National Salute to Veteran Patients Week 2024

What is National Salute to Veteran Patients Week?

From February 11 to February 17, 2024, we celebrate National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, which will honor over nine million veterans cared for by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA invites the nation to spend time honoring its hospitalized veterans by supporting and volunteering at organizations that support wounded veterans across the country.

There are multiple ways to get involved and show your support at local VA cancer centers, VA outpatient clinics, and veterans nursing homes. Mesothelioma Vets joins the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program in paying tribute to Veterans who were wounded serving our country, and has gathered the following resources for how you can get involved this year.

What Can You Do During National Salute to Veteran Patients Week?

During National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, you can devote time by getting involved and volunteering at your local VA center. This week increases awareness on the role our nation’s VA centers play in Veterans lives and encourages others to visit and volunteer at local establishments. Supporting injured veterans is essential to their mental health as it boosts their well-being and morale and it never hurts seeing a new face. Every official VA facility has a Voluntary Service representative who can provide you with ways you can get involved at your local center. Tasks range from greeting veterans at VA center doors, to driving local veterans who are unable to drive themselves to their appointments and on errands.

Salute to Veteran Patients Week dedicates time towards uplifting veteran patients’ skills, experiences, and resilience. Supporting Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is just one way to honor their sacrifice. It is important to acknowledge the contributions Veterans make for our country every day. Mesothelioma Vets supports Veterans and their families with information on treatment centers and legal resources. We understand how challenging it can be to adjust after getting injured in the military, such as developing mesothelioma. Whether you are a Veteran, family member, or friend, don’t hesitate to reach out. We will help you navigate every situation and find solutions to your needs.

Opportunities for Donating and Fundraising for Veterans

If you are unable to visit a local VA center you can make cards for veterans, and send them through Valentines for Veterans. You can also support veterans experiencing loneliness through the Compassionate Contact Corps program. The program connects injured Veterans with an outlet to build relationships and partake in weekly conversations. The gift of companionship during National Salute week can leave a positive impact on veterans’ lives.

Even something as simple as donating to the VA’s Volunteer Transportation Network or your local VFW chapter can improve the quality-of-care VA centers are able to provide to Veterans. Supporting these men and women during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is just one way to honor their sacrifice. Find out how you can help the facility nearest you.

Recognizing the History of the Veteran Affairs Department

The history of the VA organization began in 1636. At the time, the Pilgrims of Plymouth County passed a law requiring the colony to provide care for disabled soldiers. Later, during the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress paid pensions to soldiers to increase enlistment. In 1811 the first veteran’s medical facility was formed by the federal government. In the following years, many programs for returning and wounded soldiers formed. Pension payments, health care, job assistance, and burial benefits programs existed across the country before the official creation of the VA in 1930.

Additionally, the types of health problems veterans experience have expanded since the administration’s creation. Since the beginning of the 20^th century, rates of exposure-caused cancers have significantly increased among prior service members. Carcinogens like Agent Orange, diesel fumes, PFAS, and asbestos continue to result in cancer diagnoses today. Supporting these men and women during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is just one way to honor their sacrifice.

Where Can Veteran Patients Seek Help?

Veterans in need of help can seek assistance from a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO), an accredited VA representative, or online through the VA’s teleconferencing platform. If you aren’t receiving VA benefits, be sure to apply online for disability and health benefits. The VA also provides end-of-life services to men and women who’ve served in the armed forces. Other resources and support organizations for veterans include qualified veterans’ attorneys. A lawyer can review your VA application for benefits, file an appeal when necessary, and help you secure other types of compensation.

For instance, military service members who served overseas in areas with crumbling buildings or burn pits are at risk of long-term health problems. Many veterans who qualify for service-connected disability benefits could receive legal compensation for an exposure-related illness (such as lung cancer, prostate cancer, and mesothelioma).

Recognizing Veteran Patients Contributions

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week dedicates time towards uplifting veteran patients’ skills, experiences, and resilience. Supporting Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is just one way to honor their sacrifice. It is important to acknowledge the contributions Veterans make for our country every day. Mesothelioma Vets supports Veterans and their families with information on treatment centers and legal resources. We understand how challenging it can be to adjust after getting injured in the military, such as developing mesothelioma. Whether you are a Veteran, family member, or friend, don’t hesitate to reach out. We will help you navigate every situation and find solutions to your needs.