WASHINGTON – Legendary stock car racer and seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty has teamed up with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to promote volunteerism at VA hospitals. Petty was named chairman of the 2006 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.
Petty will make public service announcements encouraging the public to volunteer at VA facilities, and be the national spokesman for more than 140,000 volunteers serving veterans at 154 VA hospitals, more than 850 outpatient clinics and 134 nursing homes across the nation.
"It’s an honor to have such a champion join VA in saluting the men and women who have worn our country’s uniform," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Richard has shown that he shares our commitment to veterans through his efforts to raise awareness of VA and the veterans we serve."
Known to stock car racing fans simply as “The King,” Petty is the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR racing. His illustrious career includes a record 200 NASCAR victories, earning him a place in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I am very proud of the titles I have earned. However, the honorary title I have been given this year as chairman of the VA National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans program is one I accept with great humility and pride,” said Petty. “I encourage all Americans to visit some true champions this Valentine’s week and find out how you can serve those who have served us so well.”
The National Salute is timed to coincide with Valentine's Day because the holiday’s sentiments of caring and sharing match the salute's purpose of expressing honor and appreciation to veterans.
With the additional support of “Annie’s Mailbox” founded by the late columnist Ann Landers, newspaper readers, students, scout troops and others annually generate more than a million "Valentines for Veterans" delivered to local VA medical centers and nursing homes to express gratitude for veterans' service to their country.
Community and state officials, military and veterans organizations and youth groups often join with the public during the National Salute week to visit patients in VA hospitals, nursing homes, state veterans homes and other facilities.
Members of the public are encouraged to call their local VA health care facilities to participate in activities during the 2006 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. At VA medical centers, they should ask for the Voluntary Service Office, which coordinates the activities.
