Veterans News

The needs of the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) are supported by the American Legion Department  of Alabama. With the help of these grants, veterans have been receiving care at an Alabama VA with recreational and rehabilitation equipment, transportation needs, comfort items, clothing, toiletries, CD Players, video players, and cutting systems for visually impaired veterans and others. 

The biggest OCW grant was awarded to CAVHCS of $68,000 thanks to the efforts of the Department of Alabama. The department leaders have had the opportunity to see all OCW items purchased for the VA Medical Center during a special presentation. 

The grant was used to purchase a variety of therapeutic and recreational items as a part of recovery for the veterans ranging from mental health to geriatrics. 

Some of the recreational items purchased were to decrease stress, and anxiety among veterans and to socialize with other veterans. This included handheld video games, basketball arcade cage games, Samsung smart TVs, and Xbox series games. 

Besides this, there were recreational and outdoor items such as Apple iPads, VR headsets, golf balls, golf carts, and coolers for events. 

Lewis said, “These items allow the veterans to have a way to increase their coping skills through social interaction, expand their imagination through virtual reality, and seek new leisure interests. It is an honor to receive this grant! The veterans are excited to try out their new games. Receiving this grant is not only beneficial for the present veterans in the program, but for their fellow peers for years to come! On behalf of CAVHCS and of the veterans past, present, and future, thank you American Legion and Operation Comfort Warriors!”

Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) offers recreational, rehabilitative, and comfort items to wounded, injured, and ill military servicemembers and veterans. These items are not typically covered in government budgets and are related to adaptive sports, physical therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, or assisting in servicemembers’ community reintegration.