EDITOR:

The week of Feb. 11-17 is designated National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. This week, VA facilities across the nation are honoring these men and women we proudly care for and serve. Men and women who have given more than most to protect and preserve all we hold dear as Americans.

Each of us who are privileged to live in this nation has a special place in our hearts for these defenders of freedom. That is why VA takes time during the week of Valentine’s Day to encourage our community to express affection and respect for those we admire.

The employees and volunteers at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and its seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin salute the more than 20,000 veterans we serve — American heroes who have paid and continue to pay the price of freedom.  

There are no words that can adequately express what their sacrifices have meant to the nation. However, we can take time to express our personal thanks and appreciation to them. Please take time this week to thank a veteran for his or her service and sacrifice!

I also invite anyone in the community who desire to put their appreciation into action to consider becoming a volunteer at our medical center or as a van driver for our Veterans Transportation Network transporting veterans to and from their appointments at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. If you are interested, please call our Voluntary Service office at 800-215-8262, ext. 32780, or go to www.ironmountain.va.gov/giving or www.volunteer.va.gov.

James W. Rice

Director

Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center