While many veterans enjoy the attention of Veterans Day, it’s suggested Iowans consider offering a little love to veterans on Valentines Day, too. Will Ackerman, spokesman for the V-A Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care Systems, says this is National Salute to Veterans Week and it’s a great time to show appreciation.
Ackerman says, "We encourage Americans to say thank you to the very special group of men and women who served in the military and protected us." Nationwide, more than 98-thousand veterans are cared for in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. Ackerman says Iowans are encouraged to pay a visit to a hospitalized veteran this week.
He says, "Visit with them, bring them a Valentine or even bring them a cookie or something, just to let them know they are appreciated." Ackerman says a number of veterans groups, businesses, celebrities and other military personnel are taking part and visiting veterans this week.
Ackerman says, "Organizations and schools are going to be coming out during the week to bring valentines and cookies to the veterans who are inpatients." He says visitors are welcome at any V-A facilities. In Iowa, there are V-A medical centers in Des Moines, Iowa City and Knoxville, in addition to veterans centers in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Sioux City, and clinics in Bettendorf, Coralville, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spirit Lake and Waterloo.