MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden hand-delivered homemade valentines to veterans at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Wednesday to thank veterans for their service.
Each year, the Cherokee Nation Office of Veteran Affairs receives thousands of homemade valentines through its Valentines for Veterans program. The valentines are then given to veterans all across the reservation.
“We always feel it is an honor to get out on Valentine’s Day and share a card and a conversation with our veterans,” Chief Hoskin said. “It’s always a pleasure to meet our veterans and get to thank them for their sacrifices they and their families so unselfishly made.”
This year, the Cherokee Nation Office of Veteran Affairs received more than 10,500 homemade valentines from schools, community organizations, health centers, at-large Cherokee citizens, and individuals from within and out of the Cherokee Nation Reservation. There was also an influx of valentines donated from the Cherokee Nation workforce this year.
The Cherokee Nation Office of Veteran Affairs also received valentines from across the country. Donations of valentines were received from people in Hawaii, New York, and Iowa, to name a few.
“Valentines for Veterans is truly an incredible program that has blessed so many amazing veterans throughout the years. Though it’s just a Valentine’s Day card that they receive, it’s priceless to see the smile on their face when you give it to them,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “Although we could never fully thank them for their selfless act of service, I’m proud that we could do this small token of gratitude.”
The Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center services around 45,000 veterans a year and can hold 40-60 inpatient veterans. Cherokee leaders were able to visit more than 35 veterans and give valentines.
The tribe also sent donated valentines to veteran centers and hospitals across the reservation.
“These Valentines are a thank you from, in most cases, people who don’t know these veterans. It means that somebody, somewhere appreciates the services and sacrifices that they did,” Secretary of Veterans Affair S. Joe Crittenden, a U.S. Navy veteran, said. “No matter how tough we think we are, a pat on the back or a handshake or just an ‘I appreciate you,’ means so much. Everybody likes to hear that stuff from time to time. So, this program is just a way to hopefully brighten their day.”
For more information on the Cherokee Nation Office of Veteran Affairs and the programs offered, call 918-772-4166.