Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center volunteers Brian Despins, left, and John Meyer tend the coffee station where veterans and visitors can get coffee and often snacks. They also provide information, directions and will escort when needed. (Photo courtesy of the Veterans Administration)

IRON MOUNTAIN – Love may make the world go ’round but it’s volunteers, often working anonymously behind the scenes, that keep the trains running on time. Or, in the case of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, handle a multitude of tasks that assist and support veterans.

Start at the beginning of a veteran’s visit to the medical center. The double doors slide open and a veteran walks into the facility. The doors aren’t closed and he’s greeted with a cheery hello by one of several red coat volunteers, who quickly follows up the greeting by asking the veteran if he knows where he is going for his appointment. An offer to escort him there follows if he’s new to the facility.

“What impresses me is the passion and kindness with which our volunteers serve our veterans,” said Katie Maxon, chief of VA Voluntary Services. “While our red coat volunteers are very visible to outpatients and visitors, we have so many volunteers who help support our mission to provide an exceptional health care experience to veterans.”

Last year, OGJVAMC volunteers provided 19,000 hours of service, which is the equivalent to more than 9 full-time employees. They provided invaluable support to many departments and programs at the medical center including Care Companion hospice program, patient escort, coffee station and department staff support, to name a few.

The largest volunteer program at the medical center is the Veterans Transportation Network. According to Maxon, 125 volunteer drivers logged over 141,000 miles transporting 1,383 Veterans to and from their VA appointments in 2025. The program covers the entire VA catchment area, transporting Veterans from all over the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin.

“Our driver volunteers are astounding,” stated Maxon. “They bring patients to our facility from Sault St. Marie, Ironwood, the Keweenaw, Rhinelander, Menominee and everywhere in between. They make it possible for many of our veterans to access health care despite our rural area and transportation challenges.”

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week and the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center will be honoring its volunteers across the catchment area with a small gift and recognition lunches throughout May and June.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Iron Mountain VA or as a driver may call VA Voluntary Service office at 906-774-3300, extension 32780 or visit https://www.va.gov/iron-mountain-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/.