By Shirley Redmond
SIOUX FALLS (KELO AM) — A new nationwide initiative – a “Summer of Service” – seeks the help of Sioux Falls area residents to create and build partnerships to grow the number of individuals and organizations serving Veterans here.
The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and VA Dakotas Regional Office are renewing their commitment to Veterans by inviting the community to visit and explore opportunities to serve Veterans during an open house on June 30, 2015. This will take place from 3:00-5:00 PM in the front foyer.
“We have made progress over the past year addressing the challenges we face in delivering care and benefits to millions of Veterans and their families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. “While there is more work to do to honor our commitment to Veterans, we also recognize VA cannot do it alone. We are asking Americans everywhere to join the Summer of Service and help us give back to those who have given so much to our nation.”
VA will be working closely with Congressional partners, Veterans service organizations, local communities, private sector and non-profit organizations, and VA employees to identify new and innovative ways to support VA’s commitment to care for those who “have borne the battle” and their families.
The Department has an outstanding volunteer program, which will be highlighted throughout the country this summer. VA will build upon the ongoing work of its more than 350,000 employees and 76,000 volunteers around the nation – including approximately1000 employees and 480 volunteers at the Sioux Falls VA.
While the central focus of the campaign will be increasing volunteerism and partnerships, it will also provide individuals and communities an opportunity to support other important priorities.
Despite a hiring effort that brought more than 11,000 net-new employees onboard over the past year, the Sioux Falls VA needs specialty health care providers including psychiatrists, emergency medicine physicians, a urologist, an endocrinologist, neurologist, oncologist/hematologist, ENT, plus nurses and housekeepers.
Volunteers can help serve Veterans by calling the Sioux Falls VA Voluntary Services department at 605-333-6851 to join VA in caring for America’s Veterans or to provide donations.
Please call Shirley Redmond, Public Affairs Officer, at 605-333-6889 for additional information.