Veterans History Project Online

A selection of 23 fully digitized collections of materials titled "African Americans at War: Fighting Two Battles," and will be added to "Experiencing War" stories from the Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project site now has 2,248 stories online, many of which include audio and video interviews, photographs, diaries, letters and other materials, consisting of more than 100,000 online items. Those interested in becoming involved in the Veterans History Project are encouraged to send e-mail to vohp@loc.gov to request a project kit. The kit is also available on the Veterans History Project Website or calls the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

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National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
From Feb. 12 through 18, the annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans will be observed at VA medical centers throughout the country. The week of February 14 each year is our opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, the more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs. For more information, contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America's Heroes. To find your nearest VA Medical Center, visit the VA Facilities Locator and Directory.

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Overseas Voting Instructions
U.S. servicemembers and federal employees stationed overseas need to act quickly to request absentee ballots for this year's primary and general elections. To participate in their home states' elections, servicemembers and overseas citizens need to complete a Federal Post Card Application requesting an absentee. The application needs to be completed and returned as quickly as possible, to give the local election office time to mail the ballot to the citizen and then time for the ballot to be returned before the state's deadline. The forms can also be accessed on the Federal Voting Assistance Program's Website.