Remember-A-Vet Campaign: A Tradition of Support
BATTLE CREEK – Earlier this year, the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrated its 100th anniversary as a hospital. For over 70 years, the Remember-A-Vet campaign has offered aid and comfort to those spending time at this facility.
For its 71st year, the Battle Creek Enquirer has helped kick off the annual Remember-A-Vet campaign, organized by the VA to provide gifts and comfort to local patients.
‘It’s just amazing that it’s been 71 years. It’s incredible the support we get from the community every year,’ said Todd Greenman, chief of community and volunteer services at the VA Medical Center.
The Origins of Remember-A-Vet
In 1953, Art Middleton, a former reporter for the Battle Creek Enquirer, was approached by readers about sending Christmas gifts to patients at the VA Medical Center. As a veteran himself, Middleton proposed the idea that became the Remember-A-Vet program, providing holiday cheer for veterans unable to leave the hospital. Although Middleton passed away in 1971, his legacy continues.
Community Involvement and Donations
‘Many of the donors are veterans themselves, or have family members who are veterans, or have family currently serving,’ Greenman said. ‘So, the donors really want to give back during the holiday season. There are currently 142 veterans in the hospital right now. That’s a lot of veterans that need to be remembered this time of the year.’
Donations are used to buy coupon books distributed to inpatients on seven holidays throughout the year, allowing them to shop at the facility’s canteen. Gift bags are specifically given to patients in mental health units. The funds also support subscriptions to local newspapers and provide essentials like haircuts and toiletries.
In 2024, donations amounted to nearly $18,000. Those wishing to contribute can send checks made out to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, noting that the funds are for Remember-A-Vet. Checks can be mailed to Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Community and Volunteer Services, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Online donations can also be made at www.pay.gov/public/form/start/48003168/.
The 2024 campaign continues until January 1, but Greenman noted that donations are always welcomed throughout the year. Support for veterans remains a critical community effort.
For more information, reach out to Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com.
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