VAVS is a part of DAR Service to Veterans. VAVS was founded in 1946 by the forerunner to the Department of Veterans Affairs as a program to provide volunteer services for our nation's veterans while they are cared for by VA health care facilities. VAVS is one of the largest volunteer programs in the federal government. More than 7,400 national and community organizations support VAVS. Since 1946, VAVS volunteers have donated more than 782 million hours of service.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a member of the VAVS National Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Under Secretary for Health on matters regarding participation of volunteers at VA facilities. The committee also assists with recruiting volunteers, suggests and prepares standardized orientation programs for facilities, and keeps the officers and members of the committee informed of the needs of volunteers and of volunteer accomplishments at facilities around the country.
DAR volunteers, along with other veterans' organizations, strive to implement new ideas and recruitment approaches with regard to volunteer activities at federal facilities as the focus of medical care changes from in-patient care to out-patient care in community-based settings.
Please use the following information for contacts:
Hampton V.A.M.C.
Representative
N. Margianna Wissinger, thewissingers@aol.com
215 Darden Drive
Poquoson, VA 23662-1215
(757) 868-8358
Deputy
Margorie Forbes, marjorieforbes@yahoo.com
5 Willow Road
Hampton, VA 23664-2035
(757) 856-9590
McGuire V.A.M.C.
Representative
Marjorie Smith Elliott, mequilts@aol.com
1730 Olde Coalmine Road
Midlothian, VA 23113-2550
(804) 262-4463
Representative
Susan H. M. Fogg, susanlfogg@gmail.com
275 Piscataway Drive
Tappahannock, VA 22560-5006
(804) 443-6530
Salem V.A.M.C.
Representative
Katherine L.K. Lewis, kayk41@yahoo.com
494 Channelview Drive
Moneta, VA 24121-5026
Deputy
Cynthia McKinney, sportsma03@gmail.com
3770 Luther Drive
Salem, VA 24153-5784
(540) 404-3320 (H)
(540) 520-9489 (C)
Deputy
Sue Hodge, ashodge7@gmail.com
About Fisher Houses
Fisher houses are “homes away from home” for the families of sick or injured military members and veterans. They are located on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. The family of a veteran can say in a Fisher house for a nominal charge (some have no charge) and be near the veteran while he or she convalesces. Fisher houses need volunteers as well financial support. This is truly a program where members can envelop the veterans and their families in a circle of friendship, service, and commitment.
Fisher House - Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center (Richmond VA Medical Center or McGuire VA Hospital)
A Fisher House opened on the grounds of McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond in July 2008. As a matter of introduction, a Fisher House is "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at a major military or VA medical center. Available for residential use on a temporary basis, a Fisher House is constructed with funds raised by the local community, then matched by the donation from the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation.
The primary purpose is to provide support, respite and lodging for the family members of patients receiving care at the medical center. The McGuire Fisher House has 21 bedroom suites, each spacious enough to sleep a family of 3-4 people, a large, common area for recreation, a communal kitchen and dining area, and a laundry room.
The Fisher Family has made this generous donation to the veterans of McGuire. Should your chapter be interested in donating money, a general post fund, GPF 1162, has been established specifically for purchase of items for the Fisher House. Please direct questions about the GPF 1162 to Voluntary Service, 804-675-5135. Click here for more information about this Fisher House.
Contact State Chair Patti Rowley for more information.