AMERICAN LEGION POST 77 - PROGRAMS - VAVS

American Legion Post 77 VAVS

THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS

VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE (VAVS) PROGRAM

HELPING OTHERS

IT’S NOT ENOUGH MERELY TO EXIST

YOU MUST GIVE SOME TIME TO YOUR FELLOWMAN,

EVEN IF IT’S A LITTLE THING

DO SOMETHING FOR THOSE WHO NEED MAN’S HELP

FOR WHICH YOU GET NO OTHER PAY

BUT THE PRIVILEGE OF DOING.

- DR ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Participation in activities in behalf of disabled veterans has been a tradition of The American Legion since the days of its founding. Planning for incorporating Legionnaires into the care and treatment programs of the Veterans Health Administration was begun in April, 1946. At that time, representatives of The American Legion and several other veteran and welfare organizations met in Washington, D.C. with representatives of VA Central Office, and developed a basic plan of operation. That plan became known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS).

The VA Under Secretary for Health has stated that The American Legion has been one of the most active organizations in working at the national level for a purposeful program of volunteer activities in, and beyond, the medical facility. Volunteer activity is premised on its therapeutic value to the patient. The medical facility patient care program is developed by the treatment staff, and is under the control of physicians.

The properly oriented American Legion volunteer brings to the veteran patient a special talent and understanding which bridges the gap between the medical facility and the community, aids his rehabilitation, and speeds the veteran’s return to productive community living.

-reprinted from www.txlegion.org.

Contact Post 77 (commander@txlegionpost77.com) for more information on our VAVS program.