Poultry and PACT Act part of Fayetteville Health Care Center Veteran Salute
The Fayetteville NC VA Health Care System celebration of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week continued February 15 thanks to support from the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg and a generous donation from a federal health insurance provider.
Veterans finishing late morning appointments were treated to chicken protein packages as the YMCA’s new mobile pantry made a stop at the Fayetteville VA Health Care Center.
“We noticed an uptick in the need for food assistance and wanted to expand our efforts to support our Veteran community,” said Jeremy Hester, Executive Director. “The National Salute was a great way for us to introduce our services to Veterans and thank them for their service to our nation.”
For Army Veteran Juan Rodriguez, the gift package was a nice surprise. “I certainly didn’t expect to receive this here at the VA,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”
In addition to the nearly 100 food packages distributed, Veterans also received information on the PACT Act. VA staff stood nearby ready to answer questions on the landmark legislation to expand benefits to millions of Vietnam, Gulf War and Post 9-11 Veterans. Event organizers from the Center for Development and Civic Engagement were also on hand to support.
As the community engagement neared its end, Dr. Thomas Martin, Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Health Care System Interim Chief of Staff, presented a certificate of appreciation to the Fort Bragg YMCA team.