The Marine Corps League VAVS Program connects Marines and supporters with structured volunteer opportunities at VA medical centers and facilities, continuing a tradition of service to fellow veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Volunteer Service program administered under the Center for Development and Civic Engagement.
Application to become VAVS Representative (Detachment endorsement required)
Why VAVS Matters?
VAVS is not informal charity work. It is a structured VA-recognized volunteer program that places League members inside VA medical centers and related facilities to support veteran patients and VA staff in approved assignments.
MCL has participated in VAVS since 1946 and contributes more than 100,000 hours each year, representing millions of dollars in volunteer value to veterans and VA facilities. The goal is simple: support ill, injured, aging, and recovering veterans through consistent human connection, practical assistance, and a visible Marine presence inside the VA environment.
Examples of approved volunteer support
- Escorting patients to clinics, labs, and appointments
- Supporting recreation, therapy, and patient socialization
- Helping with library carts, reception desks, and chapel services
- Coordinating MCL participation in special events at VA facilities
- Supporting educational, therapeutic, and occupational activities
National VAVS Program Structure
- Detachment: recruits and recommends volunteers, supports local visibility, and produces volunteers for local VA events.
- Department: appoints a Department VAVS Program Liaison to support reporting, communication, and state-level coordination.
- Division: appoints a Division VAVS Representative to coordinate across departments and transmit nominations for certification.
- National: the National Director of Veterans Service and National VAVS leadership oversee certification, policy guidance, reporting, and national coordination with VA.
VA partnership structure
- Each VA facility has a CDCE/VAVS office and local VAVS committee.
- Certified representatives and deputies serve as the official link between the organization and the facility.
- Representatives attend quarterly VAVS committee meetings and participate in the Annual Joint Review.
- Donations, volunteer assignments, and recognition are processed through the VA volunteer system.
Representative and volunteer roles
VAVS Representative & Deputy Representative
The official liaison between the Marine Corps League and a VA facility. Maintains contact with VA staff, attends quarterly meetings, tracks hours and donations, recruits volunteers, and ensures Annual Joint Review completion.
Deputy Representative must maintain the same readiness, attend meetings when possible, assist with AJR, and cover responsibilities when needed.
Volunteers
Volunteers may serve as regularly scheduled volunteers under VA supervision or as occasional volunteers for approved activities. Volunteers must ensure their hours are credited to the Marine Corps League.
Join the MCL VAVS Program
The Marine Corps League Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program provides an opportunity to directly support veterans receiving care within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system.
How to Get Involved
- Contact your local Marine Corps League detachment
- Register through your nearest VA Medical Center Voluntary Service Office
- Complete VA volunteer onboarding requirements
- Begin service under the MCL VAVS Program
Become a VAVS Representative (POC)
The MCL VAVS Program also relies on appointed representatives to serve as Points of Contact (POCs) at VA facilities. Representatives coordinate volunteer efforts, attend VAVS committee meetings, and report activities to ensure effective program delivery.
Fill out this form and ask your local Detachment for endorsement. Submit the form to MCL National VAVS Representative at vavsrep@mcleague.org.
VAVS vs. Community Volunteer Service
| AREA | MCL VAVS PROGRAM | COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary setting | VA medical centers, clinics, community living centers, and related VA-approved environments | Local communities, civic events, schools, memorial activities, public outreach, and charitable projects |
| Program authority | Operates through VA CDCE/VAVS policies, certified representatives, local VA supervision, and formal reporting | Operates under local MCL Departments |
| Volunteer role | Supports veteran patients and VA operations in approved assignments under VA oversight | Serves the public or veteran community through broader outreach, community projects, and ceremonies |
| Reporting | Volunteer hours, donations, and activities should be tracked through the VA volunteer system and reviewed in AJR processes | Tracked through internal MCL Department |
| Leadership roles | Requires certified VAVS Representatives and Deputies serving as official points of contact with VA facilities | Usually coordinated by Detachment or Department leadership |
| Mission emphasis | Direct support to veterans inside the VA care environment | Broader civic, patriotic, charitable, and veteran-support activity in the community |
For further inquiry, contact MCL National VAVS Representative