Martinsburg VA Medical Center honors volunteers for more than 20k hours of service

“Working with our volunteers is such a joy,” said Terry Stotler, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the Martinsburg VAMC. “They bring so much talent, enthusiasm, and caring to their volunteer roles that it has a tremendous impact on our Veterans and staff.” 

National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans. There are many ways to volunteer. For instance, Judy Holt, of Poolesville, Md., greets Veterans as they come into the medical center, escorting them to their appointments and helping them find their way through the facility.

Other opportunities to volunteer include providing administrative and community event support and there is a special program for youth volunteers, ages 14-17 as well. 

One such youth volunteer is Eliana Mosby, of Martinsburg, who has three generations of Mosby women in her family who have worked at the VA. 

“It’s important to help people who have served us and give them service,” said Mosby. “And this work has given me so many skills, like customer service, and learning to talk to people.”

Heather Kitay, an officer in the West Virginia Air National Guard, volunteers with the 11th Hour Angels, a group of volunteers who sit with Veterans in their final hours. 

“I volunteer to provide heartfelt company to those who fought incredibly hard and sacrificed immensely in years past to protect and provide the freedoms we’re all afforded today,” said Kitay.

While National Volunteer Week kicks off April 21, VA invites everyone in the community to explore ways to give back to Veterans any time of the year. In addition, Veterans can explore volunteer opportunities as part of VetServe 2024, which encourages Veterans to become volunteers to support other Veterans. No medical experience is necessary, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills. 

Nationwide, the Department of Veterans Affairs will recognize more than 25,400 volunteers for their service to Veterans at VA medical facilities nationwide during National Volunteer Week. In fiscal year 2023, VA volunteers and organizations donated more than 3.2 million hours of service and more than $81.1 million in gifts and donations for Veterans and their families.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Martinsburg VAMC; visit https://www.va.gov/martinsburg-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ or call 304-263-0811 x3309/3310//3311. 

Lona Lozinski, Public Affairs Specialist

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