As the evenings turn cooler, turning on the oven feels less like a chore and more like part of the season. A warm kitchen and the “healthy eating” aroma of roasting vegetables are sure signs that autumn has arrived. Flavor with benefits Roasting brings out the best in vegetables and can make them taste different than…
It was a blessing: How TeleSleep helped one Veteran Finally Rest
How virtual sleep care uncovered the cause of years of exhaustion Bad sleep doesn’t just leave you tired. It can throw off your mood, energy, focus and overall health. That’s why when Navy Veteran Denise Guzman constantly felt sick, tired and in pain, and why her provider referred her to VA’s TeleSleep program. At first, Guzman…
A long-awaited reunion: Compassionate care brings family together
More than 20 years of distance, a family brought together in a single embrace For more than 22 years, Judith Collins and her daughter, Toni, had lived without contact. Old hurt had grown into silence, and silence into distance. Over the years at VA North Texas Community Living Center (CLC), staff and providers gently encouraged…
Crisis in the pews: Off-duty VA nurses step in to save a life
Amazing grace: Two VA nurses save a life during Sunday service On a quiet Sunday morning, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows of a small Birmingham church while hymns of praise echoed gently throughout the sanctuary. The congregation held a quiet reverence as Pastor Roy Peterson stepped into the pulpit at Antioch Missionary Baptist…
Every survivor’s voice matters: Helping shape the future of suicide loss support
Behind every suicide loss is a family, a circle of friends and a community forever changed. For those grieving the death of a service member or Veteran, the experience can bring unique challenges, unanswered questions and a need for meaningful support that extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the death. At the Tragedy Assistance…
Rural community profile: Exploring Salem, Virginia
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 promotes opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives. The…
Trick or trust? Spot cyber fraud fast
Imagine Mary, a Veteran, getting a text that looks like it’s from VA. It warns of an issue with her benefits. The message tells her to click a link, verify her personal information and enter a code to “avoid delays” in her payment. There’s just one problem: The link leads to a fake website intended…
Transportation careers that move Veterans forward
Across the country, Veterans are finding purpose and opportunity in America’s transportation sector. The discipline, technical skill and mission‑focused mindset strengthened through military service translates naturally into the demands of aviation, trucking, maritime operations and the interconnected systems that keep our nation moving. As America modernizes its transportation infrastructure, Veterans are stepping in as the…
Behind the scenes: MEDVAMC engineer earns national recognition
Biomedical engineer named to 2026 TechNation 40 Under 40 class The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is proud to announce that Christie Pascue, biomedical engineer, has been named to the 2026 TechNation 40 Under 40 Class—a prestigious national honor recognizing 40 outstanding professionals across the country for their leadership, innovation and dedication to…
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow shall stop Alaska VA
The Alaska VA Healthcare System will transition from its current health record system to the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system on Oct. 24, 2026. But first, Veterans need to learn about the changes they can expect. Preparing Alaska Veterans for the Federal EHR transition On Sept. 21, Alaska VA Healthcare System launched a mass-mailing…
Let’s talk stress: A simple conversation is changing care for Veterans
Supporting Veteran wellbeing at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend The Primary Care “Let’s Talk Stress” campaign at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System was launched in July 2026 to make brief, supportive conversations about stress a routine part of Veteran care and to connect those conversations to practical resources that improve health and wellbeing.…
VA opportunities for military spouses
Military life often brings change, including Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that can require families to relocate and military spouses to navigate employment transitions. VA recognizes these challenges and offers programs, hiring authorities, resources and retention flexibilities designed to help military spouses build and continue their federal careers. VA values military spouses Military spouses…