Aleda E. Lutz VAMC recognizes hospitalized Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week

Since 1978, VA has used the week of Valentine’s Day to provide a weeklong commemoration for Veterans. Our facility has activities planned during the week to include visiting with inpatient Veterans in the Community Living Center (CLC) and distribute cards and specialized items for them to enjoy. Staff, Leadership and volunteers will be greeting Veterans entering the facility with commemorative items and will receive a salute from Honor Guard members while on station. We will have a special visit from Congressman Kildee as he visits our Veteran patients, both those coming in for appointments and those who are in the CLC. Each year, Congressman Kildee brings Valentine’s cards, created by local school children, and personally delivers these special cards to the Veterans.

“Each year, during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, we look forward to giving extra special attention to our hospitalized Veterans,” said Chris Cauley, Medical Center Director. “It warms my heart to see them open up the Valentine’s cards the children made for them. You can see the joy in their eyes and sometimes a tear or two.”

In 2022, schools, community groups and youth organizations nationwide sent more than 5,000 valentines to Aleda E. Lutz VAMC, which were distributed to Veteran inpatients. Additionally, volunteers and community organizations contributed to events and activities recognizing hospitalized Veterans throughout the region.

In addition to donations, and as a compliment to in-person volunteer assignments, VA also provides volunteers with virtual and remote assignments which allows them to safely support Veteran inpatients during the pandemic.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Aleda E. Lutz VAMC, email VHASAGVoluntaryService@va.gov or call 989-497-2500 Ext. 13360 or 13369.

The Aleda E. Lutz VAMC in Saginaw, Michigan operates an 81-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation Community Living Center. It provides care to over 40,126 Veterans in a 35-county geographic area, from mid-Michigan to the Mackinac Bridge. Veterans can also receive care at one of our nine VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located throughout Michigan. More information about this VA can be found at www.va.gov/saginaw-health-care/.  

Tara Scheuer, Public Affairs Officer

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