VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) program is committed to promoting, supporting, and providing services that enhance the lives of veterans and their families. It, along with the other of the Four Pillars, is among the premier programs of our organization.
Ways by which this commitment can be met are numerous and are not limited to activities within VA Medical Centers. Acts of service directed toward veterans and their families in the community setting are included under VA&R.
Activities may include but are not limited to:
• Volunteering at VA facilities
• Providing assistance to veterans in the community
• Conducting Buddy Checks
• Promoting awareness of the Be the One suicide prevention mission
• Donating hygiene, leisure, and comfort items to VA facilities according to their “wish lists”. Be aware of what each VA Medical Center will accept, as it varies.
• Raising awareness about homeless veterans, many of whom have children.
• Participating in Christmas Gift Shop and Christmas wrap events.
• Supporting Veterans Creative Arts Festivals
• Providing support to caregivers of veterans, family members, and survivors
• Collaborating with organizations that support our mission, such as Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight, Inc., and the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network.
• Participating in a stand down event
• Sending cards to hospitalized and homebound veterans for holidays
• Contributing to National Salute to Veterans Week events
The Department VA&R program has a special project each year. Units are urged to learn about, contribute to, and support that project.
Reminders:
Members can assist veterans without ever leaving their own home. Crocheting, knitting, and sewing items for veterans are important contributions. Donations of items should always be handled through the VAMC Center for Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) office, formerly known as the Voluntary Service office, accompanied by a letter from the unit listing the donated items.
Other
Join the ALA VA&R Facebook group and check the National ALA website frequently for updates.
For additional information, download Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation: A Guide for Volunteers available at https://www.legion-aux.org/Member/Guides/Volunteer-Guide and
visit https://www.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/VAR/Get-nvolved-VAR
Excerpted from the ALA Unit Guide (2024, pp.89-90), the ALA National Website https://www.legion-aux.org/ and links provided above.
Updated July 2025
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