National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

The purpose of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program is to:

• pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans;
• increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center;
• encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers

Cupid visits with a veteran at the West Los Angeles VA.

The week of February 14 each year is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.

Mike Vogel
2008 National Salute Chairman

Mr. Vogel will lead VA's annual patient recognition program inviting the public to visit and honor hospitalized veterans during National Salute Week, February 10 - 16, 2008. He will serve as national spokesperson for more than 90,000 volunteers serving veterans at VA facilities across the nation.

The youngest celebrity to lead the National Salute, Vogel brings youthful energy to the program at a time when the number of young combat veterans under VA care is growing and VA is looking to younger generations of American’s to replenish an aging volunteer force.

Vogel was born in Abington, Pennsylvania in 1979 and began modeling for Levi-Strauss & Company shortly after high school. He began his acting career in 2001 on the Fox Network television series “Grounded for Life.” He has appeared in a variety of movies since, including “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “Rumor has It,” and “Poseidon,” the 2006 remake of the “Poseidon Adventure.”

Currently, Vogel has a starring role in the new feature film “Cloverfield,” released in January 2008.

Vogel became personally involved in supporting veterans after his cousin’s husband was killed during military duty in Iraq in 2007. Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II. One was a tank commander and veteran of the Battle of the Bulge; the other a Seabee in the Navy.

During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs.

The week also provides an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the volunteer opportunities within the medical center.

Contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America's Heroes. Locate the facility nearest you.