VA Medical Center honors volunteers

IRON MOUNTAIN — Last year, volunteers at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center provided over 31,800 hours of service, which is equivalent to the work of 15 full-time employees.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, the VA hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain Friday afternoon. Katie Maxon, the chief of voluntary service at the VA, said that the ceremony isn’t just about recognizing the hours or money volunteers donate to the organization.

“It’s getting someone to where they need to be with a smile or a laugh. It’s sharing a story, it’s spending time with a Veteran, and being able to play a game of cards or put together a puzzle. It’s all those intangible things that we look at and honor this week,” she said. “We definitely could not bring a full spectrum of care without their dedication.”

All 400 volunteers weren’t in attendance, but the VA staff still honored their service to helping Veterans and their families.