BUTLER TWP — VA Butler Healthcare recently honored and thanked more than 300 volunteers for their service of caring for veterans.

New this year, VA Butler had a special Making Lives Better Volunteer of the Year program April 11 to honor one male and one female volunteer who exemplify the spirit of volunteering.

The winners were David Cavanaugh and Betty Slaugenhaupt.

Others nominated by their peers and VA staff for those awards were Joe Lofton, Charles Jennings, Robert Thiry, Mary Lee Kelly, Teresa Russo and Ginger Braho.

Commenting about the volunteers at the VA facility, director John Gennaro said, “These volunteers ensure that veterans are able to access their VA health care, help with patient activities, support administrative functions, greet visitors to the facility and provide comfort and friendship when the veteran needs them the most.”

VA Butler is seeking people to fill volunteer assignments for drivers, recreation, greeters and the My HealtheVet program.

People also are encouraged to share ideas about how they would like to give back using their skills.

To volunteer, contact Paula McCarl, voluntary services coordinator, at 724-285-2575.

VA Butler Healthcare serves veterans at its main campus and its five outpatient clinics in Cranberry Township and Armstrong, Clarion, Lawrence and Mercer counties.