Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

Next to his family, (wife Lissa, son Jed) "Days of Our Lives'" James Reynolds most loves working for good causes. As a daytime television star, he uses his platform to help an array of charities. His latest "it's an honor to be involved" charity is serving as spokesperson for the Department of Veteran Affairs 2009 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.

There are almost 150,000 volunteers at VA hospitals. A Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart winner, Reynolds has had firsthand experience with the work of the Veterans Affairs Department. I recently spoke with him regarding this new position.

"I think the medical care is excellent. The problem I see is the amount of paperwork that is stacked on desks. It often takes years for claims to be processed," he laments. "We really do need an electronic system."

The White House agreed. A top priority for improving the VA system is putting everything into an electronic system with a deadline for it to happen.

Having visited airbases many times over the years, Reynolds is "so grateful for the service of these men and woman. I have seen teenagers and those over 80 who have served their country." His son, Jed, now a college student, considered joining the military. "Of course every parent is worried when a child considers that when the country is engaged in war. Whatever he decided Lissa and I would have been proud and supportive."

The actor has been very open about his feelings about the Iraq War: "I do not think it was the right fight.

I do believe those who fought for us deserve our thanks and gratitude."

Reynolds does believe the Afghanistan War is necessary: "War is never good. Some do need to be fought. Afghanistan is one of those."

Reynolds was thrilled with the election of Barack Obama. "When I was little, I remember my mother and I were forced to sit in a special area of a train. I felt so sad for her."

Experiences like those did not make the Emmy-nominated actor bitter. "Yes, there was a time when I was unhappy with things in this country. Bitterness never works. I really think working in the system does."

Growing up in a small town in Kansas, he says he did not feel prejudice very often. "In my life, I have always been able to achieve what I wanted. Not to say that it was always easy. It is never easy for anyone."

Something that has not been easy for Reynolds lately has been seeing so many of his "Days" co-stars leaving: "That is always hard. Not just the actors. There are crewmembers that I have seen over the decades. I also understand that daytime is a business. In order for any business to sustain, it must make a profit."

Reynolds knows life is not all about profit; that is why organizations from hospitals to food shelters, to havens for abused women have seen his love of charity firsthand. If readers want a firsthand look at being charitable, they can contact VA Voluntary Service at www.volunteer.va.gov or call 202-461-7300.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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