April 10-16 is National Volunteer Week, and Overton Brooks VA Medical Center plans to recognize the more-than 450 registered volunteers who dedicate their time and services weekly.

OBVAMC Spokesman Shannon Arledge said these volunteers put in more than 45,000 hours of service in fiscal year 2015 alone.

"They assist veterans in many different ways. They provide wheelchairs, they provide directions," he said. "Helping them navigate the hospital is a major plus. The volunteers provide such great support in that aspect, but they also help in other ways. They're working in the lab, they're working in various departments, providing certain levels of support to those departments so they can honestly accomplish their mission on a daily basis."

According to an OBVAMC news release, those volunteers also do things like driving, sitting, serving, comforting and counseling.

"At Overton Brooks, we are proud of our volunteers who ofetn are the first and last impression our veterans remember," said Medical Center Director Toby Mathew. "Volunteers have a direct impact on customer service and how our strongest stakeholders (our veterans) feel about their care and treatment. From providing wheelchair access and organized youth programs to supporting veterans' activities and community events, OBVAMC volunteers show a caring commitment to Ark-La-Tex veterans."

The Medical Center is holding a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday, April 13, at 11:30 a.m. at the Shreveport Country Club. Arledge said many volunteers will receive awards for their selfless hours of service. He said several RSVPs have already come in, and he's looking for a great crowd at the event.

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