Blue Jays Pitcher visits hospitalized vets.

You can see the eyes of sick and disabled veterans brighten when top-rated Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jason Arnold breezes into a room at a VA medical center. Visiting hospitalized veterans is as much a thrill as striking out the side in the bottom of the ninth of a major league game.

The talented pitcher flashes a bright smile and tells his stories of baseball to hundreds of enthralled veterans. He's been in there pitching for veterans for two years, and he took time just before Christmas to visit sick and disabled veterans at the VA medical center in West Palm Beach, Fla., as part of the DAV Celebrity Entertainment Program.

"We are proud that Jason has become such a valuable supporter of our DAV Celebrity Entertainment Program," said DAV National Commander Alan W. Bowers. "I know that Jason's visits to VA medical centers have brought a great deal of joy to the men and women veterans being treated there. Many of these wonderful veterans rarely get visitors. They have sacrificed a great deal to defend our nation's liberty, and they should get the respect and care they deserve."

The 24-year-old Arnold signs autographs, presents patients with souvenirs provided by the Toronto Blue Jays and DAV, and helps brighten the day for sick and disabled veterans. Hospitalized veteran Horace Anderson, 82, who served in France and Germany during World War II, said that Arnold's visit and autographs "made my day."

"Jason is a terrific young man who treats our veterans like they are all heroes," said DAV National Director of Voluntary Services Edward E. Hartman. "It's great that Jason so actively participates in our Celebrity Entertainment Program. He is such a powerful presence and he never fails to bring smiles to veterans."

The visit by Arnold to the west Palm Beach VA Medical Center was his fourth as part of the DAV Celebrity Entertainment Program. He joins Detroit Tigers pitcher Mike Maroth. Major League Baseball Umpires Larry Barnett and Jerry Layne, and others who have participated in the program. These celebrities generously donate their time to remember the men and women who sacrificed greatly in defense of liberty.

"If more guys would make a visit for the first time, they'd see how much it means to our veterans," Arnold said. I don't do this for me. Sure, you feel like a million bucks while you're doing it, but you appreciate what these veterans have done for our country, so it's just a way of thanking them."

"I just think guys in my position could be doing, more for veterans," Arnold said. "We're playing a game for a living, and we're making a lot more money than most people. What's a couple of hours? What else would I be doing? Christmas shopping can wait, that's for sure."

Arnold said that hospital visits can be emotional. He spent extra time bringing smiles and laughter to a terminally ill veteran in Tampa who died just days later. In December, Arnold brightened up the day for Navy veteran Richard Rackley, who was about to have part of this leg amputated.

"This is all a blessing," said Rackley's wife Beulah. "I think this is wonderful, something to try and keep their spirits up. Jason is a real sweetheart to take the time for someone else. I just wish others would do it, too."

"I know that Jason gets a great deal out of visiting hospitalized veterans," Hartman said. "But what he gives back is truly remarkable. His warmth and compassion are deeply appreciated by the men and Women lie visits, Jason gives the greatest gift of all to our veterans--he gives of himself to enrich the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our liberty. Jason is quite an impressive man."