VA Providence shows love and appreciation to Veterans on Valentine's Day
On February 14, 2024, VA Providence Healthcare System celebrated Valentine's Day with VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell and a team of volunteers from the Rhode Island Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFWRI), Rhode Island National Guard, Providence College ROTC, and Bobby's Valentines 501(c)(3).
Director Connell and Matthew McCoy (VFW Post 152) went around the hospital to hand out Valentine's Day cards to Veterans, expressing their gratitude and admiration for their service and sacrifice. He said that the event was a way to recognize and honor the Veterans, and to make them feel valued and appreciated.
"It's important to show our Veterans that we care about them and that we are here for them, especially on a day like Valentine's Day," Connell said. "They have given so much to our country and our community, and we want to give back to them in any way we can."
The volunteers from the Rhode Island National Guard, Providence College ROTC, and Bobby's Valentines were present in the VA Providence main lobby, where they handed out Valentine's Day cards to Veterans as well as candy, gift bags, and stress balls. The cards were handmade by local students and community members, and contained heartfelt messages of gratitude and support for the Veterans.
The volunteer team was led by Captain Melissa Walason from the Rhode Island National Guard, who also teaches at Providence College. She said that the event was a way to connect with the Veterans and to share some love and joy with them.
The event was coordinated by VA Providence Voluntary Services, which works to enhance the quality of life and well-being of Veterans through various programs and activities.