With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring that they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we’re actively working to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities for them to live…
You can use your VA benefits to land a career in the skilled trades
Explore apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities in high-demand fields During National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from April 26 – May 2, VA is highlighting apprenticeships and other training and employment pathways that help Veterans prepare for careers in skilled trades, manufacturing, defense industrial base and maritime fields. Apprenticeships are a key part of helping Veterans move into…
Live Whole Health #315: Welcome spring with Mediterranean lemon- and herb-roasted chickpeas
There’s a certain kind of magic the spring season ushers in, with the shift toward lighter meals, brighter flavors and foods that feel as good as they taste. These lemon- and herb-roasted chickpeas capture that moment perfectly, delivering a crisp, golden bite that feels indulgent, yet rooted in nourishment for your Whole Health! A tiny…
VA helps Veteran recover from Maui wildfire
For more than 80 years, VA has stood beside Veterans and service members through life’s defining moments, including times of profound loss. For one Native Hawaiian Veteran, VA’s Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program helped turn devastation into recovery. On Aug. 8, 2023, a wildfire swept through the historic seaside community of Lahaina, Maui. Believed to have been sparked by a downed power line, the fire…
Convenient, personal care with virtual pharmacy appointments
Connecting to remote pharmacy specialists Every month, 71-year-old Army Veteran Beth Anne parks at her local shopping center, opens her tablet, logs onto the Wi-Fi and connects to a service she says transformed her VA health care experience. Using VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app, she takes virtual appointments with Dr. Felicia Gerfin, a…
Understanding the real risks behind Veteran homelessness
Homelessness isn’t a choice—it’s a “perfect storm” of health, financial and systemic risks When it comes to understanding why some Veterans experience homelessness, many people assume it is the result of one bad choice or a single stroke of bad luck. But the reality is much more complex. For many Veterans, homelessness is the result…
May events to ignite your VA job search
This May, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is heading to four of the nation’s premier medical conferences—Digestive Disease Week (DDW), American Urological Association (AUA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)—and we’re excited to meet talented clinicians who are passionate about making a difference. These events bring together experts and…
A Veteran’s journey to healing with virtual reality (VR) technology
Addressing patient’s whole health Embracing new technology helps address Veterans’ whole health, from physical concerns to nutrition. It also includes helping a patient find ways to destress and find relaxation. For Army Veteran Jeffrey Brunnelson, using virtual reality (VR) devices like Real VR Fishing helps him to virtually engage in a hobby when he is…
USA Wheelchair Football League to host 3rd Annual Veteran All-Star Game during 2026 NFL Draft Week
The USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL), a program of Move United, will host its 3rd annual Veteran All-Star Game on Friday, April 24, as part of the 2026 NFL Draft festivities in Pittsburgh. The game will kick off at 10:00 a.m. ET and be played at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (Hall D). This…
Scams targeting surviving family members
Scammers often target surviving family members shortly after a Veteran’s death, when benefit payments are issued, and when grief can make some people more vulnerable to manipulation. The scammers may claim military authority or a shared service experience to gain trust, using high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency and forcing victims to make…
The parade he never got
Honor Flight trip turns to tribute The first thing caregiver Shirley Shultz shared—almost laughing over the phone—is how often it still surprises her. She and her husband start talking, and somehow land in the same thought at the same time. A love story Bob Schultz pose at the parade before boarding the St Louis Honor…
A Legacy on the Clock: The Voelke Family Carries a Soldier’s Spirit to the NFL Draft Stage
When the New York Giants go on the clock for the fifth overall pick at this year’s NFL Draft, the voice announcing the selection won’t belong to an owner or a former Pro Bowler. Instead, the podium will be held by the living legacy of Army Major Paul C. Voelke. For Traci Voelke, the surviving…