Time to salute, thank veterans for service

To the Editor:

The week of Feb. 9-15 is designated National Salute to Veterans Week.

The employees and volunteers at the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Medical Center and the Ironwood VA Outpatient Clinic salute America’s heroes — the nearly 20,000 men and women we proudly care for and serve, as well as more than 210 of our employees and 220 of our volunteers who served their country in the military. Men and women who have given more than most to protect and preserve all we hold dear as Americans.

Next week, we join VA facilities across the nation in honoring these men and women who have paid, and continue to pay, the price of freedom. There are are no words that can adequately express what their sacrifices have meant to the nation. However, we can take time to express our personal thanks and appreciation to them.

Our patients have a special place in our hearts. However, they are more than “patients” — they are “our veterans.” Please take time this week to thank a veteran for his or her service and sacrifice.

James W. Rice

Director, Oscar Johnson VA Medical Center

Iron Mountain