posted at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/MessageSurgeonGeneral

Letter From the Acting Surgeon General, RADM Steven K. Galson

RADM Steven K. Galson, Acting U.S. Surgeon General

Dear MRC Leaders and Volunteers,

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your on-going work in support of the Medical Reserve Corps. Your selfless actions and kind hearts contribute greatly to the well-being of your neighbors and communities.

The attacks of September 11th, 2001, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters have taught us time and time again that volunteers are a vital and imperative piece to any response. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, you have already stepped and answered the call to serve your community and the nation. I am so proud to share your stories and promote the MRC to every audience to whom I speak.

At the recent MRC National Leadership and Training Conference, the spirit and energy you brought was inspiring. I was, and continue to be, impressed by the activities you engage in to support the public health, preparedness, and response needs of your communities. As each unit grows stronger and better able to provide support through their initiatives, trainings, and events, a community’s ability to bounce back from disaster increases. The MRC is making a tremendous impact on the resiliency of communities across the country.

What makes this program even more inspiring is that the work is done by those asking for little in return except the chance to give of their time and skills to improve the lives of those around them. Each MRC volunteer deserves my sincere “thank you” for their commitment to volunteerism and charitable nature. You are making amazing contributions toward the strengthening of our nation’s resilience in times of crisis.

Therefore, I wish to extend my deep appreciation for your time, expertise, and generosity in giving of yourself to strengthen the health and preparedness of your community and of the United States.

With sincere thanks,

Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H.
RADM, USPHS
Acting Surgeon General

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/20080423.html

Through countless acts of kindness, volunteers across America are changing our Nation for the better. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize those who take the time to help their fellow citizens realize the full potential of America.

Through volunteer work, Americans can demonstrate the kindness and generosity that make our Nation great. Mentoring a child, teaching someone to read, visiting the elderly, feeding the hungry, and finding shelter for the homeless are all examples of how Americans can and do aid those in need. Americans are volunteering in record numbers. Each year, millions of Americans volunteer, and more of our fellow citizens are discovering that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. The cumulative effort of the love and compassion from our Nation’s volunteers will help secure a more hopeful future for all our citizens.

My Administration remains committed to building a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. The USA Freedom Corps strengthens civic engagement and volunteer service in America and helps people connect with volunteer opportunities. By visiting the USA Freedom Corps website at volunteer.gov, individuals can find information about ways they can help in their local areas and across the country.

The strength of America comes from its compassionate and loving citizens. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to show appreciation for our Nation’s volunteers. The time and energy they dedicate to helping those in need reflect the true spirit of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 27 through May 3, 2008, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day throughout our country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their neighbors in need and serve a cause greater than self.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

We have been asked to provide First Aid for the Family Adoption Consultants Picnic on 21 June 2008. This is an annual event that the adoption agency holds for all of the families who have used their agency. There are usually 300 people a this picnic with lots of kids as you might expect. It runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

If you can assist please contact T.J. Powell.

Beginning in May 2008 our normal meeting night will be changed to the fourth Thursday of the month. The only exception is the month of August when we will meet on the second Thursday (this change is to accommodate the MS “Pedal to the Point” Bike Ride.

At the April Meeting of the NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS (NEOMRC) we will be presenting “Aches, Pains, and Pain Management”. In addition this presentation we will be discussing other NEOMRC business.

The date of the meeting is 04/17/2008 and will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The meeting will be held at the SOLON MEDICAL CAMPUS of SAINT VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL in the basement meeting room. This facility is located at 33001 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT BEGINNING WITH THE MAY 2008 MEETING THAT OUR MEETING NIGHT WILL CHANGE. WE WILL MEET ON THE 4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH. THE MAY MEETING WILL BE ON MAY 22, 2008.