More than Support

In the non-profit world, the word support is often used and rarely defined. It’s a catch-all verb, and its casual use sometimes denotes a lack of action. People are content to share things on social media, slap a bumper sticker on their car or proudly declare their support, all without ever actually doing anything to advance that cause or solve that problem. The world of veterans’ service is no exception in this regard.

However, the Elks are part of an important program that counteracts this trend. Through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service program, or VAVS, hundreds of Elks are stationed in VA facilities across the nation, providing consistent, tangible service to the veterans who seek care there.

That’s no small feat. In the United States today, there are more than 21 million veterans, more than 9 million of whom receive health care at the VA. In a typical year, more than 6 million of those veterans visit a facility.

Nearly 60 years ago, the VA chose the words of Abraham Lincoln as their motto and mission, taken from a speech he’d given just weeks before his assassination. Lincoln charged the country with the responsibility “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”

That responsibility stands today. All kinds of veterans pass through the VA: young and old, male and female, rich and poor. They go seeking traditional healthcare, mental health treatment, physical therapy, assistance finding a home or even to learn an adaptive sport.

Through the VAVS program, Elks are stationed in places like VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes and even a few USOs across the country. These Elks host barbecues, organize job fairs, partner on Stand Downs, provide weekly recreation opportunities, offer much-needed trips out of the hospital, and provide friendship.

If you’re passionate about serving veterans, the VA is the perfect place to do so. We are always looking for VAVS Representatives to promise monthly visits, and Deputy Representatives to partner with them.  More volunteers means the opportunity to expand services and reach out to new groups of veterans, helping us to serve groups like female veterans, homeless veterans, and the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans whose numbers are increasing every day.

Your time and talents are needed. Millions of veterans are counting on you.

 

To learn more about the Elks VAVS program, visit our webpage. To get involved, contact the Veterans office today to learn about VAVS volunteer opportunities near you. You can reach us at 773-755-4736, or Vets@elks.org.