Michael R. Dobbs, chief of Voluntary Services Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, announced that Mary Ellen Laursen, United States Daughters of 1812 VAVS deputy representative, was named Volunteer of the Quarter. Volunteers who make an impact for veterans at the VA and in their communities are being recognized every quarter and these individuals will be nominees for the annual Volunteer of the Year for 2017.
Dobbs stated in the press release: "For first quarter, I selected Ms. Mary Ellen Laursen for her efforts in supporting volunteer activities as a VAVS deputy representative and her contributions for the local National Cemetery Wreaths Across America. Before being notified of WAA donating 5,000 wreaths to Little Rock National Cemetery, Mary Ellen had already began canvasing donations to purchase artificial wreaths to cover unknown soldiers graves at the cemetery. She contributed several hundred hours of her time, accepting donations and effort to purchase over 700 wreaths for unknown soldiers during Christmas. Mary Ellen's kindness is always shown through her enthusiastic volunteer activities in her community and at the VA! As the Voluntary Service chief, I saw the effort she put into the wreaths for the Little Rock National cemetery and felt that it would be great to recognize her for her efforts that mean so much! The additional 5,000 wreaths from WAA, I believe, came about only because of the awareness Mary Ellen brought forth, but also the more than 500 volunteers organized in December to lay wreaths at the cemetery. This is only the beginning of wreaths for the Little Rock National Cemetery and we can thank Mary Ellen for assisting in such a monumental achievement!"
For information regarding VA volunteer opportunities and needs, call Dobbs at 501-257-3288 or access information at http://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow.
Society on 03/26/2017