VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients week is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day, a day of caring and sharing which underscores the salute’s expression of honor and appreciation to inpatient and outpatient Veterans.
This year’s observance for National Salute to Veteran Patients was held Feb. 11-17.
There are many ways to show appreciation, such as sending cards, donating to support Veteran programs or becoming a volunteer in one of the many assignments VA has to offer.
You can schedule a visit to show your appreciation to hospitalized Veterans.
One such visit occurred on Feb. 11 to kick off National Salute to Veteran Patients week at George E. Wahlen VA in Salt Lake City. Al Jensen and his family paid a visit to deliver a unique gift to Veterans… boxes of frogs. Not just any frog, but “My Pet Frog.”
Created frogs as a reminder for people to smile
Jensen started creating these frogs as a reminder for people to smile. “My grandson Ren put a plastic frog on my car dashboard. I asked him why. He said, ‘Grandpa, the frog will be your friend and keep you company when I am not with you.’ He was absolutely right. The frog did keep me company. We thought it would be fun to offer frogs to others so they would have a magical frog friend to keep them company,” Jensen said.
Jensen and his family provided 40 frogs to Salt Lake City VA and handed several of them personally to Veterans.
To learn more about volunteering, visiting or supporting our Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors, please visit the Center for Development & Civic Engagement website to explore the many ways you can offer your time and talent.
