Gov. Rick Snyder to stop by Ann Arbor VA in honor of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week
Gov. Rick Snyder will visit the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System today.
AnnArbor.com file photo
This week is National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. The week entails programs aimed at paying tribute to veterans at VA hospitals nationwide and is always held the week of Valentine’s Day.
At 4 p.m. today, Gov. Rick Snyder will visit with vets being treated at the hospital in Ann Arbor. Sandra Jacobs, the voluntary service specialist for the Ann Arbor VA, said the governor’s visit follows a week of performances and visits. Veterans have enjoyed performances from the Saline Fiddlers and others, as well as drop-in visits from Detroit sports stars and U-M athletes all week, Jacobs said.
Deborah Dingell, the wife of U.S. Rep. John Dingell, will also stop by to visit vets today.
Snyder's visit to the VA facility today will follow an appearance at the University of Michigan where officials will honor of the Clean Energy Prize competition.
Jacobs said the facility welcomes volunteers and visitors all year. To arrange a visit, call voluntary services at 734-845-3467.
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System facts:
• There are 153,000 Veterans living in the system's service area. • The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System serves as a referral center for other VA Medical Centers in the lower peninsula of Michigan. • In fiscal year 2010, 54,084 veterans received care. • The hospital has 101 beds. There are 40 beds in the Community Living Center, which is similar to a nursing home.
Juliana Keeping is a health and environment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Sat, Feb 19, 2011 : 1:25 a.m.
If recent articles about veteran homelessness are accurate, and I don't doubt they are, the VA Hospitals are particularly necessary. My father died in a VA hospital years ago (in another state) but his care was compassionate and capable. He could have gone anywhere since he had excellent medical coverage but chose to be amongst those who had served. Once, on a particularly bad day, a nurse asked if there was something she could do to make him feel better. He requested a song - "You Are My Sunshine". She called the other nurses to him and they sang, not just that song but a few more too. All veterans deserve this quality of care. VA Hospitals deserve adequate funding to be able to attract the best and brightest to provide it. Whether this visit is a political stunt or not, I hope it ultimately means that the political machine will recognize the importance of supporting veterans in any and all ways. I can't think of anyone who opposes veterans or won't get behind a politician who honestly says they will support them, and then does it . It is appreciation that may carry over to the voting booth.
Mikey2u
Fri, Feb 18, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
I am a vet and I would be honored to receive a visit from Deborah Dingell. Her husband U.S. Rep. John Dingell is a true American hero. Michigan is lucky to have him looking out for us in Washington.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Feb 18, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
"Sandra Jacobs, the voluntary service specialist for the Ann Arbor VA, said the governor's visit follows a week of performances and visits" Don't recall any news coverage by AnnArbor.com prior to this. Why not? Does Rick Snyder making a visit make it a story now and not before?
Forever27
Fri, Feb 18, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
yes
Bertha Venation
Fri, Feb 18, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
Gee... That's nice.