Veterans' Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA & R)
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
means the complete restoration of the veteran and his family to normal function
and adjustment, physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally for the
fullest possible life, compatible with his abilities and disabilities.
The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
work of the American Legion Auxiliary includes bringing physical comfort and
mental cheer to veterans in hospitals, aiding the disabled to earn money for the
support of themselves and their families, and helping them to reestablish
themselves in life. The American Legion Auxiliary cooperates with The American
Legion in ALL its endeavors on behalf of veterans.
To carry out the Veterans Affairs and
Rehabilitation work effectively, a complete organization extending from the
Unit to the National organization is necessary. Years of experience in
rehabilitation have brought about systematizing of the activities which has
proven to be the most efficient way to aid the different classes of disabled
veterans.
The general plan of Veterans
Administration Medical Center (VAMC) programs and aid for the hospitalized
veterans within the state is set up by the National Organization. This becomes
the responsibility of the Department Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairman , and she should work very closely with The
American Legion Committee.
There is a need for volunteers in local
VA Medical Centers nationwide. Medical Center Volunteers will attend an
orientation program at the VA Medical Center in their community or adjacent
area before they can volunteer to serve in the hospital. After satisfactory
completion of the prescribed training courses, the Hospital Volunteers of the
American Legion Auxiliary will be qualified to service and aid the Medical
Center Staff in caring for the hospitalized veteran.
One of the programs of Veterans Affairs
and Rehabilitation is that of Field Service; a volunteer program similar to
that of the Hospital Volunteer program, but conducted in community nursing
homes and non-VA facilities. An Orientation to these positions must be attended before the
committee members can start their work.
Home Service is that service given by
all American Legion Auxiliary volunteers IN HER OWN HOME to assist Veterans. Home
service includes sewing, knitting, coking, shopping for materials and supplies,
and other services performed by the volunteer. Hospital Gift Shop items made at
home are classified as Home Service.
Guide
for Volunteers
The "Guide for Volunteers"
contains rules, regulations , and duties for all
volunteer groups in rehabilitation, and may be obtained through the Department
Headquarters. Every volunteer should have a copy available to her.