Writing letters to those recovering in VA Hospital's and medical facilities around the country is a positive way to cheer up someone’s day.

Jane has extraordinary influence that is not limited to her peers – very unusual. Several of my older adult friends follow her on Social Media.  An example would be last year Jane had posted her latest community endeavor – A Volunteer with the Veterans Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi  spending her free time at the Institute for the Blind. Proudly displaying her ID badge, it inspired me so much that I immediately set about becoming a VA Volunteer – which is not easy – it required an application, immunizations and background check and a commitment to show up on a regular basis. 

I got the call to tell me I was accepted as a Red Coat – one of the official volunteers dedicated to greeting and helping the Veterans.  I was so excited to be a “red coat” with Mr. Charlie (who has been a volunteer at the Hospital for several decades, faithfully serving 4 mornings a week manning the front visitors  desk and helping people with a smile.  I did that for several months and then COVID-19 forced the shutdown of everything!  That was when I learned that our veterans love letters and silly jokes!  So, since March I have written many letters and apparently delighted many veterans.    

Hope you like them too!
-Kerry Boylan

Volunteer at the VA Facility Nearest You:

• More details on the duties of a VA Red Coat Ambassador - CLICK HERE
• Volunteer at Murfreesboro or Nashville VA Campuses - CLICK HERE
• Volunteer at the VA Facility in Your Community - CLICK HERE