A Labor of Love: Handmade Valentines Bring Joy to Veterans at VA Long Beach
By Stephen Dagadakis, Public Affairs Officer
This Valentine’s Day, hospital rooms at VA Long Beach are filled with warmth and gratitude—thanks to dozens of handmade Valentine’s cards created by community groups, VA employees, and even local students.
The effort started with Jan Duebber and her husband Thom, a U.S. Navy Veteran, who began crafting cards in 2019 to remind Veterans they are honored and never forgotten, especially those spending Valentine’s Day alone.
As the daughter of a World War II Navy Airman, Jan is passionate about recognizing Veterans, emphasizing how much they have given. Creating the cards brings her significant joy, and she notes that even if the cards just make one Veteran smile, the entire effort will have been worthwhile.
Over the years, Thom and Jan have delivered many hundreds of cards, each unique and filled with personal messages of appreciation. Since then, others have followed their lead – bringing joy in the form of paper, ink, and heartfelt words. In recent years, students at Don Juan Avila Middle School in Aliso Viejo have added their creativity to the effort—proving that gratitude spans generations.
Although the effort initially started in recognition of Valentine’s Day, this growing tradition also coincides with VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. The salute provides an opportunity to say thank you to the more than 9 million Veterans who are cared for in VA’s medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. Learn more about the National Salute here.
Card distribution is coordinated by VA Long Beach’s Veterans Appreciation Committee. This committee is committed to making VA Long Beach a very special place where our Veterans feel welcomed, honored, and appreciated. Once all the cards are received from volunteers, they are placed in cheerful bags and distributed to hospital units, and then in turn directly to Veterans.
“Our card distribution events are a great example of ‘many hands make light work’, said Dr. Tracey Larsen, VA Long Beach Magnet Program Director and leader for the card project. “Some are creative and take time to make the cards then some of us use our break time to package and/or deliver the cards to the departments so the staff who see and provide care for our Veterans can give them a card on the holiday or a day or two before. It’s a chain of love - from the community to our Veterans, and it’s my honor to be a small link in this chain.”
These “Valentines for Veterans” are just one way to celebrate and honor Veterans throughout the year. VA Long Beach also welcomes cards for other holidays – distributing them for Fourth of July and Veterans Day. These small acts of kindness brighten hospital rooms and lift spirits in powerful ways.
Tom and Jan’s story—and the contributions of VA employees and local students—are a reminder that gratitude can be expressed in simple, meaningful ways. Each card carries hope, connection, and love.
Want to get involved? Individuals, community groups, and organizations are welcome to participate. Whether it’s a Valentine, a note of thanks, or a patriotic greeting, your words matter. Contact VA Long Beach Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) at