VA hospital invites community to salute hospitalized veterans

IOWA CITY ? The Iowa City VA Health Care System invites the public to participate in activities from 1-3 p.m. Saturday in observance of The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.

?It is a bright spot in our hospitalized veterans? day when they are visited by someone and given a valentine. It lets them know that we have not forgotten the sacrifice they made so that we have our freedom,? said Acting Iowa City VA Medical Center Director Dawn Oxley.

Oxley said she hopes visitors will also learn more about the important roles that volunteers play at the medical center throughout the year, and perhaps pursue volunteer opportunities themselves.

?Our medical center?s 656 volunteers are an integral part of our health care team and the national salute program is a great way for people to learn more about helping the veterans we serve here at the medical center,? Oxley said. ?We hope that individuals and groups will join us in recognizing these men and women.?

Citizens, young and old, are once again sending valentine greeting cards and letters to VA medical centers simply addressed ?Dear Veteran.? Oxley said they are being distributed to patients throughout the medical center.

Individuals or groups wishing to participate in the medical center program should call the Voluntary Service Office at 319-339-7129.

All guests should stop by the VA Medical Center Chapel upon arrival.