VA North Texas Health Care System
VA North Texas Health Care System Salutes Its Volunteers
May 4, 2010
DALLAS – VA volunteers who tirelessly work to support patient care services at Dallas VA Medical Center, Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic and Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham were honored last week during National Volunteer Week.
The National Volunteer Week theme, "Celebrating People in Action," reflects the vital roles volunteers play in all facets of American life and especially the time VA volunteers share with Veterans and their families.
"VA volunteers perform countless acts of service, many that might go undone if not for a volunteer," said Joseph M. Dalpiaz, VA North Texas director. "During the past year, volunteers nationwide have continued to reach out to their neighbors both near and far, especially to the Veterans we care for and their families. National Volunteer Week is the ideal time to honor volunteers meeting community needs around the country and calling the public's attention to their tremendous contributions."
Volunteers from Dallas/Fort Worth gathered for a "roaring 20s" banquet at the Southern Cross Ranch where Frank Havlak of Arlington was named volunteer of the year. Frank has volunteered for over 15 years, accumulating over 6,559 hours during his tenure. He is a member of the US Submarines Vets of WWII and provides assistance in the volunteer office, coffee rounds and comfort kits for patient care areas. Also honored from Dallas, receiving the "Every Day Hero" award, was Shawn Adams of Waxahachie . Shawn has volunteered for eight years, logging over 2,360 hours. This award is given every year to a volunteer who goes above and beyond his or her volunteer duties. Adams works at the information desk and has a wonderful attitude exemplifying the role of a caring volunteer and fellow Veteran.
VFW Post 4852 hosted the Bonham volunteer "roaring 20s" banquet and named Martha Neyman of Sherman as volunteer of the year at Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham. Neyman has volunteered for two years, logging over 327 hours, and serves as VA Voluntary Service representative for Soldier’s Angels. She spends her time assisting Veterans and their families in the Community Living Center as well as surrounding communities.
In FY 2009, volunteer hours for VA North Texas Health Care System were 148,443. Volunteer hours and monetary donations combined represent a total value of over $4.7 million in volunteer services.
"We are proud to honor our volunteers, many of whom are Veterans themselves. The camaraderie they are able to provide Veterans in our care makes them an essential and effective member of our health care team," concluded Dalpiaz.
If you are interested in VA volunteer opportunities, please contact Bobbie Scoggins, chief of voluntary service, at 214 857-0428.
