2012 VAVS 

Annual Report

Department of Veterans Affairs

Voluntary Service Office

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

202-461-7300 ph

202-495-6208 fax

www.volunteer.va.gov

Youth Volunteer Krystal Shirrell (far left) receives 

her Girl Scout Gold Award and is honored at 

the White House by President Obama. Krystal’s 

project “VET Support” is contributing to the 

White House initiative to support our military 

and Secretary Shinseki’s initiative to end 

homelessness among Veterans.
Letter from the Director

As we begin another exciting year, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) 

is humbled and astounded by the generosity of the volunteers, service organizations, and 

community partners we have had the pleasure to serve with this past year. Every day brings 

another story of the great work being done by VAVS to support and comfort those who have 

sacrificed for our Nation. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of an organization with such a profound 

impact on every life it touches. Not only does our work bring joy to the lives of Veterans 

nationwide, it enhances the lives of every volunteer, donor, and VA staff member involved.

This report highlights the accomplishments and program statistics of the past year and looks 

ahead to the goals we have set for the coming year. The Veterans we serve, and the times in 

which we live, are constantly evolving and so too must VAVS. As needs change for both Veterans 

and volunteers we strive to meet those needs by working together to find creative and effective 

solutions to every challenge we face. We will continue to take advantage of every opportunity to 

improve our program and remain at the forefront in the field of Voluntary Service.

We are eternally grateful to the dedicated volunteers, organizations, and all those in the community who give of their 

time and their means to honor Veterans and their families. Your continued support and commitment enables us to 

realize our goals each year and makes a difference in the lives of America’s heroes. Thank you for all you do.

The VAVS Program, one of the largest volunteer programs in the Federal government, has 

provided 66 years of service to America’s Veterans seeking care in VA health care facilities. 

Since 1946, VAVS volunteers have donated nearly 750 million hours of service. With more 

than 7,400 national and community organizations supporting the program, VAVS is also 

advised by a National Advisory Committee (NAC), composed of 55 major Veteran, civic, 

and service organizations.

VAVS volunteers and their organizations contribute in-kind gifts and donations, which 

supplement VA appropriations to medical centers, clinics, and community living centers. 

These significant contributions allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist direct 

patient care programs, as well as support services and activities that may not be fiscal 

priorities from year to year. In 2012, the combined total of volunteer time and donations 

exceeded $353 million. 

As VA has expanded its care of Veteran patients into the community, volunteer roles have also expanded. They assist 

Veteran patients by augmenting staff in medical care foster homes and respite programs, as well as hospital units, 

community living centers, outpatient clinics, community-based activities, and palliative care programs. Volunteers are 

also providing assistance at our VA national cemeteries, Veterans outreach centers, and VA regional offices.

The NAC was established by VA Circular No. 117, May 17, 1947, and became a Federally chartered advisory committee on 

February 5, 1975.

The NAC provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Undersecretary of Health, on the coordination 

and promotion of volunteer activities within VA health care facilities, along with other matters relating to volunteerism. It 

also keeps the officers and members of participating organizations informed of volunteer needs and accomplishments.

The NAC Executive Committee is made up of 19 member organizations that monitor and perform oversight of the NAC 

membership policies and procedures. Members of the Executive Committee are appointed by the Chairperson of the NAC.

VAVS National Advisory Committee

Laura B. Balun, Director

Voluntary Service Office

Our Mission

To provide a structured 

Volunteer Program under 

the management of VA 

compensated employees 

in cooperation with community resources to serve 

America’s Veterans and 

their families with dignity 

and compassion.

What is VAVS?
FY 2012 Priorities and Accomplishments

Ending Veteran Homelessness 

Support the Secretary’s initiative of eliminating Veteran homelessness.

Standardize and promote VISN volunteer statistics.

VISN Volunteer Statistics

Assist with voter registration for Veteran patients.

Veteran Voter Registration

On a single night in January 2011, 67,495 homeless Veterans 

spent the night on the streets of America. President Obama and 

Secretary Shinseki have committed to bringing this number to 

zero by 2015 and VAVS plays an important role in this mission. 

From participating in the annual VA2K, and supporting numerous 

Homeless Stand Down events, to working with community 

partners to provide assistance to Veterans transitioning from 

homelessness, VAVS programs nationwide are making great 

strides toward making sure those who served are not forgotten.

VAVS program managers have been working in 

cooperation with VISN liaisons to improve how 

statistics about their programs are reported both 

locally and nationally. Using a standardized dashboard 

for reporting data on volunteer and donation trends 

makes it easy for program managers to clearly display 

their program’s impact to leadership at their facilities 

and for the VAVS program office to compile data for all 

facilities at the national level.

VAVS Staff Training

In FY 2012, due to budget restrictions, faculty from VAVS 101: Basic Volunteer Management and 

VAVS 102: Ethics and General Post Funds brought the hot topics from each staff training together 

in an intense, two day training. The 23 attendees received lecture and simulated scenarios on 

volunteer requirements, screening, and assessment as well as managing donated funds and 

working with VA’s Fiscal Service. Many graduates of the VAVS Academy go on to become program 

managers and VISN Liaisons. VACO staff continue to negotiate an update to the VSS system and 

hope that future VAVS Academy sessions will include detailed training on this platform. 

VA Voluntary Service strives to meet the needs of America’s Veterans in many different ways. 

To continue our mission of serving America’s Veterans and their families, VA Hospitals have put 

forth a great effort to assist Veterans who wish to exercise their right to vote during local, state, 

and national elections. To date, more than 10,000 posters have been placed at VA facilities, and 

more than 250,000 flyers were provided at outpatient clinics and to new inpatients through 

their welcome packets, and comfort kits. As a result of the information provided by VA Voluntary 

Service Central Office, added emphasis on the topic, and local implementation, more than 7,000 

outpatients and more than 7,500 inpatients were given assistance in registering to vote this past 

year. Additionally, over 1,200 volunteers have been recruited specifically for this assignment.

Focus on VSS training for VAVS staff.
Department of Veterans Affairs

Voluntary Service Office

810 Vermont Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20420

202.461.7300 ph

202.495.6208 fax

www.volunteer.va.govFY 2013 Priorities

• Recruit Drivers for the Volunteer 

Transportation Network

•  Develop a video with The 

American Veteran

• Develop a Consistent Template 

for Volunteer Folders

• Develop a Consistent OnBoarding Process for Volunteers

• Develop the Ability to Accept 

Credit Card Donations

VACO Priority

• Enhance VSS to Keep Up with 

Increasing Demands for Data

Veterans Concerts

Veterans Appreciation and Welcome Home Celebration

In 2012, 16 concerts were 

held across the nation as 

part of National Salute 

to Veteran Patients, an 

annual recognition by the 

Department of Veterans 

Affairs to honor men and 

women who served this 

country. 

These Valentines for Veterans Concerts featured 

performances by 11 different performers. They were Aaron 

Tippin, The Dramatics, The Platters, The Chi-Lites, The 

Spinners, B. J. Thomas, The Grass Roots, Dennis Edwards & 

the Temptations Review, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Lorrie 

Morgan, and Lee Greenwood.

These concerts served not only as a celebration of these brave 

men and women, but also as a means to reach those in the 

community who have not accessed the services offered to 

Veterans at the medical center and encourage volunteerism. 

In 2013 a major emphasis will be placed on reaching out to 

Veterans and educating them about resources available to 

help them train for and find employment in their community. 

West Point graduate and Operation Desert Storm Veteran 

Mark Valley served as the 2012 Chairman for the National 

Salute to Veteran Patients. Mark has starred on TV shows like 

Fringe, Boston Legal, and Harry’s Law.

Front Cover:

- Indianapolis VAMC Youth Volunteer Krystal Shirrell during a visit to the White House with other Girl Scouts.

- National Guard Volunteer PFC Brandy Shupe with Virginia (from Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU) during Kids Day at the 32nd 

National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, Virginia. PFC Shupe was one of nearly 200 volunteers at the NVWG this year.

- Steven Fausett, SSG, in his Operation Warfighter assignment at the Rex Robley VAMC in Louisville, Kentucky.

- Participant in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. Over 250 volunteers worked together with VA staff to make this exciting 

opportunity available to our Nation’s Veterans.

VAVS Staff from VA Central Office and hospitals around 

the country came together for a special Veteran’s Day 

Celebration and concert in Washington, DC.