As part of our ongoing efforts to honor Veterans, the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System will celebrate the 42nd National Salute to Veteran Patients Week Feb 9-15. During the week, we will pay tribute to American heroes—the men and women we care for every day.
Each of us who are privileged to live in this Nation has a special place in our hearts for these defenders of freedom. Local dignitaries and civic officials will visit the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center throughout the week to show their support of our Veterans. In addition, we have several specific events set up throughout the week.
- 11:00 a.m., Feb. 11- Carnation Distribution with Melba Wahlen and the Wahlen Family. Melba is the widow of the medical center’s namesake, Medal of Honor recipient George E. Wahlen. At 91 years young, Melba Wahlen has spent over 70-years serving our nation’s Veterans. For years, Melba and her daughters have delivered carnations and visited with Veterans.
- 11:00 a.m., Feb. 12- National Salute Luncheon for Veterans
- 10:00 a.m. Feb. 14- VA Voluntary Services- Valentine Gift Distribution to Veteran inpatients. VA Volunteers and voluntary services spend the morning putting together Valentine gift bags for our Veterans. They then deliver the bags to Veteran in-patients. (Great video and photo opportunity.)
- 11:30 am Feb. 14- National Salute Cake and Lapel Pin Distribution for Veterans
Visits are not limited to VIPS. Anyone wishing to visit with our in-patient Veterans can schedule a visit during Salute Week—just contact our voluntary services office at 801-584-1241. To schedule interviews or for more information contact: Jeremy M. Laird, 801-582-1565 ext. 1955 or Email: jeremy.laird@va.gov or Tony Jarmusz, 801-582-1565 ext. 6606 or Email: anthony.jarmusz@va.gov.