VA Hospital Visitation Squad

For over 35 years EVERY Marine patient in the Birmingham, AL Veterans Administration hospital gets a visit each week from Marines of the Birmingham Marine Corps League "Howlin' Mad" Smith Detachment #592. These Marines and Sailors are registered VA volunteer workers in support of the doctors, nurses, and staff providing medical care to Veteran patients. This squad exhibits the Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" meaning always faithful, always loyal and able to count on your fellow Marines - while in the Marine Corps and for a lifetime. We also visit with nearby Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guard Veterans. This volunteer work is valued by the patients because nothing is better than a visit from your service buddies making sure that our Marines, Veterans, and family members are not alone during recovery at the Birmingham VA hospital.

Birmingham Marines volunteer group at the VA hospital

Pictured left to right: Douglas Dunn, David "Doc" Baldwin, Henry Williams, Kay Martin, John Birmingham, Robert Hacker, Wayne Odell, Russell Casterlin, Brian Gierlatowicz, John Whitmire

Marines presenting award plaque at VA hospital

John Birmingham- 2017 squad leader, Thomas Smith- Director, Birmingham VA Hospital, Jim Upshaw- founding/ charter member of the Marine Corps League Hospital Visitation Squad.

Birmingham Marines group photo in red blazers and formal attire

Front row L to R: Kay Martin, Thomas Smith, John Birmingham, Jim Upshaw Back row L to R: Henry Williams, Douglas Dunn, Brian Gierlatowicz , Rod Zielger, Wayne Odell, Russell Casterlin, Rufus "Whitey" Glanton, Roger Gilbert, "Doc" David Baldwin, John Whitmire, John Hilmer.