North Texas VA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorthTexasVA
From that:
Get the FACTS on how VA North Texas handles religious donations: http://www.northtexas.va.gov/localbrief/Holiday_Donations.asp
Jack Pettit comment:
>>Who was the person at the VA Dallas that told the kids their cards wouldn’t pass muster — no “God bless you,” no religious references, not even a “Merry Christmas” are allowed. Is the allegation by WDFW not true?
VA N. Texas Health Care system reply:
>We did not deny any donations, especially from students. The process to review religious donations was not communicated fully. Please read the article for our official statement.
Kenneth Zech comment:
>I understand you have returned Christmas cards sent by kids to disabled veterans. Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.
>>A spokesperson for the VA clarified the policy Monday, which is in the Veterans Health Administration handbook, by stating the following:
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"In order to be respectful of our Veterans religious beliefs, all donated holiday cards are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team of staff led by Chaplaincy services and determined if they are appropriate (non-religious) to freely distribute to patients. After the review is complete, the holiday cards that reference religious and/or secular tones are then distributed by Chaplaincy Service on a one-on-one basis if the patient agrees to the religious reference in the holiday card donation. The holiday cards that do not contain religious and/or secular tones are distributed freely to patients across the Health Care System. We regret this process was not fully explained to this group and apologize for any misunderstanding."
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However, on Tuesday, the director of the VA North Texas Health Care System released the following statement:
"First, we would like to state that the VA greatly appreciates donations made by students and organizations on behalf of our Veterans and we will always accept cards for our patients who celebrate Christmas. We would like to clarify the process though in which VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) handles religious/spiritual donations. All forms of holiday donations are received every year and recorded through Voluntary Services. A multi-disciplinary team led by Chaplaincy services reviews holiday cards and determines if the cards contain religious/secular material within them and in the event they do - our Chaplains distribute them by asking patients on a one-on-one basis if they will accept a holiday card with religious references.
Our Veterans enlisted in the military with the understanding they may be called to fight for our freedoms. One of those freedoms is our freedom to practice a religion of our choice free of persecution. As a federal agency that provides health care to our Nation's Veterans, it is our duty to uphold and respect the fact that our Veterans are from all faiths and backgrounds and we must honor their sacrifices by making sure we approach religious donations through highly trained VA Chaplains and seek patient approval before distribution.
Happy Holidays! (emphasis mine--rr)
Jeff Milligan
Director -------------------------------=