinsevenmonthsthefirstNationalAsylumbranchopened.

“Outdoor Relief” – Origins of the National and State Veterans Homes’ Relationship

Several states had established their own soldiers’ homes during the Civil Warwell before a national asylum/home was approved. Once the National Homewasauthorized,somestatessoughttobecomepartofthefederalorganization.StatehomeshousedmanyVeteranswhiletheNationalHomewasunderdevelopment.CongressinsteadgrantedtheNationalHomemanagersliberalpowerstoprovide“outdoorrelief.”Outdoorreliefcameintheformofon-the-spotcash,a temporaryplace tostay,meals,oranything that theVeteranneededat the time. Thismeant that theNationalHomecouldprovidedirect relief toVeterans, individually,or theycouldreimbursestatehomesatacostnot toexceedtheaveragecostofmaintainingaVeteran inaNationalHome. In1870thecostofmaintainingaVeteranattheNationalHomes’CentralBranchinDayton,Ohio,(nowDaytonVAMedicalCenter)was$160.79peryear.

In 1868 nearly 1,800 disabledVeterans received care in state homes compared to 1,964 at the NationalHomes.Somestatehomesallowedwives to liveonthegroundswhile theNationalHomesdidnot. OnAugust27,1888CongressformalizedthecooperativerelationshipbetweentheNationalandStateHomesintolaw,whichalsogavetheNationalHometherighttoinspectstatehomefacilitiesandreporttheirfindingstoCongressonanannualbasis. By1890therewere14statesoldierswhiletheNationalHomeshadjustopenedits7thbranch.In1900theNationalHomeshad29,578Veteransonitsrollswhilethestatehomescollectivelytookcareof16,701Veterans.Today,VAcontinuestoprovidesupporttostateVeterans’homes.

The Post Fund

ThePostFundwasauthorizedintheoriginal1865actsothatNationalHomescouldacceptdonationsofmoneyorpropertyfromanyonetobenefittheinstitutionandthementhatitserved.DonationstothePostFundhelpedfundlibraries,includingtwobuildingsfromAndrewCarnegie,theatrebuildingsandtheatricalshows,musicalprogramsandinstruments,andmorethatcontributedtothewell-beingofNationalHomeresidents.MaryLowellPutnam,sistertoAmericanpoetJamesRussellLowell,donatedsubstantialpaintingsandbookstotheNationalHomesandHoratioWardbequeathedmoneythathelpedbuildseveraltheatres.

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Gen.BenjaminF.Butler,firstpresidentoftheNational

HomeforDisabledVolunteerSoldiers

A New Name – Asylum to Home

OnJanuary23,1873,CongressofficiallyrenamedtheNationalAsylumforDisabledVolunteerSoldiersastheNationalHomeforDisabledVolunteerSoldiers.Nomatterwhatitsofficialnamewas,thepubliccalleditavarietyofnamesovertheyearsincludingnationalmilitaryhome,soldiers’home,asylum,militaryasylum,etc.ItwasthefirstfederalcivilianinstitutioninAmericanandtheworldtoprovidehospitals,medicalcare,andotherservicestothemassesofshort-timevolunteersoldiers.

Who was Eligible for the National Home?

TheNationalHomeforDisabledVolunteerSoldierswascreatedasadebtowedto“volunteers”oftheU.S.(Union)forceswhofoughtintheCivilWartopreservethenationasaunitedcountry,wereinjuredbytheirservice,andwerehonorablydischarged.ThisincludedthefirstAfricanAmericansVeterans,manyofthemformerslaves,whoservedofficiallyinraciallysegregatedunitsoftheUnionforcesknownastheU.S.ColoredTroops.

Although the National Home began as an institution for Union ArmyVeterans, its use evolved. In 1871Veterans of the War of 1812 and Mexican War were authorized for admittance and in September 1898SpanishAmericanWarVeteranswereapproved.Twoyearslater,in1900,allhonorablydischargedofficers,soldiers,andsailors,including“Regulars,”fromanywar,wereeligible.

NationalHomestookcareof thefirstWorldWar IVeterans -includingwomenwhoservedasnurses-asnewgovernmentbureaus charged with providing their care did not haveanyfacilitiesuntilafter1919. WhenallWorldWar IVeteransprogramsweremergedtoformtheVeteransBureauin1921,the National Homes worked collaboratively with them toensurethatVeteransweretakencareof.TheNationalHomeswerepartoftheFederalHospitalizationBoardwhichoversawIn 1923 the National Homes authorized the admittance ofwomennurseswhoservedwiththeU.S.forcesduringWorldWar I. TheDanvilleBranch in Illinoiswasselectedtoacceptthe first women Veterans and the Northwestern Branch inMilwaukeeprovidedbedsforwomennurseswithtuberculosis.

What about Confederates?

VeteransoftheConfederatemilitaryforceswerenoteligibleforadmissiontotheNationalHomesortoserveonitsgoverningboard.

However,formerConfederateswhochangedsidesduringthewarforvariousreasons-knownas“GalvanizedYankees”-wereallowedadmittancetotheNationalHomes.ThiswasbecauseatsomepointduringthewartheyhadswornallegiancetotheU.S.governmentandservedouttheremainderofthewarwithUnionforcesuntil their discharge. That honorable discharge paper showing service for U.S. forces was the key proofneededtoallownumerousformerConfederatestoobtainfederalbenefits. AMarch3,1877lawclarifiedthattheprohibitionofVeterans’benefitstoformerConfederatesinearlierlaws“shallnotbeconstruedtoapplytosuchpersonsasafterwardvoluntarilyenlistedintheArmyoftheUnitedStates,andwho,whileinsuchservice,incurreddisabilityfromawoundorinjuryreceivedordiseasecontractedinthelineofduty.”ThisincludedformerConfederateswholaterfoughtintheSpanishAmericanWar.

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ThefirstwomennurseswerehiredattheNorthwesternBranchin1890.

LIFE AT THE NATIONAL HOMES – Holistic Care for War Veterans

The U.S. Sanitary Commission, which provided key research to supportcreatingaNationalHome,adoptedFlorenceNightingale’sprincipalsincaringforUniontroopsduringthewar.Nightingalepracticedandadvocatedwhatlaterbecameknownasholisticnursingcarewhichheldthebeliefthatpatientsrequiredahealthymental,emotional,physical,andspiritualenvironmenttoraisetheiroddsofrecovery.ThisholisticapproachwasincorporatedintothedevelopmentoftheNationalHomesandcarriedforward.

Inthebeginning,mostmenwhoenteredtheNationalHomehadnohomestoreturntoafterthewar.Theywereyoungandsingle,recentimmigrantsorfreedslaves,somecouldn’tspeak,read,orwriteEnglish,othershadnofamilytocareforthem,manyhadwoundsthatpreventedthemfromreturningtotheiroldjobs,andtheirfutureswerenotsobright.TheNationalHomes,intheireffortstoprovideholisticcare,createdexpansive,beautifulcampuseswhichwerelikecollegecampusesorsmalltownsuntothemselves.

EachNationalHomehadahospitalwhichwastypicallythelargestbuildingon campus, barracks for housing, schools to teach the men to read andwrite, commissaries, theatres, chapels, libraries, recreation halls, paradefields,rostrums(speaker’sstand),monuments,postoffices,greenhouses,raildepots, and all had cemeteries to provide final resting places for the men.SomeNationalHomesevenhadzoosandamajorityhadhotelson-site.

Military Order

AccordingtoSection10ofthe1865foundingact, themenattheNationalHomes, all who were technically civilians, were subject to “the rules andarticlesofwar”andgovernedasiftheywerestillinthemilitary.Muchofthemen’stimewasstructuredalongmilitarylines,butwiththeHome’spurposenotbeingoneofwar,onlycertainaspectsofmilitarylifewereenforced.Mostnotably, they wore uniforms, held daily Reveille andTaps, were subject toregularinspections,requiredtobatheweekly,atein“messhalls,”lawbreakerscouldbecourt-martialedorlocked-upinguardhouses(jail)onthepremises,curfewswereinplace,passeswereneededtoleavethepremises,cleanlinessandorderwereexpected.AccordingtoSgt.HenryO.SpauldingoftheEasternBranch(Togus)in1886,atypicaldaystartedat5:30a.m.withbreakfastheldtwiceat6a.m.and6:45a.m.At8:00a.m.,surgeon’scall, thenwork. Lunchheldtwiceat12noonand12:45p.m.,morework,dinnerheldtwiceat5:15p.m.and6p.m.,9:00p.m.tattoo,and9:30p.m.taps.Allwererequiredtobeintheirquartersby9:00p.m.

TranquilSettings-TheholisticapproachtoVeteranscareincludedsurroundingtheVeterans with nature and beauty to calm their nerves.Welcoming, yettherapeutic,environmentswerecreatedforthemtolivein.Thiswasreflectedinthebeautifularchitecture,pastoralanddecorativelandscaping,walkways,paths,andcalmingwaterfeaturessuchaslakesorpondsateachhome.Each

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1870 Snapshot of Men Living at the

National Home

On December 1, 1870, theNational Home for DisabledVolunteer Soldiers was takingcareof4,194Veteransofwhom451 were temporarily housedat the Philadelphia SoldiersHome.

59men-under20yearsold

1,502men-20-30yearsold

1,651men-30-50yearsold

406men-over50yearsold

1,065weremarried&2,553wereunmarried

1,455wereAmerican-born&2,163wereforeignborn

151servedinU.S.Regularforces,37intheNavy,&3,413werefromtheU.S.

Volunteerforces

8hadlostbothlimbs

5lostbothlegs

2lostanarmandaleg

309lostonearm

388lostaleg

1,245sufferedotherwounds

113wereblind

48wereinsanefromsufferingabusesin

Confederateprisons

Home had a greenhouse for propagating plants and flowers.Talented landscapearchitectsandgardenersfromamongthemenlivingattheHomesputtheirpersonaltouchesinthelandscapes.TwoNationalHomes-theWesternBranch(Leavenworth)and Northwestern Branch (Milwaukee) - had unique floral globes similar to onedesignedbyFrederickLawOlmstedinChicago.TheCentralBranch(Dayton)wassobeautifulthatitwasapopulartouristdestination,attractedthousandsofvisitorseveryyear.

HospitalsandTop-notchMedicalCare-AmajorityofVeteranshaddisabilitiesthatrequiredgoodmedicalcare,soSurgeonswereamongthefirstofficersappointed.Initially,NationalHomesurgeonswereformerUnionArmysurgeonsoftheCivilWar.Surgeonsoversawhospitaloperationsandprescribeddietaryfareforhospitalized

patientsateachhome.Dr.ErastusB.Wolcott-thefirstsurgeoninAmericatoperformakidneyoperation-wasoneoftheearlyNationalHomesurgeons.NationalHomehospitalshaddietarykitchens,dispensaries,andconvalescentwards;somehadspecialwardsforpsychiatricortuberculosispatients.InNovember1883,thefirstconferenceofNationalHomesurgeonswasheldat theCentralBranch inDaytonatwhichtimetheyrecommendednewequipmentandmaterialstohaveonhand,soughttodevelopstandardmedicalreferencebooks foreachhome,standardized formsandstatistics theywishedtocollect,andsuggestedhavingaconferenceforHomesurgeonseverytwoyears.After1900,astheCivilWarVeteranpopulationaged, the requirement for Surgeons to be UnionVeterans was changed; the requirement only that theyservedinU.S.forces.In1890thefirstwomennurses(civilians)wereemployedattheNorthwesternBranchinMilwaukeeandtheuseofwomennursesquicklyexpandedtoallNationalHomebranches.

Occupational Pursuits

Philosophies of the period promoted the idea thatbusy hands and minds did not get into trouble, so thedisabled Veterans supplied much of the work doneat the National Homes. Veterans did as much as theirinterests and disabilities allowed and they were paid fortheir work. Former cooks and bakers were often put towork in the kitchen. Each Home operated large farmswith livestock which supplied the Home’s food needs.Laundries,machineandpaintshops,stores,constructionprojects, housekeeping, office work, the hospital, andother functions of the home provided a wide range ofjobs for the men. Numerous endeavors such as cigar-making, shoe manufacturing, printing presses, etc., tookplace to provide jobs for the men to elevate their self-esteem and supply much-needed services to theHome. Veterans helped on new construction projects and at three branches - Eastern Branch (Togus),BattleMountainSanitarium(nowHotSprings,SD),andthePacificBranch(LosAngeles)-theybuiltsoldiersmonumentstohonortheirfallenCivilWarcomrades.Themencouldlearnnewtradesandthosewhowereable,couldpursuenewcareersoutsideofthehome.

Religious Life

MeetingVeterans’spiritualneedswasanimportantpartofprovidingholisticcare.EachNationalHomehadatleastonechaplainandchapel.Dayton,thelargestNationalHomeuntilWorldWarI,hadtwochapels-oneCatholicandoneProtestant-andevenhiredaGerman-speakingchaplaintoprovidesermonstoitslargeGermanicpopulation.Inthebeginning,chaplainsserveddouble-dutyasteachersandwereresponsiblefor

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teachingEnglishtothosewhocouldnotreadorwrite.Dayton’sfirst chaplain, Reverend William Earnshaw, was involved indeveloping some of our nation’s earliest national cemeteriesduringtheCivilWarbeforecomingtoDayton;helateroversawpublicationofthefirstbookontheNationalHomes.Chaplainsprovidedspiritualguidance,visitedthesickanddying, regularand special religious services, last rites, funeral services, andwereindispensablepartsofthestaff.

Veterans Organizations

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was the first large Veterans’ fraternal organization in Americanhistory.TheGARwasfoundedin1866byandforVeteransoftheUnionforcesandeveryNationalHomehadachapter.ThenumberVeterans’organizationswasverysmallinthe19thcentury.OnlythreefraternalorganizationsareknowntohaveheldmeetingsontheHomegroundsas1900:theGAR,NavalVeteransAssociation,andtheKeeleyLeague(seeBeerHallssection).

Recreation and Leisure

The National Homes had to provide a variety of amusementactivities for thousands of men to prevent boredom anddisciplineproblems.EveryNationalHomehadalibrary,theatre,recreation buildings, musical bands, and lakes or ponds thatprovidedawidearrayofleisureactivitiesforHomeresidents.Recreationbuildingsofferedchess,checkers,cards,andothergames.SomeHomesevenhadbaseballfieldsandtheirownteams. Libraries - including two built by Andrew Carnegie -were very popular with the men who like to relax and readtheirfavoritenewspapers. Veteransalsotookmanyarmchairadventures reading thousands of books available to them.In1902fictionbookswerethemostindemandwithRichardCarvel,TheCrisis,andAnArmyWifebeingthemostpopular. EachNationalHomealsohadabandthatperformedweeklyconcertsthatwereopentothepublicandverypopular.Thebandsplayedorchestral,military,ormodernmusicforspecialeventsandHomefunerals,too.Theatresattractedawidevarietyofentertainers,includingvaudevilleshows,toamusetheVeterans.Fishinginthelakes,swimming,andlongwalksonthegroundswerecommonactivities.

Beer Halls

DrinkingandalcoholismamongVeteranswasaproblemeven150yearsago.NationalHomemanagementblamedthehabitofdrinkingonthemilitaryandlookeduponitasadisease.Saloonslined the streets where most National Homes were locatedwhichoftendrewresidentsawayfromtheirsafehavenandintotrouble.In1886,GeneralPatrick,manageroftheCentralBranch(Dayton)establishedabeerhallatthehome.Theysoldbeerthatwasconsiderablylowerinalcoholcontentthanprivatesaloonsanditkeptmenonthepremisesunderwatchful,caringeyes.By1891anewbeervaultwasconstructedatDaytonandbeerhalls

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hadopenedatseveralotherNationalHomes.In1895,pretzelswithmustard,bread,cheesesandwiches,andchipswerestandardfoodfareinthebeerhall.Despiteproofthathavingtheirbeerhallslowereddisciplineproblemsanddrunkenness,thebeerhall“experiment”lastedonly20years.IntheeraoftheTemperancemovement,fundingfortheNationalHomeseventuallyhingedondiscontinuingthesaleofalcoholthere,whichbroughttheirdemisein1907.

In1892,Dr.LeslieE.Keeley’spopular“Keeleycure”-“doublechlorideofgold”injectionsfor“liquor,opium,and tobacco habits” - was introduced at the National Homes by Colonel Andrew J. Smith, governor oftheWesternBranch(Leavenworth).ItwassoonadoptedbyalloftheNationalHomesandchapterswereestablished. In1895CorneliusWheeler,governoroftheNorthwesternBranch(Milwaukee)reportedthat“theintroductionoftheKeeleycurefordrunkennessatthisBranchhasprovenagreatsuccess,hasbeenof incalculablebenefit to itsdisciplineandcomfort,andhasbeenthemeansof restoringtomanyof itsmemberstheirmanhood.”Dr.Keeleydiedin1900,followedbyCol.Smithin1903,anduseofthecurewanedafterwardsattheNationalHomes.

Discipline

GuardsandguardhouseswerepartofeveryNationalHometoensurelawandorder.TheHome’sGovernorserved as judge, jury, and the final word. Punishment for minor, infrequent infractions such as cursing,over-stayingwhileonpass,orgettingdrunkoccasionallyweredealtwithindividuallybytheguards.MorefrequentorseriousinfractionswererecordedinaDisciplineBookor“Docket”andreceivedsentencingfromtheHome’sGovernor.Themostcommonseriousoffenseswere“jumpingthefence”-leavingthepremiseswithoutapass-andbringingalcoholontothegrounds.Breakingeitherofthoserulessentamanto“dump”duty (cleaning up the grounds) or breaking rocks, plus fines. Stone breaking was the heaviest penaltyinflicted.Forexample,thetypicalsentenceforbringingwhiskeyontothegroundswasa$25fineor100days’dumpduty,iftheydidn’thaveanymoneytopaythefine.Mensentencedtothestoneheaptobreakrocksworeaballandchainandwerekeptin“quarantine”-separatehousing,butnottheguardhouse-untiltheirsentencewasserved.Theywereevenaccompaniedbyguardswhentheybrokeformeals.By1885theguardsystemconsistedof40menpersquaremiletomaintainorder.

Women

Initially women employees were a rarity at the National Homes.NationalHomeofficersandcertainstaffwereprovidedquarterstoliveonthegrounds,sowivesandchildrenwerepresentintheenvironment.Mrs. Emma Miller, formerly with the U.S. Sanitary Commission Ohiobranches, was appointed as the first matron for the Central Branch(Dayton)andwasthefirstwomanemployeeoftheNationalHomes.ShespentherentirelifeattheNationalHomeandwhenshediedin1911,shewasburiedintheHome’scemetery.AstheNationalHomesystem grew and its residents aged, civilians replaced the Veteran-residentsformuchoftheworkneeded.InMay1890thefirstwomennurseswerehiredattheNorthwesternBranch(Milwaukee)andby1898womennurseswereemployedatalloftheNationalHomes.Womenwerehiredmostlyaslaundresses,waitresses,clericalstaff,andnurses.Althoughsomewomendisguisedthemselvesasmenand foughtassoldiersintheCivilWar,nowomanisknownatthistimetohaveenteredtheNationalHome.

In 1923, the National Home’s Danville Branch was the first Veterans hospital to admit women Veterans(nurses)whoservedinWorldWarI.

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Mrs.EmmaMiller(left),firstfemaleemployeeoftheNationalHomefor

DisabledVolunteerSoldiers

Race Relations

TheNationalHomeswereracially integratedfromtheverybeginning. AfricanAmericanswhoservedintheU.S.ColoredTroops(USCT),whichweresegregatedregimentsoftheU.S.volunteerforces,weregiventhesameVeteransbenefitsaswhitessince1862andtheywereadmitted to theNationalHomesonthesamecriteriaaswhiteVeterans.PrivateJoshuaWilliams,ofthe22ndUSCT,wasthefirstAfricanAmericanVeteranadmitted;heenteredtheCentralBranchinMarch1867.In1870,theFreedman’sBureaureportedthathundredsofformerUSCTweresuffering,butcouldnotbeinducedtogotothethreeNationalHomesat the time - all located in the North. The National Homes established its fourth facility - the SouthernBranch- inHampton,Virginia, for“specialbenefitofcoloredsoldiersandother invalidsoldiers requiringawarmerclimate.” In1873theBoard reportedthat theyhad“notbeen informedof theslightest jarormisunderstandingbetweentheraces.Theyhavemessedtogetherandmingledtogetherasfellowsoldierswithoutanapparentthoughtofthedistinctionsofraceorcolor.”The“BuffaloSoldiers”whoservedaftertheCivilWarwerealsoeligibleandadmittedtotheNationalHomes.

Ameltingpotofmen,manyofthemborninforeigncountries,livedattheNationalHomesandtheethniccomposition of each branch was unique. One of the few known CivilWar soldiers of Chinese heritage,EdwardDayCohota,livedattheNationalHomeinSouthDakota.To-date,noNativeAmericanVeteransareknowntohavelivedataNationalHome,butfutureresearchmayrevealnewinformation.

A New Century – The Nation Reconciles as Civil War Survivors Decline

By the 1890s, a generation had passed since the CivilWar ended and the country moved closer towardhealingthewoundsofwar.AteveryspeakingopportunityPresidentMcKinley,himselfaCivilWarVeteran,urgedthecountrytobecomeunitedinbrotherlyloveonceagain.Oneofthefirstsignsofreconciliationwasmadein1900whenCongressauthorizedthefirstgovernmentheadstonestomarkthegravesofasmallgroupof Confederate soldiersburiedatArlingtonNationalCemetery. Aspecialpointedheadstone wasdesignedjustforConfederates(Unionheadstonesarecurved).In1906,CongressexpandedthemarkingofgravestoConfederatesburiedinformerUnionprisoncampsintheNorth.

UnionVeteranswholefttheCivilWarasyoungmenweremiddle-agedoroldmenindeclininghealthby1900.Between1892and1900theNationalHomepopulationmushroomedbymorethan5,000men.By1905,thepeakyearforCivilWarVeteransattheNationalHomes,theaveragepopulationexceeded34,000menwith47%beingtreatedinthehospitalthatyear.TheaverageageofCivilWarVeteranswas66whiletheaverageforSpanishAmericanWarVeteranswas38in1905.Ofthe34,810mencaredforthatyear,173wereMexicanWarVeterans,33,431wereCivilWarVeterans,1,101wereSpanishAmericanWarVeterans,and196werefromtheprovisionalArmy.“Volunteers”representedthelargestsegmentat31,576,comparedto1,528“Regulars,”and1,706fromNavy.

The National Homes were established forVeterans of the Union forces, but as the CivilWar populationdeclinedinthe1910s,theNationalHomes’futurebecameuncertain.TheSpanishAmericanWar,PhilippineInsurrection,andBoxerRebellionVeteranpopulationwerenotenoughtosustainwhatin1910wasasystemof10hospitals-homes.TheBoardofManagersconsideredclosingtheNorthwesternBranch(Milwaukee),first,thenotherbranches.

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World War I – Adapting for a New Generation

America’sinvolvementinWorldWarIinadvertentlyhelpedtoensuretheNationalHomes’survival.Beginningin1917,CongressestablishednewagenciesandprogramsspecificallyforWorldWarIVeterans.TwoTreasuryDepartmentbureaus-theBureauofWarRiskInsuranceandthePublicHealthService-weretaskedwithprovidinghospitals,medicalcareandtreatment,andotherservicestoWorldWarIVeterans,buttheyhadveryfewhospitals.Allofasudden,theNationalHomes’hospitalfacilitieswerecriticaltothenationonceagain.

Duringthewar,theArmytookovertheNationalHomes’SouthernBranch(Hampton)andBattleMountainSanitarium(HotSprings)toprovideadditionalhospitalsandmedicalservicestoinjuredactive-dutyWorldWarIsoldiersreturningfromFrance.WorldWarIVeteranswereinitiallysenttoNationalHomeswhiletheBureauofWarRisk InsuranceandPublicHealthServiceworkedto leaseprivatehospitals,purchase,andbuild their own facilities. The National Homes’ Marion Branch (Marion, IL) was designated as a nationalneuro-psychiatric sanatorium and the Mountain Branch (Johnson City) became a national tuberculosissanitariumintheimmediatepost-warperiod.

Having multiple bureaucracies in charge ofVeterans’ benefits caused major gridlock forVeterans tryingtoobtainthem.TheAmericanLegion,thenaneworganizationformedin1919byWorldWarIVeterans,becamevocalindemandingchanges.Soin1921,thefirstconsolidationofFederalVeteransprogramtookplacewhenthethreeWorldWarIbureausandprogramsweremergedtoformtheVeteransBureau.Between1921and1930theFederalgovernmentoperatedtwoseparatehospitalsystemsforVeterans:theNationalHomesforDisabledVolunteerSoldiersandtheVeteransBureau.

The Veterans Bureau increasingly relied on the National Homes while its own hospitals were underconstructionandmaderepeatedrequeststoco-occupyNationalHomefacilities.EachrequestwasdeniedbytheNationalHomes’BoardofManagers.TheNationalHomeshadawell-establishedoperationwithrulesandsystemsthathadoperatedeffectivelyandefficientlyfornearly65years;theupstartVeteransBureauoperatedmuchdifferently.Clashesinphilosophy,culture,andmanagementhadthepotentialtoimpactVeteransandaquietwarofwillstookplacebetweenthedirectoroftheVeteransBureau,GeneralFrankT.Hines,andtheNationalHomes’BoardofManagers,ledthenbyGeneralGeorgeH.Wood.

TheNationalHomescooperatedwiththeVeteransBureauasmuchastheywereable,butpushedforwardandcontinuedtoexpand,takingovertheNewYorkStateSoldiersHome(Bath)in1928.ThreenewNationalHomeswereauthorizedbyCongressinJune1930andcontinuationofthetwoseparatesystemsseemedinevitable.DespitethefirstconsolidationofFederalVeterans’programsin1921,VeteransdecriedthemazeofbureausthatVeteransstillhadtonavigatenineyearslater.VeteransBureauDirectorFrankHines’growingfrustration with the National Homes’ board led Congress, on July 3, 1930, to authorize the president toundertakeasecondconsolidationoffederalVeterans’programs.PresidentHerbertHooverissuedExecutiveOrder5398onJuly21,1930tomergetheNationalHomesandPensionBureauwiththeVeteransBureauandrenamedtheneworganizationastheVeteransAdministration.ThisbroughttheoldestVeteransbenefits(pensions) and the oldest Veterans’ hospital system for volunteers (National Homes) together with thenewest.ThelastannualreportoftheNationalHomes’BoardofManagerswasinDecember1930andtheconsolidationwentintofulleffectonJuly1,1931.

TheNationalHomesbecameabureauwithintheVeteransAdministrationandmostofitsstaffremained.ThethreenewNationalHomesthatwereauthorizedin1930--St.Petersburg(FL),Biloxi(MS),andRoseburg

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(OR)-openedlaterasVAHomes,insteadofNationalHomes.BeginningwiththeconversionoftheMarionBranchintoaVAneuro-psychiatrichospitalin1932,theNationalHomeswereslowlyreclassifiedandby1946alloftheNationalHomeshadbeenconvertedintoVAgeneral,tuberculosis,orneuro-psychiatrichospitals.TheNationalHomes’holisticcareapproachanddomiciliarieswerefoundtobeindispensableandnecessarycomponentswhichwerelackinginthenewspecialtyhospitalscreatedspecificallyforWorldWarIVeterans.Asaresult,theVeteransAdministrationbecameahybridoftheoldandnewphilosophiesofVeteranscare.

America’sVeteran health care system was borne from the singular vision of wanting to provide for thenation’sdefenders-UnionVeteranswhofoughttokeepourcountryunitedduringtheCivilWar-andtherewasnomodelforwhattheywanted,anywhereintheworld,atthetime.Sotheystartedsomethingnewandadaptedthroughtrialanderror.Overthepast150years,thatsystemgrewinitsexpertiseandadaptedwiththechangingtimesasmedicine,technology,andsocietyevolved.After1930theNationalHomesandVeterans Bureau coalesced into a new integrated system ofVeterans’ hospitals that evolved into today’sVeteransHealthAdministration.In1973,whentheArmy’snationalcemeterysystemwastransferredtoVAasaseparatebureau,alloftheformerNationalHomecemeteriesofficiallybecamenationalcemeteries.AlloftheoriginalNationalHomesareVAmedicalcenterstodayandhaveoperatedcontinuouslysincetheyopened.

THE 11 NATIONAL HOMES

EasternBranch(Togus,Maine)–thefirstNationalHomewasestablished at a former resort known as Togus Springs andopenedinthefallof1866.Dr.B.B.BreedofLynn,Massachusetts,washiredasthefirstsurgeonandhebroughtsomeofthefirstVeterans with him in October 1866. In January 1868 a firedestroyed the main building andVeterans were temporarilyhousedatstatehomesuntilnewbuildingswereconstructed.Veterans of this home built a monument to honor theircomradesintheHome’scemeterythatwasreplicatedattwootherNationalHomes.ThispropertyislistedontheNationalRegister of Historic Places and its Governor’s House is aNationalHistoricLandmark.

Central Branch (Dayton, Ohio) – the third National Homepurchased,butthesecondtoopen.ItopenedinMarch1867attheOhioSoldiersHomeandoperateduntilitsnewfacilityopenedinDaytoninSeptemberofthatsameyear. ThesitewasthefirsttoadmitAfricanAmericanVeteranswhoservedintheU.S.ColoredTroops.ThefirstseparatedetachedhospitalandchapelbuildingsfortheNationalHomessystemopenedhere in 1870. Reverend William Earnshaw, chaplain for the49th PennsylvaniaVolunteers during the CivilWar, who laidouttheNashvilleandStone’sRiverNationalCemeteries,wasappointedastheHome’sfirstchaplain. ThisbranchhousedthegreatestnumberofVeteransuntilafterWorldWarI.Itwasthefirstknowntoestablishabeerhallonitspremises.TheCentralBranch’sbeautifularchitecture,gardens,grottoes,andzooattractedthousandsofvisitorseveryyear.ThissiteisnowaNationalHistoricLandmark.

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Northwestern Branch (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – the secondhomepurchased,butthethirdtoopeninMay1866.AmericanarchitectEdwardTownsendMixdesignedtheuniqueandgrandVictorianGothicMainBuildingatthissite.ThefirstwomennursesemployedbytheNationalHomeswerehiredatthissitein1890.In 1916 the Board of Managers unanimously recommendedclosingthisbranch,butitneverhappened.In1923,thisbranchwasauthorizedtoestablishthefirsttuberculosiswardspecificallyforwomenVeteransofWorldWarI.ThissiteisaNationalHistoricLandmark.

SouthernBranch(Hampton,Virginia)–thefourthhomeopenedinDecember1870andwasthelastopenedinimmediatepost-CivilWarperiod.FormerlyitwastheChesapeakeFemaleCollege,aschool for thedaughtersof theSouth’selite; itwasusedasahospitalduringthewar.ThiswasthefirstNationalHomelocatedin the South. It was established for African AmericanVeteransandthosewhopreferredawarmerclimate.DuringWorldWarIthissitewastakenovertemporarily,fromNovember8,1918toMarch31,1920,bytheWarDepartment.

Western Branch (Leavenworth, Kansas) – the fifth homeopened in1885and thefirst locatedwestof the MississippiRiver. The“KeeleyCure”foralcoholismwasfirst institutedatthissitebyitsgovernor,Col.AndrewJ.Smith,whowasaKeeleygraduate. Smith advocated its use at all National Homes in1892. This site was one of two known National Homes toreceivebeautifulstainedglasswindowsfromtheGrandArmyof the Republic. This branch’s window features PresidentLincoln;thewindowattheNorthwesternBranchinMilwaukeefeatures General Ulysses Grant. This site is now a NationalHistoricLandmark.

Pacific Branch (“Sawtelle,” Santa Monica, California) – the sixthhomeopenedin1888andwasthefirstlocatedwestoftheRockyMountains.AfterWorldWarI,thepopulationofthissiteeclipsedthatoftheCentralBranchmakingitthelargestNationalHome.Veterans of this Home built a monument based on the one attheEasternBranchtohonortheirCivilWarcomrades.ThissiteislistedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.

MarionBranch(Marion,Indiana)–thisseventhbranchopenedinMarch1890andwasthelastdesignedinthe19thcenturyPicturesque landscape style which included curved roads,naturalisticplantings,andirregulargreenspaces.In1920thisbranchwasredesignatedastheMarionNationalSanatoriumand used exclusively for the care and treatment of neuro-psychiatric patients afterwards. At that time, wearing ofuniformswasdiscontinuedattheMarionBranchandthetitleofGovernorchangedtoMedicalDirectorandSuperintendent.In1932itwasthefirstHomeconvertedintoaVAhospital.

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DanvilleBranch(Danville, Illinois)–theeighthhomeopenedinOctober1898justastheNationalHomeswereopenedupto Spanish American War Veterans. This site is one of onlytwo National Homes to have a Carnegie Library donated byindustrialist Andrew Carnegie. In 1923, the Danville BranchbecamethefirstNationalHometoadmitwomenVeterans.

Mountain Branch (Johnson City, Tennessee) – the ninthbranchopenedinOctober1903andwasthesecondlocatedin the South. The branch’s unique Beaux-Arts architecturewasdesignedbyarchitectJosephH.Freedlander.ItisoneofonlytwoNationalHomestohaveaCarnegieLibrary.In1920this home was redesignated as the Johnson City NationalSanatoriumandusedexclusivelyforthecareandtreatmentoftuberculosis.ThissiteisaNationalHistoricLandmark.

Battle Mountain Sanitarium (Hot Springs, South Dakota) – the 10th branchopenedinMarch1907andwasthefirstspecialtyfacilityoftheNationalHome.This home had natural springs known for medicinal benefits, soVeterans withcardiac or respiratory conditions were sent here for roughly six week stints.VeteransofthisHomebuiltamonumentbasedontheoneattheEasternBranchtohonortheirCivilWarcomrades.DuringWorldWarIthefacilitywastemporarilytakenoverbytheWarDepartmenttotreatWorldWarIVeterans. Beginningin1924,theVeteransBureausoughttotakeoverthisfacility.A1926billproposedtransferringthefacilitytotheVeteransBureau,butwastabledaftertheNationalHomeBoardofManagers’objections.ThissiteisaNationalHistoricLandmark.

BathBranch(Bath,NewYork)–the11thHomebecamethefinalbranchoftheNationalHomeforDisabledVolunteerSoldiersin1929.TheGARfirstinitiatedthedevelopmentofthissoldiers’home right after the CivilWar and in 1878 it opened as theNewYork Soldiers and Sailors Home. After several requestsdating to the 1880s to become part of the National Homesystem,itsucceeded,afterbedsweredesperatelyneededforWorldWarIVeterans.BathislistedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.

To learn more about our origins as the National Home for DisabledVolunteer Soldiers, please visit thiswebsite:http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/Veterans_affairs/History.html.

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http://http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/Veterans_affairs/History.html

2015 VAVS National Advisory CommitteeChairperson:GaryTallman DeputyChairperson:SabrinaC.ClarkActingExecutiveDirector,VHAOfficeofCommunicationsDirector,VoluntaryServiceOffice

2015VAVSNACExecutiveCommittee

Chairperson:W.G.“Bill”Kilgore,AMVETSVice-Chairperson:RonRolfes,Jr.,FortyandEight

TheAmericanLegion AmericanLegionAuxiliary AmericanRedCross AMVETS AMVETSAuxiliary BenevolentandProtectiveOrderofElks BlindedVeteransAssociation DisabledAmericanVeterans DisabledAmericanVeteransAuxiliary Forty&Eight KnightsofColumbus LadiesAuxiliarytotheVeteransofForeignWarsoftheU.S.,Inc. MarineCorpsLeague MasonicServiceAssociationofNorthAmerica MilitaryOrderofthePurpleHeartoftheU.S.A.,Inc. NationalSocietyofDaughtersoftheAmericanRevolution ParalyzedVeteransofAmerica TheSalvationArmy VeteransofForeignWarsoftheU.S. VietnamVeteransofAmerica,Inc.

ECSubcommittees

Recommendations VolunteeroftheYear PartnershipAdHoc GeorgeBraatz,Chair W.G.“Bill”Kilgore,Chair CharlesGallina,Co-Chair JohnKleindienst JudithMcCombs AnnaDiehl,Co-Chair KennethRose RonRolfes,Jr. ChristiHillman EdwardLilley Recruitment Membership JosephDooley CharlesGallina,Chair DelTurner,Chair StephanieBurns EmilFranz GaryThomas JamesMoss StewartIsrael

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2015 NAC Annual Meeting and Conference Host:NewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem

Albuquerque,NewMexico

2015 NAC Annual Meeting and Conference Planners:

SabrinaC.Clark,Director,VoluntaryServiceOffice,VeteransAffairsCentralOffice

LornaHatch,Chief,VAVoluntaryService,VAMaineHealthcareSystem,Augusta,ME

SonjaBrown,Chief,VoluntaryService&PublicAffairsOperations,NewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem,Albuquerque,NM

VAVSStaff&NACPlanningCommitteeattheNewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem,Albuquerque,NM

VA Voluntary Service Central Office:

SabrinaC.Clark,DirectorMaryJoMunnelly,LeadStaffAssistant

TonyBurtley,VoluntaryServiceSpecialistChristineFeeser,ProgramSpecialist

TyroneGreen,ProgramAnalystGinnyHoover,VoluntaryServiceSpecialist

KevinStanford,HealthSystemsSpecialist,Detailed

Registration Staff:

Coordinator-VickiEatmon,VoluntaryServiceSpecialist,CharlesGeorgeVAMedicalCenter,Asheville,NC

GinaPetrino,AdministrativeOfficer,VABostonHealthcareSystem,Boston,MA

Conference Photographer:

WilliamP.Armstrong,PublicAffairsSpecialist,NewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem

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2015 VAVS NAC Member Organizations(AsofApril3,2015)

Service Member Organizations

Organization Name Position Name

AmericanEx-PrisonersofWar R VACANT

AmericanGoldStarMothers R Georgian“Ann”Davis D JenniferJackman

TheAmericanLegion R LouisJ.Celli,Jr. D EdwardLilley

AmericanLegionAuxiliary R Patricia“Pat”Kranzow D K.LynneWild

AmericanRedCross R JoyceParke D EricBrubaker D MarkHackler D CateMiller D RuthWalters D JulieMyers D JohnShisko D LouisWagnerIII D BettyTemple AMVETS R W.G.“Bill”Kilgore D BerylLove D GerardGurnari D JohnP.Brown,III

AMVETSAuxiliary R MarieRorrio D BarbaraValley BenevolentandProtectiveOrderofElks R VACANT D StewartIsrael D TomJamison D DennisMcAleeseBlindedVeteransAssociation R EdwardEckroth

DisabledAmericanVeterans R JohnH.Kleindienst D WilliamC.Baumann D EdwardE.Hartman

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DisabledAmericanVeteransAuxiliary R PatriciaDavis D RoseWilliams D MelodyWhitakerFortyandEight R RonRolfes,Jr. D DavidJ.Balduf D HubertBertrand D CharlesErwin D RogerGowen D LeoHoag D BernieSampson

JewishWarVeteransoftheUSA R JeromeBerns

KnightsofColumbus R CharlesH.Gallina D GaryL.Thomas D JamesWeaver

KoreanWarVeteransAssociation R J.D.Randolph D ArthurE.Hills

LadiesAuxiliarytotheVeteransofForeign R CaraM.DayWarsoftheU.S.,Inc.

LadiesAuxiliary,MilitaryOrderofthe R CherylPerezPurpleHeartoftheU.S.A.,Inc. D TrishA.Rosie

MarineCorpsLeague R EmilA.Franz D PhilRuhmshottel

MarineCorpsLeagueAuxiliary R RosemaryBressler D NancyCalleja

MasonicServiceAssociationofNorthAmerica R GeorgeO.Braatz D RaymondJ.VandenBerghe,Sr. MilitaryOrderoftheCootie R TerranceP.“Shorty”Lyons MilitaryOrderoftheCootieAuxiliary R RebeccaStrauss D JaneChannell D GeraldeanHunter-Vautherot

MilitaryOrderofthePurpleHeartoftheU.S.A.,Inc R Del“Bulldog”Turner D GregLutes D SydneyStaton D WilliamWare

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MilitaryWomenAcrosstheNation R MeridithCox

NationalSocietyDaughtersoftheAmericanRevolution R Marjorie“Margie”S.Shelton D CynthiaAllen D DeborahCarlson D MaryHines D MarianneHughes D JoyLinn D RaniWaddell

NationalSocietySonsoftheAmericanRevolution R LymanR.Brenner D StanleyA.Evans,Sr. D RichardE.Friberg

ParalyzedVeteransofAmerica R ChristiHillman D JacquinWhite

TheSalvationArmy R DawnHeatwole D SusanEllis D DianeO’Brien D BrendaR.Herivel D JuneM.Carver D SandraSmithSonsoftheAmericanLegion R JeffFrain D ClintBolt D GaryCrokett D BrunoT.Williamson D James“Jimmy”Hunter D StevenTansel D ThomasGlander D ThomasKurk D DouglasMurphy

UnitedDaughtersoftheConfederacy R CharlotteJ.Clinger D SherryDavis D JanetW.Grams

UnitedVeteransServices R MaryLee D GeorgeA.Beadles,Jr. D RichardWalters

VeteransofForeignWarsoftheU.S. R WilliamL.Bradshaw D JamesW.Moss

VietnamVeteransofAmerica,Inc. R JudithMcCombs D RogerD.Lewison D KennethRose

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Associate Service Member Organizations

BlueStarMothersofAmerica,Inc. R AnneParker

CatholicWarVeterans R JohnR.Dubay D JoseM.Garcia D JosephRaimo D SusanReith

CorporationforNational&CommunityService R JohnJ.Lira D JoanneNewsome D TheresaLong

DaughtersofUnionVeteransofthe R MaryAnnHerbslebCivilWar,(1861–1865) D RoleneRobinson

FleetReserveAssociation R ChristopherSlawinski D JerryButler D RichardS.McKee

GoldStarWivesofAmerica,Inc. R AlmaBirchett D AugustineChapman D AudreyEasterling D CarolynS.Edwards D SusanJ.Simmons LadiesAuxiliaryoftheFleetReserveAssociation R CecileButler D ValLarsen D RozenaMcVeyLadiesAuxiliary,PolishLegionof R KathyBollAmericanVeterans,U.S.A. D TheresaKrysiak

NationalLadiesAuxiliary,Jewish R DorothyKatzWarVeteransoftheU.S.A. D MarionE.Friedman D BellaWesterman

NationalSocietyColonialDamesXVIICentury R VirginiaLayman D NancyBarber D BettyFogarty D NaomiMangum D MaryNeumaier

PolishLegionofAmericanVeterans,U.S.A. R FerdinandR.Thomas,Jr. D RalphA.Wozniak

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Soldiers’Angels R AmyPalmer D JenniferCernoch D MarthaNeyman D VickiSarracino

UnitedAutoWorkers R JoeAshton D GarryBernath D DarrelMartin D AnitaL.Myers D Kris“Buffalo”Owen D DougTiderington

Donor Member Organizations

AirCompassionforVeterans R IveyWest D StephenCraven D EdwardBoyer D JohnW.Hoffman D JamesSmith

TheBowlerstoVeteransLink(BVL),Inc. R ElizabethMontanya

HospitalizedVeteransWritingProject R JerryD.Brown(Veteran’sVoice) D PriscillaChansky D DorothyVanHoy

TheSilverStarFamiliesofAmerica R DianaCreed-Newton D KathleenLandess

Associate Donor OrganizationsN/a

Honorary Member Organizations

CatholicWarVeteransAuxiliary R ElaineA.Diaczun D ConcettaProvenza

I.B.P.O.ElksoftheWorld,Inc. R LeroyThompson

SonsofAMVETS R William“Bill”Gerry D DanielBriggs D WilliamChiddister D CharlieSummerall

Women’sArmyCorpsVeteransAssociation R AcquanettaPullins

WomenMarinesAssociation R KayCroll D MitziManning

Goals and Objectives

The following are goals and objectives for the 69th Annual VAVS NAC Meeting and Conference:

1.ProvidetheVAVSNACanopportunitytoconductitsbusinessinamannerthatassuresachievementofallresponsibilitiesmandatedbyitscharter.2.ProvideNACorientationtonewlocalandnationalVAVSRepresentativesandDeputiesandVAVSstaff.

3.PresenttoallmemberorganizationrepresentativesanoverviewofcurrentandpendingVAVSpoliciesandprocedures.

4. Foster fullandopencommunicationsamongthememberorganizations, their representatives,andtheVoluntaryServiceCentralOfficeandfieldstaff.

5. ProvidetheNACmemberorganizationswiththeeducationalandtrainingprogramsdesignedtoshareinformation geared towards improving volunteer programs with special emphasis on methods to recruit,retain,motivate,andrecognizevolunteers.

6.FurnishtheNACmemberorganizationstheopportunitytohearfromVAleadershipconcerningkeyissueswithintheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs.

7.ArrangefortheNACreviewof,andactionon,recommendations.8. Honor the national recipient of the James H. Parke MemorialYouth Scholarship Award, Sharadyanne Salomon,studentvolunteerattheWestPalmBeachVAMedicalCenter,WestPalmBeach,Florida.

9.RecognizeLorna Hatch,Chief,VoluntaryService,attheVAMaineHealthcareSystem,Augusta,MaineastherecipientoftheVoluntaryServiceAwardforExcellence.

10.RecognizeJames Hogan,BlindedVeteransAssociation,VAGreaterLosAngelesHealthcareSystem,astheVAVSNACMaleVolunteeroftheYearandPatti Williamson,VAVSRepresentative,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,VAIllianaHealthCareSystem,Danville,Illinois,astheVAVSNACFemaleVolunteeroftheYear.

11.RecognizethefollowingawardrecipientsfortheAmericanSpiritAwards:Todd Greenman,BattleCreekVAMedicalCenter,BattleCreek,Michigan, forStudentRecruitment;Stephanie Burns,WashingtonDCVAMedical Center, for Military Recruitment; Beverly Leneski, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor,Michigan,forFaith-BasedRecruitment;andDax Allcorn,JackC.MongtomeryVAMedicalCenter,Muskogee,Oklahoma,forCorporateRecruitment.

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VAVS NAC 2015 Recommendations

As submitted by the Recommendations Subcommittee

Recommendations will be handed out and processed at the NAC Business Session.

Hotel Map

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CIMARRON

LAS CRUCES

SALON I

SALON J

SALON H

SALON G

SALON D

SALON C

SALON B

SALON A

SALON F SALON E

Grand Ballroom

LIBRARY

PECOS SANDIA

Sandia Ballroom

ACOMA

CARLSBADSANTA FE

Audio Visual Office

Banquet Office Second Level

Taos Boardroom

ConferenceSuite

Registration Desk

Registration Information

The New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico welcomes you to the

69th Annual VAVS National Advisory Committee Meeting and Conference!

TheRegistrationDeskwillbeopenonthefollowingschedule:

Tuesday,April21-12Noonto4pm Wednesday,April22-7amto4pm Thursday,April23-8amto5pm Friday,April24-8amto12Noon(InformationOnly)

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcernsduringyourvisit,pleaseseeJerryButler,VickiEatmon,GinaPetrino,oroneoftheRegistrationVolunteers.

ManythankstotheleadershipinVISN18andattheNewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem,themembersoftheNewMexicoVAHealthCareSystem’sNACPlanningCommittee,theirVAVSCommittee,andalltheVAVSvolunteersfortheiroutstandingeffortsonthe69thVAVSNationalAdvisoryCommitteeAnnualMeetingandConference.

Thank you!30

Wednesday, April 22 - 9 am to 3 pm

69th VAVS National Advisory Committee Annual Meeting

Daily Agenda

Pre-Meeting Activities

TUESDAY, April 21, 2015

12:00PM-4:00PM REGISTRATION RegistrationDesk

3:00PM-6:00PM VAVSSTAFFMEETING SandiaBallroomWEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015

7:00AM-4:00PM REGISTRATION RegistrationDesk 8:00AM-11:30AM EXECUTIVECOMMITTEEMEETING Cimarron/LasCruces

9:00AM-3:00PM HEALTHANDINFORMATIONFAIR Foyer 11:30AM-1:00PM LUNCHONYOUROWN

1:00PM-2:30PM NEWREP/DEP&NEWVAVSSTAFFTRAINING SalonsF-J Faculty: Joseph Dooley, Chief, VAVS, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA and Colonel Charles H. Gallina, VAVS National Representative, Knights of Columbus

3:00PM-5:00PM OPENFORUM SandiaBallroom 5:00PM-6:00PM DINNERONYOUROWN

6:00PM–7:00PM OPENINGKEYNOTEADDRESS SalonsF-J Chip Madera, MS, CSP Courageous Leadership: The Secret to Transforming and Inspiring Volunteerism Sponsored by: Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and VAVS Partners, Inc.

7:00PM-9:00PM RECOGNITIONEVENT SandiaBallroom Sponsored By: Local VAVS Organizations including American Ex-Prisoners of War, The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, DAV Auxiliary, DAV Department of NM, Knights of Columbus, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Sons of the American Legion, United Veterans Council of NM, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and Women Veterans of NM Entertainment By: Mariachi Nuevo Sonido

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THURSDAY, April 23, 20158:00AM-5:00PM REGISTRATION RegistrationDesk

8:30AM-11:30AM BUSINESSSESSION SalonsE-J

CalltoOrder W. G. “Bill” Kilgore

CalltoOrder W. G. “Bill” Kilgore

Invocation Ronald Cok, Chief, Chaplain Service, NMVAHCS

NationalAnthem India Archer, Junior Member, American Legion Auxiliary, NMVAHCS

PledgeofAllegiance Laurel Hull, VAVS Representative, Marine Corps League and President, Marine Corps League Foundation, NMVAHCS Welcome Andrew M. Welch, MHA, FACHE Medical Center Director, NMVAHCS RollCall W. G. “Bill” Kilgore

OpeningRemarksandMeetingObjectives W. G. “Bill” Kilgore 150thAnniversary-VACelebratesItsCivilWarRoots Darlene Richardson, Historian, Office of Health Systems Communications

9:45AM–10:00AM BREAK Foyer Sponsored by: Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc.

VeteransCanteenServiceUpdate Ray Tober, Director, Veterans Canteen Service

VoluntaryServiceandItsImpact 2013 Technical Career Field Trainees: Courtney Graham, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Gerald Ferguson, Philadelphia VA Medical Center Ben Johnson, Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC Cheryl Samples, Washington, DC VA Medical Center Utaw Vines, Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Dublin, GA VAVSAwardPresentations W. G. “Bill” Kilgore and Sabrina Clark NACMaleandFemaleVolunteeroftheYear AmericanSpiritAwards VAVSAwardforExcellence

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12:00PM PARKELUNCHEON SandiaBallroom Invocation Diana Wong, VAVS Deputy Representative, AMVETS and 2011 NAC Female Volunteer of the Year Recipient, NMVAHCS

PledgeofAllegiance Mary Lou Lopez, VAVS Representative, The American Legion, NMVAHCS

Guitarist Gustavo Pimentel

BuffetLuncheon

VideoPresentationofAwardWinner

PresentationandAcceptanceofAward John P. “JP” Brown III and Sharadyanne Salomon

AcceptanceofDonations John P. “JP” Brown III

1:45PM–3:00PM EDUCATIONALWORKSHOPS

1-LeadershipThroughService:TheFutureofStudentVolunteerism SalonsA-D Melissa Heinlein, Chief, Voluntary Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center and Deborah Brookshire, Chief, Voluntary Service, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

2-CulturalCompetency:KeyConsiderationsforVAVS SalonE Dr. John Fuller, Chief Diversity Educator, VA Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) and Antony R. Washington, EEO, Diversity and Inclusion Management Specialist (ODI)

3-StartingtheConversation:HowVAandItsPartnersCanBePartof SalonF GettingtheStoryRightforVeterans Todd Livick, Director, VHA Office of Public Communications

4-PartneringinVHA’sWholeHealthApproachtoCare SalonsG-J Janet Vertrees, Clinical Health Systems Specialist Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation

3:00PM–3:15PM BREAK Foyer Sponsored by: AMVETS


1-LeadershipThroughService:TheFutureofStudentVolunteerism SalonsA-D 2-CulturalCompetency:KeyConsiderationsforVAVS SalonE 3-StartingtheConversation:HowVAandItsPartnersCanBePartof SalonF GettingtheStoryRightforVeterans 4-PartneringinVHA’sWholeHealthApproachtoCare SalonsG-J DINNERONYOUROWN

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FRIDAY, April 24, 2015

8:00AM–12:00NOON INFORMATION RegistrationDesk

8:30AM-11:30AM BUSINESSSESSION SalonsE-J CalltoOrder W. G. “Bill” Kilgore

PledgeofAllegiance Sarah Langley, VAVS Representative, AMVETS, NMVAHCS SubcommitteeReports Recommendations George Braatz, Masonic Service Association of N.A. NACVolunteeroftheYear W.G.“Bill”Kilgore,AMVETS Recruitment Charles Gallina, Knights of Columbus Membership Del “Bulldog” Turner, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc. StandardOperatingProcedures Patricia “Pat” Kranzow, American Legion Auxiliary AdHocCommittee PartnershipAdHocCommittee Charles Gallina, Co-Chair, Knights of Columbus Anna Diehl, Co-Chair, Chief, Voluntary Service, VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics

VAVoluntaryServiceReport Sabrina C. Clark, Director, VA Voluntary Service Office

10:00AM–10:15AM BREAK Foyer Sponsored by: Knights of Columbus

NationalAdvisoryCommitteeChairReport Gary Tallman, Acting Executive Director, VHA Office of Communications

VeteransHealthAdministrationUpdate Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, Interim Under Secretary for Health 70thAnnualNACMeeting&ConferencePresentation

ClosingRemarks W.G.“Bill”Kilgore

ClosingVideo Ginny Hoover, Voluntary Service Specialist, VA Central Office

11:30AM-1:00PM LUNCHONYOUROWN

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1:00PM–2:15PMEDUCATIONALWORKSHOPS

1-LeadershipThroughService:TheFutureofStudentVolunteerism SalonsA-D 2-CulturalCompetency:KeyConsiderationsforVAVS SalonE 3-StartingtheConversation:HowVAandItsPartnersCanBePartof SalonF GettingtheStoryRightforVeterans 4-PartneringinVHA’sWholeHealthApproachtoCare SalonsG-J

2:15PM–2:30PM BREAK Foyer Sponsored by: Paralyzed Veterans of America


1-LeadershipThroughService:TheFutureofStudentVolunteerism SalonsA-D 2-CulturalCompetency:KeyConsiderationsforVAVS SalonE 3-StartingtheConversation:HowVAandItsPartnersCanBePartof SalonF GettingtheStoryRightforVeterans 4-PartneringinVHA’sWholeHealthApproachtoCare SalonsG-J

6:00PM CLOSINGDINNER GrandBallroom

Invocation Lt.DoraStearns,VAVSDeputyRepresentative,TheSalvationArmy, NMVAHCS

PledgeofAllegiance Donald“Butch”Harrison,VAVSRepresentative,TheAmericanLegion, NMVAHCS

Entertainmentby: Mexican Folk Dance Group “Baila Baila”

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015

8:00AM–9:00AM EXECUTIVECOMMITTEECRITIQUE Cimarron/LasCruces

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Keynote SpeakerChip Madera, MS, CSP

ChipMaderaisanexpertprofessionalspeakerandleadershipdevelopmentauthority,whoempowersaudienceswithhumorous,yethighcontentstrategiesforbusinessandpersonalsuccess.HeisthespeakerwithaheartofBOLDTMwhopresentsover100programseveryyearinCanada,Australia,Europe,SouthAmericaandthroughouttheUS.Someofhisclientsinclude:TheMayoClinic,AT&T,Disney,SouthernCompany,WestinghouseandGatorade,justtonameafew.

ChiphasearnedhisCertifiedSpeakingProfessionaldesignation,whichistheNationalSpeakersassociation’shighestearneddesignationandisseenasthehallmarkofexpertswhospeaksprofessionally.Justover500speakersintheworldpossesstheCSPcredential.

HeachievedanundergraduatedegreeinPsychologyandaMastersinHumanResourcesandOrganizationalDevelopment.HeisaMotivationandPerformanceStrategistwithover15yearsexperiencehelpingleadersfromeverytypeofindustryenhanceperformanceandcreateanenvironmentthatdelightstheircustomers.Chiphelpsleadersventurebeyondtheirwildestexpectations,bystirringtheirhearts,openingtheirmindsandinspiringthemtoaction!

CourageousLeadership:TheSecrettoTransformingandInspiringVolunteerism

Greatleadersconstantlylookforstrategiestoassuresuccessduringchallengingtimes.InatimeofuncertaintyandchallengeinVA,VHAandcommunityleadersmustdemonstrateconfidenceandleadotherswithaboldvision.Fromhisheartwarmingstories,tohishumorousdown-to-earthstyle,ChipMaderawilldelivertheleadershiptoolsandinspirationyouneedtotakeyourlifeandorganizationtothenextlevel.DiscoverthesignificantroleyouplayinVAandhowyoucanhelpinspireourvolunteerstogreatness.

Workshop DescriptionsNew Rep/Dep & New VAVS Staff Training (Only1session,Wednesday,April22,1:00pm-2:30pm)Faculty: Joseph Dooley, Chief, VAVS, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA and Colonel Charles H. Gallina, VAVS National Representative, Knights of Columbus

ThissessionisdesignedtoprovideorientationfornewVAVSNACRepresentativesandDeputyRepresentatives,and new VAVS staff, and will also offer current information to seasoned VAVS NAC Representatives andDeputies. The latest trends, statistics, and recommendations inVAVS volunteering will be presented anddiscussed.VAVSRepresentativesandDeputyRepresentativesservingonlocalVAVSCommitteescouldalsobenefitandlearnbyattendingthissession.

Leadership Through Service: The Future of Student VolunteerismFaculty: Melissa Heinlein, Chief, Voluntary Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center and Deborah Brookshire, Chief, Voluntary Service, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

ThissessionwillprovideawarenessaboutstudentyouthvolunteerismandengageparticipantsinaninteractivediscussionaboutyouthvolunteerismonanationallevelwiththegoalofobtainingfeedbackfromparticipantsthatwilldirecttheefforttoenhanceandrevitalizeyouthVAVSprograms.

Cultural Competency: Key Considerations for VAVS Faculty: Dr. John Fuller, Chief Diversity Educator, VA Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) and Antony R. Washington, EEO, Diversity and Inclusion Management Specialist (ODI)

ThissessionsupportstheOfficeofDiversityandInclusion(ODI)strategicobjectiveto“ProvideoutstandingculturallycompetentservicestoVeterans,theirfamilies,andbeneficiaries.” Thefocusisontheimportanceof creating and sustaining a cultural competence and the development ofVAVS employees’ interpersonaleffectiveness. This session will stimulate the learner to self-assess and self-reflect on their workplacecommunications,preferences,andcross-culturalinterpretationsandencounterswithothers.

Starting the Conversation: How VA and Its Partners Can Be Part of Getting the Story Right for Veterans Faculty: Todd Livick, Director, VHA Office of Public Communications

ThissessionwillprovideVAVSstaffandVA’scommunitypartnersanoverviewastohowVAsharesitsmessagetothepublic.Thissessionwillintroduceaguidetocommunications,theprocessfordevelopingthetoolsandstrategiesforcommercials,mediatips,andcommunicationsplanning.

Partnering in VHA’s Whole Health Approach to Care Faculty: Janet Vertrees, Clinical Health Systems Specialist, Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation

HealthcareinVAismovingfrom“sickcaretohealthcare”thatispersonalized,proactive,andpatient-driven,andengagesandinspiresVeteranstotheirhighestpossiblelevelofhealthandwell-being.Wecallthis“WholeHealth”. Whole health is more than the absence of disease and illness. It is a state of well-being. Wholehealthdialsuptheself-healingmechanismsweallhavewithinus.Wholehealthconnectstowhatmattersmosttousinlife;ourdreamsandaspirations.LearnaboutWholeHealth,reflectonwhatmatterstoyouinlife,experiencemindfulness,anddiscoverhowvolunteersandcommunityorganizationscanhelpVeteransachievetheirdreams.

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Award Recipients

Honoring: (1)SharadyanneSalomon,StudentVolunteer, WestPalmBeachVAMedicalCenter,WestPalmBeach,Florida

(2)LornaHatch,Chief,VoluntaryService, VAMaineHealthcareSystem,Augusta,Maine (3)JamesHogan,BlindedVeteransAssociation,VAGreaterLos AngelesHealthcareSystem,LosAngeles,California

(4)PattiWilliamson,VAVSRepresentative,AmericanLegionAuxiliary, VAIllianaHealthCareSystem,Danville,Illinois

(5)ToddGreenman,Chief,CommunityandVolunteerService, BattleCreekVAMedicalCenter,BattleCreek,Michigan

(6)StephanieBurns,Chief,VoluntaryServiceandRecreationTherapy WashingtonDCVAMedicalCenter,Washington,DC

(7)BeverlyLeneski,Chief,VoluntaryService, VAAnnArborHealthcareSystem,AnnArbor,Michigan

(8)DaxAllcorn,ActingChief,VoluntaryService, JackC.MontgomeryVAMedicalCenter,Muskogee,Oklahoma

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James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship $20,000 Scholarship Recipient

SharadyanneSalomonWestPalmBeachVAMedicalCenter

WestPalmBeach,Florida

Sharadyanne Salomon has been one of the most dedicatedyouthvolunteersattheWestPalmBeachVAMedicalCentersinceshebeganservingVeteransinJune2013.Sharadyanneshowedupnearlyeverydaythroughoutthesummerandvolunteeredthroughout thehospitalwithagreatattitudeandwasalwayseager and willing to do whatever was asked of her. Thisremarkableyounglady’strackrecordspeakstohercommitmenttoacceptingandfulfillingherresponsibilities.Asthekeyworkerin the Escort Department, Sharadyanne fully understood theimportanceofgettingVeteranstotheirappointmentsinbothatimelyandcaringmanner.

Thoughshewasoneofthequietestandmostsoftspokenyouthvolunteers,SharadyanneneverletthisgetinthewayoflettingtheVeteransknowthatshecaredabouttheirwell-being.Shemadesuretoalwaysspeakwith theVeterans shewas transporting, askabouthowtheirdaywasgoing,and truly listen towhat theyhadtosay.Volunteeringalmosteveryday,SharadyannequicklydevelopedaveryspecialrapportwitheachoftheVeteranssheassistedandtheVeteranswerealwayshappytoseeherwhenshearrivedtotakethemtoanappointment. ShecametoknowmanyoftheVeteransbynameaswellassomethingspecialabouteachofthem. Sharadyannesays“whenIgotogetthepatient, Ialwayssmilewiththemandhaveasmallconversation…smilingisapartofthehealingprocess.”

WhatsetsSharadyanneapartfromotheryouthvolunteersisherdesireandcommitmenttoserveVeterans.ManyyouthvolunteersserveattheVAbecausetheyhavefriendsorfamilythatworkthere.ThiswasnotthecaseforSharadyanne.ShevolunteersfortheWestPalmBeachVAbecauseit’sawaytoshowherappreciationforVeterans.Sharadyannealwaysfoundawaytogettoherassignmentsandnevercomplainedaboutadaily7:15amwake-uponhersummerbreakbecauseshewas“honoredtoserve[Veterans].”Shesayswar“wasn’teasyforthem–somelosttheirfriendsandfamily…somegotinjuredforlife-allbecausetheywanttoserveourcountry.WhentheycometotheVAmedicalcentertheleastwecandoismakethemfeelspecial,evenwhenthey’renotfeelingwell.Theydeserveallthelovetheycangetforfightingforourcountry.”

AdditionalScholarships

AlainCarles MiamiVAHCS $5,000 JoelReji DurhamVAMC $2,000 AleksandraOsterman C.W.BillYoungVAMC $2,000 JustinTaylor VAPittsburghHCS $2,000 SindhuMuppala Washington,DCVAMC $2,000 SarahPegouske BattleCreekVAMC $2,000

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VA Voluntary Service Award for Excellence

LornaHatchVAMaineHealthCareSystem

Augusta,Maine“IfI’mnotherefortheVeteran,thenwhyamIhere?”isamottooftenrepeatedbyVAVSAwardforExcellencerecipient,LornaHatch. Whenshe says this it reminds those around her why they are there too.Everythingshedoes inhercapacityastheChiefofVoluntaryServiceisforthebenefitofVeterans.ShedoesnotconsiderherselfaboveanyjobandwillgladlystopwhatsheisdoingtohelpaVeteranherselfifavolunteer is not available. Lorna personally supplies baskets of foodtothefamiliesofVeteranpatientsastheirlovedoneapproachestheirfinal hours. These “Hospice Baskets” allow families to spend everypreciousmomentattheirlovedone’sbedsideandistrulyanamazinggiftsheprovides.ShealsovolunteersinthepatientdiningroomeveryThursdaymorningtoservebreakfasttopatients.

As a testament to Lorna’s contribution to Voluntary Service, VA Maine Healthcare System leads VISN 1in monetary donations and is among the best when it comes to volunteer growth rates. Always lookingfornewwaystoutilizevolunteerstomeettheneedsofVeterans,Lornahasworkedtodevelopnumerousvolunteerassignments inthepastyear,suchasaCreativeWritingProgram,LeatherCraftsProgram,andavisitingBuddhistChaplain.Shealsostrivestobeagreatstewardofdonatedfundsandusetheseresourcesinthemostinnovateways.FromtheWomen’sHealthPassportforfemaleVeterans,wirelessinternetaccessforclinics, theHospicehospitalitycart,proteinbars forpatientsondialysis,andpilotingan indoorshuttleprogram,nochallengeistoogreattoovercomeifintheenditimprovestheexperienceoftheVeteran.

LornaalsoexcelsinprofessionalandcommunityinvolvementbyparticipatingintheAssociationforHealthcareVolunteerResourceProfessionals(AHVRP)ConferenceandencouraginghercolleaguesandstafftotaketheCertifiedAdministratorofVolunteerServices(CAVS)exam,andservingasoneoftwonationalVAVSCentralOfficesupportedtrainersfornewVAVSstaffregardingGeneralPostfundpolices,ethics,andappropriateuseoffundsintheannualVAVSAcademytrainingsessions.Inaddition,Lorna’scommitmenttoimprovingthewelfareofVAMaineVeteransandhasledtoherbeingcontinuallyselectedbytheExecutiveLeadershipTeamtoserveonavarietyofcommitteesatherfacilityandbytheDirectorofVoluntaryServiceCentralOfficetoserveasaNationalAdvisoryCommitteeMeetingandConferenceplanner.

LornaHatchisadedicatedself-starterandhighachieverwhodistinguishesherselfthroughhardworkandcreativity. All she does in service ofVeterans defines her commitment to theVA mission. She also servesasaninstrumentofgrowthanddevelopmentforherstaffbyestablishingextensivepersonaldevelopmentplans and encourages them to further their education by taking college courses and enrolling in trainingopportunitiesthatmayaddtotheirempowerment.Herdirectorstates,“Icanthinkofnoonemoredeservingofthe‘VoluntaryServiceAwardofExcellence’thanMs.Hatch.Sheistrulytheepitomeofexcellence.”

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National Advisory CommitteeMale Volunteer of the Year

JamesHoganVAGreaterLosAngelesHealthcareSystem

LosAngeles,CaliforniaJames Hogan, a blindVeteran, has served around 2,800 hours at theVAGreaterLosAngeles(GLA)HealthCareSysteminthelast12years.Volunteering is truly a family affair for the Hogans. His wife Pamvolunteerswithhim,hisguidedogAtticushasperformedasatherapydog for patients, and his daughter previously volunteered with theVisual Impairment Services Team (VIST) and now works for the VISTprogramattheVAPaloAltoHealthCareSystem.Thefamily’slifeisoneoftotalservicetoothers,servingasevangelicalproponentsforblindVeteransandVeteransingeneral,helpingtheElksraisefundsfortheirannualVeteransLuncheonanddrivingtheBoyScoutstoplacemorethan6,000flagsonthegravesofVeteransforMemorialDay.

JamesserveshisfellowVeteransinamyriadofwaysincludingvisitingwithVeteransattheSepulvedaCommunityLivingCenterandthosereceivinghospicecare;mobilizingthelocalDAVChapter#13tobringgifts,goodies,andcheertothehospitalizedpatients;andspendingendlesstimewiththeVISTProgram,helpingthemwithoutreachandservicestohisfellowblindVeterans.Healsovisits(alwayswithAtticusandPam)attheCaliforniaStateVeteranshomesatLancaster,Ventura,Barstow,andWestLA.

James’ involvement doesn’t end with BVA - he is an active member of several community and VeteransServiceOrganizationssuchastheDisabledAmericanVeterans,VeteransofForeignWars,VietnamVeteransofAmerica(VVA),SantaClaritaElks,SCVVeteransMemorial,Inc.,aswellasPrayerAngelsfortheMilitary,GoldStarMothersandBlueStarMothers.HeroutinelyworkswiththeVietnamVeteransofAmerica(VVA)ontheirannualHomelessStandDownsinVenturaandAntelopeValley-AtticushelpstocalmthehomelessVeteransandbringsthemamomentofjoy.

Jamesparticipates in the local4thof Julyparade, ridinghisQuadracycleasa troika forVVA,carryingthebannerforBVA,andworkingtheevent.JamesandPamalsohelpotherVeteransattendVISTfishingtrips-providingtransportation,meals,andafabulousexperiencefortheblindVeteranseveryyear.TheyplantheVISTmonthlyoutingsandareanintegralpartofthecomplexlogisticsofthoseaffairs.

JamesHoganisheavilyinvolvedinOutreachtoyoungOperationEnduringFreedomVeterans,speakingtothemaboutbenefitsatPointMuguNAWSorCampPendleton.

JamesexcelsatVeteranoutreachandhasbecomeacentralfigureintheVoiceoftheVeteranProgramatGLA.HeisontheBVAPatientAdvisoryCouncil,hasbeenpublishedintheBVA’smagazine,andhaswonmanylocalawardsforhisservice.Jamesisdescribedas“unstoppable,andaceaselessVeteransadvocate.”

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National Advisory Committee Female Volunteer of the Year

PattiWilliamsonVAIllianaHealthCareSystem

Danville,Illinois

Patti Williamson not only represents the American Legion Auxiliary(ALA) on theVAVS Committee for theVA Illiana Health Care System,she has also worked to expand the presence of her organizationby partnering with many established programs to encompass theneedsofoutpatientVeteransaswellasthosereceivinginpatientcare.

OneoftheareaswherePattihashadasignificantimpacthasbeenwiththePsychosocialResidentialRehabilitationTreatmentProgram(PRRTP)byapplyingfor,andreceiving,agranttoexpandandenhancethePRRTParttherapyprogram.ShehasalsoinitiatedaVeteransoftballteamforthisgroupwhichprovedtobeapositiveangermanagementtoolandwasexpandedtotwoteams(maleandfemale)thefollowingyear.PattiandtheALAsupportedthisinitiativewithuniforms,equipment,andanend

ofseasonpizzaparty.OtherPRRTPinitiativesshehassupportedincludea“MakeOver”eventtoassistwithmentalhealthrecoveryandapartnershipwithRecreationTherapyonthe“groundtotable”gardeningmovement.

PattihasalsobeeninstrumentalinservingcommunityVeteransbyworkingwiththestaffattheCommunityBasedOutpatientClinicstosupplyHomeBasedPrimaryCare(HBPC)Veteranswithgiftbasketsonholidayssuch as Easter and Christmas for the past three years. She has recruited ALA members to wrap and sortgiftsforeachHBPCVeteranservedthroughthemainhospitalinDanvilleaswellastheclinicsinSpringfield,Decatur,WestLafayette,Mattoon,andPeoria.Additionally,Pattiinitiatedthedistributionof“BuddyBaskets”tohomelessIllinoisVeteransinpartnershipwiththeVFWRepresentative,supportstheVAHomelessVeteransStandDownEvent,andhashelpedprovideEasterbasketstothechildrenofVeteransservedbytheHUD/VASHprogram.

Inthehospitalsetting,PattiregularlysupportsactivitiesforVeteransintheCommunityLivingCenter(CLC).ShearrangesforeachALAunittosponsormonthlybingogamesintheCLCandbi-monthlyhospital-widebingogamesandsupportsotheractivitiessuchasPieFest,the“BeattheBlues”musicparty,NationalSalutetoVeteranPatients,theArmyBirthdayParty,andSpringandFallMusicFestivalsforallCLCVeterans. PattihasalsobeeninstrumentalintheGreenhouseConceptwhichshehassupportedwithagrantfromtheALAfoundationtoexpandtheBellMusicTherapyProgram,andpurchasingpatiofurniture,grills,bedding,andprojectorscreensfortheseGreenhouseHomes.

From the CLC to the Mental Health Intensive Case Management program, to Women’s Health and theCaregiverSupportGroup,therearefewareasoftheVAIllianaHealthCareSystemthathavenotseensomebenefitofPatti’shardworkandpassionforservingVeterans.PattistrivestomakesureherorganizationiswellrepresentedasanactiveadvocateandvolunteerandindoingsoshehelpsensurethatallofthesespecialpopulationVeteransthroughouttheHealthCareSystemareshowntherespectandappreciationtheydeserve.

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VA Voluntary Service American Spirit AwardsStudent Recruitment CategoryTodd Greenman, Battle Creek VAMC, Battle Creek, MI

In addition to successfully running the Summer ServeProgram for the last decade, the Battle CreekVA MedicalCenter Community and Volunteer Program has alsoworkedtodeveloppartnershipswithseveraluniversitiestoparticipateinstudentvolunteereventsandservicelearningprojects including Western Michigan University (WMU),KelloggCommunityCollege,MichiganStateUniversity,andAlbionCollege.CentralMichiganUniversityalsopartneredwiththeBattleCreekVAMCtohostanAlternativeWeekendBreakthisyearduringNationalSalutetoVeteranPatientsWeek. The Summer Serve students participate in groupactivitieswithCommunityLivingCenterVeteransandalsolearnaboutvarioushealthcarecareerfields.

VAVSStaffcontinuetoreenergizeandenhancetheirstudentvolunteeropportunitiesbyleveragingcommunitypartnershipsandeventsasrecruitingtools,capitalizingonthestrengthsandperspectiveoftheiruniversitystudentsforthereviewandupdateofprogrammaterialsandrecruitmenttools,andfindingcreativewaystorecognizestudentvolunteersthatstill includeaVeteranserviceelementandreachbeyondthewallsofthemedicalcenter. StudentvolunteersareregularlynominatedfortheHandsOnBattleCreekCommunityVolunteer Award,Volunteer Kalamazoo STAR Award, Governor’s Service Awards, James H. Parke MemorialScholarship,andJesseBrownMemorialYouthScholarshipAward.

Military Recruitment CategoryStephanie Burns, Washington DC VAMC, Washington, DC

TheWashingtonDCVeteransAffairsMedicalCenter (DCVAMC)createda partnership with Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Marine CorpsCommunityService(MCCS)office,offeringactivedutyMarinepersonnelvolunteer opportunities throughout the Medical Center. Marines fromHeadquarters,andServiceBattalionHendersonHall,alongwithDCVAMCstaff,havecollaboratedforovertwoyears,providinginnovativeprogramsfor Marine volunteers to support various events and activities at theMedicalCenter.Their“cando”attituderesonateswhenserving.

Assignments are a calculated effort, where Marine Volunteers arescheduled to wear their uniforms, directly support, and ultimatelyremindVeterans of their service while volunteering. Voluntary Servicecapitalizes on the Marine volunteers’ strengths, and compassion,especially when selecting event manpower where Veterans are giventhe opportunity to interact with individuals whom share their militarybackground,knowledge,andworldlytravels.ItisintegralthatVeteransunderstand that the Marine volunteers offer their time freely, servingthem while also serving their county. Most notably, are the Marinevolunteers’contributionstoboththeCancerSurvivor’sDayProgramandWinterhavenHomelessStandDown.

(BackRow)SergeantAlanFlores,CorporalTahiraLawrence,Master

SergeantJasonSurratt;(FrontRow)CherylSamples,StephanieBurns

ToddGreenman,DawnCraig,BrianPegouske

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VA Voluntary Service American Spirit AwardsFaith-Based Recruitment CategoryBeverly Leneski, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI

There is a long-standing tradition for the VA Ann Arbor HealthcareSystem of partnering with faith-based organizations throughout thecommunity.Thesemulti-denominationalpartnershavebeenprovidingdonationsofclothing,blankets,holidaygifts,coffee,andotherassortedcomfortitemstoAnnArborVeterans,someforover20years.

VAVS staff have worked to develop innovative assignments tailoredspecifically for volunteers from faith-based groups. One suchassignment is the volunteer Eucharistic Minister which currently hasten volunteers serving in this role. These volunteers of the CatholicfaithassisttheCatholicChaplainbyvisitingVeteraninpatientswhoareCatholic at bedside to offer them daily communion. Volunteers alsoescortVeteranstoandfromChapelServicesandserveVeteransattheToledoOutpatientClinic.

VAVSstaffcontinuetofosterthespiritofpartnershipwithfaith-basedorganizations by attending services in the community to accept

donations, recognize donors and volunteers, and to speak to congregations about the needs ofVeteransservedbytheVAAnnArborHealthcareSystem.

Corporate Recruitment CategoryDax Allcorn, Jack C. Montgomery VAMC, Muskogee, OK

Voluntary Service at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center(JCMVAMC)beganapartnershipwithIndianCapitalTechnologyCenter,atechnicalschoolaffiliatedwiththestatewideOklahomaDepartmentofCareerandTechnologyEducationsystem,in2013.VoluntaryServicecoordinates visits to the medical center for students interested inhealthcare careers allowing students to explore the various careerfieldsavailableatthemedicalcenter,suchasPathology&Laboratory;Radiology/Nuclear Medicine Service (including MRI, CT Scan, andUltrasound);andalsotheSIMLabthroughEducationService.SomeofthesestudentsarealsoabletohelpwithPatientTransportbyassistingVeteransinwheelchairsthroughoutthemedicalcenter.

Thiscollaborativeefforthasprovidedmanyuniqueopportunities forthe college students involved. As the students rotate through thevariousserviceareas theyareable togainabetterunderstandingofthe mission of that particular service. For example, in Pathology &Laboratory,studentslearnabouttheBloodBankandhowtocheckforbloodtypes.AvolunteerPhlebotomistAssistantpositionhasevenbeencreatedallowingonetrainedstudenttoassistthePathology&LaboratoryServiceindrawingbloodfromVeteranpatients.

Cover photo by Kim Ashley courtesy of the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

VA Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee … Annual VA Voluntary Service National Advisory...

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