Wm. J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center Celebrates Volunteers April 16

COLUMBIA, SC – April 12 through 18 is National Volunteer Week and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will use the opportunity to thank more than 76,000 citizen volunteers who give back to Veterans every day at local VA medical facilities.

Locally, the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center will recognize more than 800 volunteers for the 76,000 hours they contributed toward caring for Veterans, driving, directing, sitting, serving, comforting and counseling on a regular basis.  On April 16, during a private ceremony at the Garners Ferry Road Sports Complex, Dorn Director Timothy McMurry will personally honor all of the men and women who have taken a little bit of time out of their lives and shared it with thousands of South Carolina Veterans.

“Our volunteer force here is the heart and soul of many of the services offered free to the Veterans who grace these halls with their presence,” McMurry said.  “They have a huge impact daily on the success for this facility.”

National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans.  There are as many ways to volunteer as there are willing people to do so.  For instance, Dorn VAMC has one volunteer who has dedicated nearly 20,000 hours of time to Veterans here and another who has been volunteering to help Veterans for the past 41 years.  Additionally, Dorn VAMC participates in a Summer Student Volunteer Program annually; drawing youth volunteers from around local communities and across the state.

“It’s a pleasure to work daily with such selflessly, dedicated, patriotic and committed men and women,” said Tammy Finney, chief of Dorn’s Voluntary Services.  “Their willingness to serve our nation’s heroes helps Voluntary Service to enrich the lives of the Veterans; it could not be done without them.”

While National Volunteer Week only lasts seven days in April, VA is inviting everyone in the community year round to explore how they can use their skills and unique assets to thank Veterans with service of their own.  No medical experience is necessary and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.  To find opportunities, visit your nearest VA medical facility or visit www.volunteer.va.gov.