OAKWOOD - Veterans groups served up coffee and cookies Monday morning for men and women waiting for medical services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinic as part of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

"We’ve had some uplifting war stories," Roger Keebaugh, commander of American Legion Post 7 in Gainesville, said with a laugh.

He and members of American Legion Post 521 mingled with the veterans as they waited for appointments in the clinic’s waiting room off Mundy Mill Road, near the entrance to Wal-Mart Supercenter.

"A lot of times, you come to a doctor’s office and everybody sits and stares at the floor," Keebaugh said. "We’re trying to provide a little humor ... and bring out some of the stories from the veterans."

Johnny Varner Jr., commander of Post 521, said the groups are "trying to support the veterans and let them know what the Legion has as far as benefits and some of the programs."

Don Gaultney of Habersham County, a Vietnam War vet, said he enjoyed meeting Legionnaires and picking up information.

"I got some pamphlets and (a business) card, and I am going to look into it and see if I can volunteer some help myself," he said.

The veterans organizations plan to return to the clinic from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Varner said.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, some 70 million people could be eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans or family members or survivors of veterans.

Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based on having served in one of the military branches and is not just for those who served in combat.

The Oakwood clinic opened in July 1999 and provides primary and mental health care, as well as substance abuse treatment, among other health services. Patients requiring specialty care are referred to the VA Medical Center in Decatur.

James A. Clark, medical center director, said in a Jan. 5 letter to veteran supporters that Atlanta area schools are encouraged to send valentines and posters to the hospital to show support for the patients.

"We ask you to help deliver the valentines or assist in other ways to honor our nation’s heroes," he wrote.

Clark added: "Many of our veterans have interesting and courageous stories to tell of their military experience."

Gaultney, who served in the Army, said he appreciated the work of veterans groups and volunteers.

"I think it’s a wonderful effort," he said. "It shows a great support for the veterans, which is something I wished a lot of people would do. You have so many people who are negative toward the veterans."