There are times when we say things like, “It took my breath away,” or “I could hardly breathe,” or “I swear, I stopped breathing for a second.” Sometimes these are profound moments of joy and sometimes moments of sorrow. We probably remember them for our whole lives. But what about the day-to-day moments when we…
Veteran spends 500+ hours helping others access virtual care
Virtual Health Resource Center connects Veterans with care After serving 26 years in the Army as a military intelligence officer, working 10 years at a global science-based technology company and volunteering for over five years as a substitute teacher in South Korea, you’d think Jim Olson’s patience for answering computer-related questions would be low. But…
VA releases 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
Suicides among Veterans have decreased, but the report reinforces the need for connection, support and continued prevention efforts In February, VA released the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which provides the most current and comprehensive picture of suicide among Veterans and non-Veteran U.S. adults from 2001 through 2023. While the report shows that…
Service across generations
Gayle Smith and Elaine H. Niggemann: Leadership, legacy, service and the evolution of VA nursing From the battlefields of Vietnam to executive leadership within the Veterans health care system, nurses have shaped the course of military and Veteran care. Two leaders whose stories reflect courage and transformation are Gayle Smith, known as “The Nurse with Round…
Network with a VA recruiter at an upcoming event
Spring is on the horizon, and so is a rewarding career at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This March, our recruiters are traveling the country to connect with potential candidates and share all there is to know about VA employment and working with our Veterans. Come network with a VA recruiter at one of…
VA offers women Veterans direct access to VA gynecology
VA Atlanta removes barriers to gynecology care for women Veterans The VA Atlanta Healthcare System (VAAHS) led the way as the first VA medical facility to implement the new, national process for women Veterans to schedule appointments with VA gynecology providers without a primary care referral, empowering more than 30,000 women Veterans in the region…
VA: Health and Benefits app adds new Certificate of Eligibility enhancements
For Veterans, the journey to homeownership often begins with one essential document: the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This certificate verifies eligibility for VA home loan benefits, making homebuying more affordable and achievable for eligible Veterans, service members and surviving spouses. With the latest update to the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app, viewing the latest…
Honoring Women’s History Month at Million Veteran Program
Learn about MVP’s research for women Veterans Meet two Million Veteran Program (MVP) researchers who are using their skills to make discoveries for Veterans—and who want to share why it’s important for women to be included in medical research. Dr. Erika Wolf Dr. Erika Wolf Dr. Erika Wolf is a senior clinical investigator at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston…
VA TelePulmonology connects Veterans with expert lung care
Veteran Chris Barcomb describes how TelePulmonology improves his quality of life Chris Barcomb, a Navy Veteran who served from 1991 to 2012, knows the value of having a care team that listens and understands. That’s why he uses VA TelePulmonology for his lung health care needs. Through VA Video Connect—VA’s secure videoconferencing app—TelePulmonology, which is…
VA TelePulmonology connects Veterans with expert lung care
Veteran Chris Barcomb describes how TelePulmonology improves his quality of life Chris Barcomb, a Navy Veteran who served from 1991 to 2012, knows the value of having a care team that listens and understands. That’s why he uses VA TelePulmonology for his lung health care needs. Through VA Video Connect—VA’s secure videoconferencing app—TelePulmonology, which is…
Vetbiz success: What makes SBA support matter most
Ki Ho Kang, a retired Air Force Veteran, built his career on solving the Air Force’s most complex engineering acquisition and sustainment challenges for aircraft systems. He carried that experience with him to the Small Business Administration and applied it as he transitioned into entrepreneurship. Start with a mission Kang’s 11-year active duty and 10-year…
Rural community profile: Revisiting Togus, Maine
With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives. Let’s…