VA North Texas Health Care System

Veterans, volunteers, employees and guests gathered recently at the 35th Annual Patient Festival at Dallas VA Medical Center. More than 500 were in attendance for a fall evening of fun and entertainment. Recreation therapy employees coordinate the event primarily for Veteran patients, but the community is always welcome.

This year, more than 40 volunteer organizations attended including Amvets, Vet to Vet, American Legion Auxiliary and Elks Lodge members from the cities of Dallas, Arlington, DeSoto, Irving, Plano and Richardson. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America were also present. Volunteers provided food, games and prizes for the event.

The evening began with a welcome from Eric Jacobsen, assistant director of VA North Texas Health Care System and was followed by musical selections from the Veterans Recovery Center Basement Band. Besides the music, food and fellowship, a favorite among attendees was a martial arts demonstration from Marine Corps Veteran Perry Lee and a fire-breathing chaplain.

Veterans look forward to the festival each year. Patients staying in the hospital, who are able, come out and mingle with other Veterans and attendees. Many outpatients hung around after their appointments as well.

"We are happy that the event was well attended," said Eric Jacobsen, assistant director. "It provides an opportunity for the Veterans we serve to have a good time and we thank all of our volunteers for their support."

The annual patient festival occurs around the same time each year. Luckily this year, the climate was mild enough for this exciting outdoor event.

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