Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program is the vehicle that the Knights of Columbus uses in the "Serving Those Who Served" program. The Vice President for Fraternal Services has oversight of the VAVS program. The program is directed and managed by the Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs, our District's own SK Col. Charles. H. Gallina, USMC (Ret.), KHS, PSD, FVSM, FDD, PGK-C, PFN-C who also serves as the National VAVS Representative to the VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC).
The KofC VAVS program is executed through the Fourth Degree chain of command through the U.S. Vice Supreme Masters and District Masters. Under the program, a Knight of Columbus is certified as a VAVS representative or deputy representative at a VA medical center. Our certified representatives and deputy representatives attend hospital meetings and organize efforts for K of C volunteers. Our District is in charge of providing volunteers for VA Medical Center in Washington, DC.
What it takes to become a Knights of Columbus VAVS Volunteer
- Pass VA security screening (Tuberculosis test & background check)
- Register as a "Regularly Scheduled" volunteer (once a week, once a month)
- Assist with facility activities and projects
- Promote donations of financial and material goods in your Council, Parish and community
- Recruit fellow 3rd and 4th degree Knights to become volunteers
- Report your hours of service and donations to your KofC VAVS Representative