VA invites community to thank, visit Veterans

Omaha, Neb. - Proud American men and women are serving and sacrificing for freedom around the world as America's military defends us against terrorism. Many of these veterans are coming to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system with special needs and challenges that require the hearts and hands of a new generation of VA volunteers.

Citizens young and old are encouraged and invited to join the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) in honoring our veterans, and learning more about VA's volunteer program during the National Salute to Veteran Patients week, Feb. 13 to 19.

You can join the "Visit a Vet for Valentine's Day" program or stop by anytime during National Salute week to visit veterans at the Omaha VA Medical Center and remind them that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The medical center is at 4101 Woolworth Ave.

A tangible yet simple gesture is joining in the Valentines for Vets program. People are encouraged to buy or create Valentines cards and write a simple note to thank veterans, and then bring them to the VA medical center.

Every citizen can make a positive difference in the life of a veteran patient. Visits from community groups do much to lift the spirits of our patients Call the medical center's Voluntary Service office at (402) 995-3284 to schedule a visit and learn how to join the VA's National Salute to Veteran Patients.

The VA NWIHCS proudly serves more than 167,660 veterans in Nebraska, western Iowa and portions of Kansas and Missouri.

Omaha's medical center is an inpatient facility and also a large outpatient clinic for primary and specialty care. The Community Living Center is in Grand Island. There are community-based outpatient clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte, Holdrege, Norfolk, Bellevue and Shenandoah, Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.nebraska.va.gov.