Dear VFW Auxiliary Brothers and Sisters,                                                                July 2026

I am honored to serve as your Department Hospital Chairman this year.  How unique and creative can we be to provide acts of direct happiness to our Veterans?

I am proud of how we have stepped into our Non-Veteran Affair medical facilities, such as civilian hospitals, assisted living, rehabilitation, and memory care. Our Veterans and their families are everywhere and deserve our attention.  It is my goal to encourage continuing what we have been doing for the past several years, while growing in other areas that are not as well represented. I would like to add such growth focusing on Women Veteran care and resources. This is a perfect year to do such, with our Department President and many leadership members being Women Veterans.

As our Veteran population shifts, we are seeing not only younger Veterans, but more Women Veterans.  Some may not be younger but are getting braver to access their earned benefits with improved representation and support groups. Also like any individual, they may have limited resources and are looking to the VA for help.

Let’s put our hearts and heads together to help these ladies with special care packs, while also asking our VA/Non-VA Medical Women Clinics what would be helpful. 

I would like to see us step up to volunteer in these settings/events, as staffing is the most limited and costly resource.  If a facility is understaffed, our Veterans are underserved. An afternoon or morning one to two times a month can make a big difference, helping our medical staff stay more afloat and available for direct patient care.  If you are not available, or would like to make a greater impact, recruit and have your auxiliary sponsor a volunteer.

I have updated the donation craft items value list; increased by 15% from the 2023-2024 year.  All things hospital is reportable, and my inquiring mind wants to read/hear about your activities.  I’m looking forward to an amazing year and seeing what we do for our Veterans and their families though the hospital program.

Yours with Gratitude,

 Megan E Saxton Malpass

VFW Auxiliary Dept of Oregon

Dept Hospital Chairman

VAVS/CDCE Representative, Roseburg VA