Joanne Lindholm photo Dr. John P. Shealey, Medical Center Director, Oscar G. Johnson, VA Medical Center, Joan Jouppi, Golden K chairperson, and Katie Maxon, chief, Public Affairs and Voluntary Service, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — July is a time for roasting hot dogs and celebrating America — our home, sweet home. Golden K members always start their time together with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of “God Bless America,” reminding us of the love we have for our country.

Chairperson Joan Jouppi rang the bell, which brought everyone to their feet. Alyce Derwinski played the piano, as Lois Outcelt led the group in singing some old favorite tunes. “Heart of my Heart,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Look for the Silver Lining” were crooned by the members, bringing memories of old to many. The guest song was sung to Dr. John P. Shealey and Katie Maxon of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Birthday wishes this week go out to Maxine Vaccarello and Kathy Jo Anderson. Wedding anniversary regards were sung for Carol and Kirk Olson. Sharon Scholke was the lucky recipient of the Pot of Gold drawing.

Prayers were offered for members who are experiencing health problems.

Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar messages. Brett Calcari can’t wait for football and wished great health for everyone. Kathy Jo Anderson had a wonderful time with her grandson on Mackinac Island. Gary Proudfit was happy to have Katie Maxon here and she was thankful for the welcome.

Welcome to Dawn Calcari, who became a member of Golden K today. Members were reminded of the members’ picnic on July 22 at City Park in Iron Mountain. A cost of $5 per person is being collected.

Jouppi welcomed the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Director Dr. John P. Shealey and Chief of Public Affairs and Voluntary Service Katie Maxon. The Iron Mountain VA Medical Center will celebrate 75 years of serving veterans in 2025.

The Office of Veterans Affairs is comprised of three branches: National Cemeteries, Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration, with 90% of the VA staff employed by VHA.

OGJVAMC is the most rural VA medical center, with one of the largest service areas covering 26,000 square miles in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The employees are committed to excellent, patient-centered care and customer service to veterans.

OGJVAMC oversees eight outpatient clinics located in Gladstone, Hancock, Ironwood, Manistique, Marquette, Menominee, Sault Ste. Marie and Rhinelander, Wis. The medical center and community-based outpatient clinics serve approximately 21,000 veterans annually.

The main facility is a primary and secondary care facility with 17 acute care beds. The facility also houses a 40-bed community living center.

Some of the new services offered at the VA include cardiac rehab, gastrointestinal, gynecology, pain management, virtual health resources center and VBA tele appointments.

Plans for future expansions include the addition of a memory care unit and a dedicated location for female veterans. The 75-year-old boiler plant is also due to be replaced.

Dr. Shealey and Maxon were thanked for their interesting overview of the VAMC and continued care for the nation’s heroes.

Next week’s speaker will be Brynn Billing of Family Ties Adult Center. Golden K meets 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.