News : Henry recognized as Volunteer of the Year by VA Healthcare Systems

A Volunteer Recognition Ceremony was held for the VA Healthcare Systems. Volunteer Services met at the Holiday Inn Coralville, Iowa. Many volunteers received awards recognizing them for the hours that they have volunteered.

Pins were awarded for those who have volunteered from 100 to 10,000 hours.

This year, volunteers committed to donating 31,418 hours. These volunteer hours are equivalent to more than $1,093,000 in salary savings. Jeanette Henrey said, "However, the real value of volunteer work can’t be measured in hours or dollars. They do all this for Veterans." 

Jeanette Henry was recognized at this ceremony, receiving the Iowa City Volunteer of the Year Award for 2026.  In total, she has volunteered 4, 400 hours across her volunteer years at the Iowa City VA Hospital over the last 15 years.

She has covered so many areas of need, stepping in wherever she's needed. She's helped provide office services like folding appointment letters, and she's delivered blankets to newly admitted veterans. She's donated crocheted blankets for Veterans during the holidays, escorted veterans and their families to appointment areas within the hospital.

She also drives the Benton County VA Van to transport veterans to the Iowa City VA, Cedar Rapids VA clinic, and the Coralville clinic for their appointments and answere the call whenever the VA coordinator calls.

The driver picks Veteran up at their door, takes them to their appointments and returns them to their home.  In Benton County, the VA van covers the Benton County area as Veterans need the service. Jeanette said, "It is a privilege to help Veterans get to their appointments!" 

Jeanette can be seen volunteering with the VFW Auxiliary in her spare time, organizing essay contests for elementary children, in any other area an extra hand is needed. 

Heartfelt congratulations Jeanette, you're one in million!