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“Let’s Luau!”, VAEA hosts summer event at JHQVAMC

Employees waiting in line.
JHQVAMC employees stand in line for Kona Ice treats provided by VAEA and AFGE, May 24, 2023. (Photo by Joshua S. Higgins, public affairs officer)
By Cory Chapin, Public Affairs Specialist

VA Employee Association (VAEA) hosted its summer kickoff event, co-sponsored by American Federation of Government Employees 1687 (AFGE), holding a luau at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) May 24th, 2023.

The event was open to all employees and included a selfie-station, games, pets, food, and shaved ice from a Kona Ice truck. Employees gathered under tents for treats and the various offerings, all provided for free.  

Washington County Animal Shelter set up an information table about pet adoption, and brought with them dogs, toys, and applications to adopt. VAEA previously hosted an event where attendees could meet goats but made this change to raise awareness for animal adoption. Multiple applications for adoption were submitted.

VAEA President April Frazier expressed the importance of employees taking a moment to unwind.

“We wanted to provide something fun and different for the employees,” said Frazier. “We are here to provide events that allow them to get away from work for just a moment and socialize, while also showing how much we appreciate them!”