UMA students, staff take part in veterans salute at Togus

University of Maine at Augusta students, many of them veterans, and staff recently took part in the National Salute to Veteran Patients by visiting VA Healtcare Systems-Togus hospital in Augusta, handing out donated new winter coats to veterans, along with UMA T-shirts and Valentine’s Day cards, as well as visiting with veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to Veterans; increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center; and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and to become involved as volunteers.” Pictiured, from left, are Melissa Cowing, salute coordinator at Togus veterans hospital; Michael Malone, UMA veteran student; Amy Line, UMA director of military and veteran services; Jacqueline Thiel, UMA veteran student; Leo Porter, UMA veteran student; Laurie Krzywda, UMA school certifying official; and Vaunalee Foster, VA veteran volunteer. (Submitted photo)