The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center in Virginia Beach has rolled out a new initiative called Call to Honor: A Veteran Gratitude Line. Residents can dial 1‑248‑VETERAN (248‑838‑3726) and press 1 to record a personal message of appreciation. Veterans and their families can press 2 to listen to the recordings, and visitors to the clinic can also pick up a red‑phone display on site to hear the messages in person.
Connecting community voices with those who served
Clinic clinician Julie Bologna, herself a veteran, said the program is deeply personal. “I think it’s great that people can call and leave a message and that veterans can come and listen to those messages,” Bologna explained. She added that many of the recorded notes come from people the veterans have never met, yet the voices serve as a reminder that every service member’s experience is unique and valued.
“Sometimes it’s important to remember why you served,” Bologna said. “Every veteran has a different experience—some good, some hard. When you’re feeling down, it helps to hear that there are people who appreciate you.”
Recognizing sacrifice and offering support
Clinic Director Tanetta Hassell highlighted the gratitude line as an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who have served. “Veterans make up only about 6 % of Americans, and roughly 1 % are on active duty right now,” Hassell noted. “It’s very important to take the opportunity to support those who have served.”
The Up Center also provides mental‑health services for post‑9/11 veterans, service members, and their families. Hassell emphasized that support is available for anyone who finds the recordings stir difficult memories. “We have same‑day counseling if someone realizes they need ongoing help,” she said.
How to participate
Anyone in Virginia Beach or the surrounding area can call the toll‑free line, record a brief thank‑you, and press 2 to listen. The clinic encourages families, friends, neighbors, and local businesses to take part, reinforcing the community’s commitment to honoring those who defended our freedoms.
By giving veterans a platform to hear heartfelt gratitude, the clinic hopes to strengthen the bond between the military community and the civilians who benefit from their service. The initiative reflects the values of faith, family, and liberty that many Virginians hold dear.
For more information or to listen to messages in person, visit the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
