VA Augusta employees showed up to glow up the Uptown campus main entrance to enhance the Veteran experience
With the help of more than 75 VA employees and volunteers, the Uptown campus at VA Augusta Health Care System is now more inviting to Veterans and their caregivers.
On Saturday, volunteers removed dead bushes, cleared shrubbery, and laid fresh mulch for one singular mission: to give back to Veterans and the community.
“I like giving back,” said Gloria Lakes, an Army Veteran who works at the VA Augusta Health Care System as a program support assistant in the Veteran Experience Office. “I like seeing everybody, the employees and volunteers alike, working together to show Veterans how much they are appreciated.”
Lakes visits with Veterans regularly and helps them navigate where they need to go.
“Most importantly, we like to listen,” said Lakes. “For us to give them resolutions to their concerns and care for their needs, we need to have real conversations.”
The revitalization of the main entrance was needed.
"I am extremely proud of our team," said Acting Executive Director Oscar Rodriguez. "It was truly humbling to witness the dedication of VA Augusta employees who sacrificed their weekends to give back. We want Veterans to see this effort and understand how deeply we care about them. Coming together as an organization and community embodies what our mission is all about."
The help came from everywhere: civilians, Veterans, children and their parents, employees, and dedicated volunteers.
“This project was something we’ve been planning for a couple of months after Hurricane Helene hit,” said Raj Hariharan. “Now is a good time, with the weather being amenable. It’s just the right time, and it was needed.”
Dr. Stephanie Bear took part to thank the staff of the Community Living Center (CLC), who took care of her father-in-law with advanced Parkinson’s Disease.
“I was excited about the opportunity to give back and beautify the Uptown campus because the CLC was such an amazing service to our family,” said Stephanie Bear, chief of Infection Control at VA Augusta.
More revitalization is needed. Plans to continue this effort are underway.
If you want to help, reach out to VA Augusta’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement to learn more: https://www.va.gov/augusta-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/