For Immediate Release s245

Voluntary Service Office – Hot Springs & Fort Meade FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Press Release At Fort Meade: Kim Matz 605.720.7151 At Hot Springs: Deb Eiring 605.745.2031

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2009

NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS - February 8-14 The VA Black Hills Health Care System will be conducting various activities in celebration of the 31st annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, Feb 8-14.

"The National Salute gives everyone a chance to let those who have given our nation so much; know that they are not forgotten," said VA Black Hills Chief of Voluntary Service and Associate Director for Patient Care Services, Gwen Schroeder. "We've scheduled activities to bring patients and visitors together throughout the week, and we welcome people of all ages to join us as we bring Valentine cheer to our patients.”

Schroeder said she hopes National Salute visitors will learn more about the important roles volunteers play at VA Black Hills throughout the year and perhaps pursue volunteer opportunities themselves. "VA volunteers are such important members of our health care team, and the National Salute program is a great way for people to learn more about helping the veterans we serve.”

For more information on volunteering at the VA Black Hills Health Care System contact Fort Meade Voluntary Service at (605)720-7151 or Hot Springs Voluntary Service at (605)745-2031.

(A complete listing of National Salute activities is available upon request at numbers listed above.)