MARION (WSIL) -- Dozens of area veterans recently took advantage of a free service from the Marion V-A.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, vets took advantage of free haircuts at the Marion V-A hospital.

The service was part of a National Salute to Veteran Patients that took place throughout the week. The effort is a way to say thank you to millions of veterans across the country who get their care from the V-A system.

Local V-A officials say services like the free haircuts are vital.

"A lot of times these are the last things people think about. A lot of time veterans may not have the means or it might be a stretch. And so we Just want to provide it to all veterans that we serve," said Voluntary Service Officer Maria Buehler.