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Agency Spotlight
VA Medical Center at
Memphis
Once a
month we will "shine a spotlight" on one of our
partnering agencies. We want to give community members
like you the opportunity to learn more about our
partnering agencies as well as their volunteer
coordinators. This month we are featuring the
VA Medical Center at Memphis.
We talked with Donna Fischer, the Volunteer Service
Specialist, and asked her a few questions.
Briefly tell us about your agency:
The VA Medical Center in Memphis delivers quality health care to Veterans
in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. There are
several VA outpatient clinics located in outlying areas.
We strive to serve and care for our Nation's Heroes that
have paid the price for our freedom.
What is your agency's biggest
event?
The VA
Medical Center in Memphis recently held a free concert
for Veterans, their families, and the community for
1,000 people. Aaron Tippin, a country singer performed
at Minglewood Hall on February 13, 2010 as part of a
week long celebration for Veteran patients.
What type of volunteer
opportunities does your agency have coming up this
month?
- Volunteer
Drivers - drivers are needed to bring
Veterans to the VA for their appointments locally
and in outlying areas.
- Clerical
Assistants - volunteers are needed to answer
phones, file, make copies, and run errands.
- Information
Desk - volunteers are needed to provide
information to visitors and Veterans as well as
guiding them through the facility to their scheduled
appointment.
- Ward Volunteers
- volunteers are needed to visit, read, or write
letters, assist patients, and run errands.
What is your idea of a
"perfect" volunteer?
Someone who is dependable, flexible, and wears a
"smile."
I live by the following motto:
"Serving those who served."
Since working at your agency,
has their been a significant moment that has impacted
your life?
Earlier
this year a volunteer came to my office and told me that
a Veteran had just passed away. That same morning the
Veteran told the volunteer that she wasn't lonely any
more and thanked her for taking the time to visit. The
Veteran said that she would not be around later that day
when the volunteer came back from lunch. This was true.
I was thankful that I could provide someone to comfort
her when the end was near.
If you would like to learn more about the VA Medical
Center at Memphis
or if you would like to volunteer contact Donna Fischer
at 901-523-8990, ext. 5876 or
donna.fischer@va.gov.
If you would like to have your agency
in "the spotlight" please complete and return
this form
by email to
tallen@volunteermidsouth.org
or fax 901-523-7107. For
questions please contact
Traci Allen at 523-2425 ext. 208 or
tallen@volunteermidsouth.org
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