NEW THIS YEAR: PROGRAMS HAVE UNIQUE QR CODES WITH A DIRECT LINK TO THE PROGRAM.
Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition and Support: New volunteers are needed every day. Volunteering saves VA and other facilities millions of dollars every year. We will focus on increasing our Volunteers this year. Also, it is very important to thank the volunteers. There are certificates in MALTA that can be used for recognition. Recognize your volunteers at the Auxiliary meeting with a special treat. You’ll be amazed at how grateful they will be.
National Salute to Veteran Patients: The week of February 14 (Valentines) is a great opportunity to say you care and thank you to the Veterans we support. It’s a time to also make the community aware of the VA’s role at the medical centers, pay tribute to Veterans, and encourage new volunteers. All VA’s in Arkansas will have special programs that week and will be looking for volunteers to help recognize Veterans. Youth handmade Valentines are a perfect idea.
Women Veterans Health Care Program: Women make up more than 10% of the military yet their services thru the VA are often lacking. Let’s take time this year to understand this issue and be an active voice to ensure timely, equitable service for these Veterans. We have a specialty women’s clinic in Little Rock. Find a way to support that.
Honor Escort: When a Veterans pass there is a moving ceremony that can be done by hospital staff, family, and friends. It involves a flag-covered gurney as the Veteran is moved from his room through the halls of the facility. It is not riders accompanying or standing by at the cemetery or grave side.- It is done at the place of death, hospital, or home. To learn what the VA and National Hospice and Palliative Care is doing for Veterans in community facilities access the website wehonorveterans.org.
Who - Members, non-members, youth, and families. What-Every VA or hospital has its own unique needs. The best place to start is by asking one of the VAVS Department Representative how you can get involved, or a recreational therapist at a Nursing HomeWhere: VA Hospitals, local hospitals, Veteran’s homes, nursing homes, their homes, volunteers serve and provide comfort and happiness.
Outstanding Hospital Volunteer:Each Auxiliary should submit an Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year to the Hospital Chairman. Nominations for Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year should be accompanied by the application form, letters of recommendation from the facility where the members volunteers or any other pictures or documents that substantiate the assignment and hours that the member serves at each facility. Many of our members volunteer at more than one facility and each of their immediate supervisors may submit a letter of recommendation. The Department Outstanding Hospital Volunteer winner will be sent to National to be eligible for Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year.
Department Hospitalized Veterans Annual Lake Good Hope Fishing Derby. October 10, 2025, is the date for this fun filled and well received event at the North Little Rock VA (Towbin/Ft Roots). Please donate to the Derby by sending a check to the Department Treasurer and earmark it "Fishing Derby.” All members are encouraged to volunteer on the 10th. Check the view as plans are finalized for this year.
Arkansas State Veterans Homes:Since 2019 the Veterans Administration and Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs have signed an agreement that allows Veterans Home volunteer hours to be reported through the VA. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the Veterans Homes in North Little Rock and Fayetteville and time spent volunteering was only reported on the Auxiliary Hospital report but now it can be recorded as VAVS hours also.
HOSPITAL PROGRAM
Hours earn VFW Auxiliary Awards; the VFW Auxiliary establishes relationships with Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Veterans Homes Facilities, the Fisher House
VAVS PROGRAM
Hours earn VAVS and VFW Auxiliary Awards; The Department of Veteran Affairs created the VAVS Program for organizations to serve in VA Medical facilities, State Veteran Homes
Hours served in both of these facilities can be recorded on the VFW Auxiliary Hospital report and earn VFW Auxiliary hourly service pins for time spent serving Veterans. Hours served in the VAVS Program are awarded hourly service pins from the VA. Volunteers are recognized at an annual event to receive awards from the VA. The VA also has an outstanding volunteer of the year and auxiliary members are eligible to receive that award.
Nominations for Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year should be accompanied by the application form, letters of recommendation from the facility where the members volunteers or any other pictures or documents that substantiate the assignment and hours that the member serves at each facility. Many of our members volunteer at more than one facility and each of their immediate supervisors may submit a letter of recommendation.
