James H. Quillen VA Medical Center recognizes volunteers during annual banquet
MOUNTAIN HOME, TN - - James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) recognized more than 100 volunteers from throughout the region during a banquet at Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tenn., April 15, 2023, at 10 a.m.
The banquet included brunch, opening remarks by JHQVAMC Director Dean B. Borsos, keynote speaker Lt. Col. Ann Larson (U.S. Marine Corps, ret.), and awards presentations.
Volunteers play a critical role at JHQVAMC to enhance the Veteran experience through dedicated services and donations, said Dustin Wilson, acting chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE). The medical center is always in need of additional volunteers, he added.
In fiscal year 2022, over 400 JHQVAMC volunteers contributed more than 62 thousand hours caring for Veterans and the combined monetary and in-kind donations totaled more than $880 thousand.
Borsos expressed his appreciation in a speech to those in attendance.
“I am deeply honored to say thank you on behalf of the entire Mountain Home family,” Borsos said to the audience. “We couldn’t accomplish our mission of caring for America’s heroes without you. There are no words to accurately describe the gratitude each and every one of you deserves for the time and service you have given for Veterans.”
Larson, who volunteered more than 500 hours during the fiscal year, noted the importance of volunteer work in the community and spoke about what it means to her.
“Often people consider volunteering a selfless act,” Larson said, addressing the audience. “It can cost convenience, time, and resources. To me volunteering is anything but selfless; it’s selfish. I always get more than I give…through so many blessings. It puts everything in perspective, giving me a sense of purpose and of community. It clears my head and grows my heart.”
Volunteer programs include Corporate Volunteerism, Student Volunteers, National Salute to Veteran Patients, and Volunteer Transportation Network.
Nationally, the VA CDCE has provided 77 years of service to America’s Veterans seeking care in VA health care facilities and volunteers have donated more than 743 million hours of service. CDCE is one of the largest volunteer programs in the federal government and is supported by the CDCE National Advisory Committee, comprised of 56 major Veteran, civic, and service organizations.
As VA has expanded access to care for Veteran patients into the community, volunteers have continued to be involved assisting Veteran patients by supplementing staff in hospital wards, Community Living Centers, outpatient clinics, community-based volunteer programs, end-of-life care programs, respite care programs, adaptive sports, and creative arts.
Additionally, volunteers provide vital services to Veterans at Vet Centers, Veteran’s homes, the National Cemetery Administration, and Veterans Benefits Administration.
To learn more about the CDCE program and volunteering contact the JHQVAMC CDCE office at (423) 926-1171, ext. 2891.