The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) has provided over 58 years of service to America’s veterans seeking care in VA health care facilities. Since 1946, VAVS volunteers have donated 663.5 million hours of service.

VAVS is the largest volunteer program in the Federal government. More than 350 national and community organizations support VAVS. The program is supported by a VAVS National Advisory Committee, composed of 63 major veteran, civic and service organizations, which reports to the Under Secretary for Health.

As VA has expanded its care of veteran patients into the community, volunteers have become involved. They assist veteran patients by augmenting staff in such settings as hospital wards, nursing homes, community-based volunteer programs, end-of-life care programs, foster care and veterans outreach centers.

There were 133,772 volunteers on the rolls during FY 2004 while 92,753 active VAVS volunteers contributed a total of 12,951,337 hours. The FY 2004 total VAVS hours equate to 6,206 full time employee equivalent (FTEE) positions. The current monetary worth of the 12,951,337 hours from all VAVS volunteers is $223 million (Independent Sector formula estimates a calendar year 2003 volunteer hour at $17.19). VAVS volunteers and their organizations annually contribute an estimated $42 million in gifts and donations.

Monetary estimates aside, it is impossible to calculate the amount of caring and sharing that these VAVS volunteers provide to veteran patients. VAVS volunteers are a priceless asset to the Nation’s veterans and to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Click for more information about volunteering, or if you wish to become an OBVAMC Volunteer.