Now's the time to recruit future volunteers.

DAV and Auxiliary volunteers have proudly borne the slogan "DAV Volunteer -- We make it happen!" on pins they wear for many years. But what if there were no volunteers to make it happen? The new DAV National Commander's Volunteer Recruitment Initiative is designed to make sure that question never has to be asked.

Since the beginning of the DAV and its Auxiliary, members have generously given their time, love, and support in countless volunteer activities at VA health care facilities to ensure veterans receive every form of assistance possible. They take over where the work of doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrators ends; they extend care to its most human element, and they do it with warm smiles and loving care.

DAV and Auxiliary volunteers truly do "make it happen." Their friendly smiles greet veterans and visitors; they escort patients throughout VA medical facilities; assist with tasks in virtually all medical departments; drive veterans to and from VA medical facilities; visit with patients; share the lives of veterans in VA hospitals, clinics and nursing homes; and so much more. The pay for their service is a smile and a thank you from a sick or disabled veteran or a family member, but for volunteers those smiles and thanks are the richest reward one can receive.

To even imagine a VA medical facility without volunteers leaves one with a heavy heart and sad spirit. They are a part of the VA family that cares so deeply for our nation's sick and disabled veterans.

"Now, more than ever before, the need to recruit new volunteers is vital to the continued level of care veterans receive at VA medical facilities," DAV National Director of Voluntary Services Jerry P. Steelman said.

Volunteers within the VA medical system are currently older men and women, for the most part. That is not to say they aren't fantastic volunteers -- they are amazingly good and proficient volunteers who genuinely care and do a commendable service for our nation's sick and disabled veterans. But the reality is they are mostly veterans, spouses, and other relatives and individuals in their late 50s and older.

As these volunteers grow older, many are no longer able to physically sustain the level of volunteer service they once provided. And many, due to age, can no longer volunteer at all. In some cases, volunteers become in need of care themselves.

That is why we must now make every effort to recruit a new, younger generation of DAV and Auxiliary volunteers into the VA Voluntary Service system before the need becomes critical. By acting now, we have the opportunity to team new volunteers with experienced volunteers who can mentor a new generation of volunteers for the future.

"The goal of the new recruitment initiative is to enlist a new generation of volunteers and increase the existing volunteer force to assist the DAV and Auxiliary in its mission of building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families," said Mr. Steelman.

The DAV National Commander's Volunteer Recruitment Initiative incorporates a contemporary new logo; a colorful poster, featuring volunteer activities; an updated information brochure with a handy volunteer sign-up form; and other materials to distinctly identify DAV and Auxiliary volunteers. There's also a video available which highlights some of the countless volunteer opportunities available to everyone. A selection of these materials will soon be distributed to DAV and Auxiliary Departments, Chapters and Units, DAV National Service Offices, DAV and Auxiliary Voluntary Service Representatives, and VA Voluntary Service offices nationwide. The materials are designed to assist in volunteer recruitment efforts.

DAV and Auxiliary National Commanders George H. Steese and R. Renee Jones are challenging both the DAV and Auxiliary to increase their respective volunteer force by 10% each. The commanders will be on hand spearheading the kickoff of the Volunteer Recruitment Initiative at the San Diego VA Medical Center on Jan. 15, 2002. The kickoff is also scheduled to include VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi, VA Voluntary Service officials, DAV National Voluntary Services representatives, DAV Celebrity Volunteers Larry Barnett and Jerry Layne, DAV Department of California Department and local Chapter representatives, and of course, lots of volunteers to launch this exciting volunteer campaign.

There are volunteer opportunities for everyone in the National Commander's Volunteer Recruitment Initiative, and all the initiative needs is you to succeed. Now is the time to sign up as a volunteer. If you are already a volunteer, sign up another member or invite a friend or family member to become a volunteer. They can donate their volunteer hours on behalf of the DAV and Auxiliary. And don't forget the youth. There are a multitude of volunteer activities for young people to participate in.

The cheer that young volunteers bring to veterans in VA medical facilities is amazing and heartwarming. Many patients have children and grandchildren who may be unable to visit them in the hospital. Young people bring a touch of home with them when they volunteer, and they exhibit an energy and enthusiasm that are contagious to patients and staff alike. They are like sunshine on a rainy day for many patients.

"Providing loving care for sick and disabled veterans in our VA medical centers is a noble endeavor the DAV and Auxiliary has always taken pride in," Commander Steese said. "We now have the opportunity to demonstrate this worthy cause to a new generation of volunteers.

"There is a saying by an unknown author that reads: `Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.' I believe volunteers are people who leave footprints on our hearts. Whether you have a couple of hours a week or a limitless amount of time to volunteer, we welcome you to our volunteer team. With your help, together we will make it happen."