Pioneering leadership that transformed women’s roles in military medicine When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, women across the nation mobilized to support the war effort. Among them was trailblazer Margaret Craighill, a physician who left her role as dean of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania to serve her country in…
Meet a VA Nursing Resident: Niosha Motahari
Access to high quality, timely health care requires a skilled nursing workforce. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides clinical training to more than 25,000 nursing students annually. Bringing compassionate care to our Veterans is a team of skilled, dedicated nursing residents like Niosha Motahari, a Post Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Resident (PBRNR) at the Michael…
A leader’s journey: Chief Veterans Experience Officer Lynda C. Davis, Ph.D.
During Women’s History Month, we honor the women who served our nation in uniform and who are also shaping the future of Veterans’ health care and policy. At VA, Women Veteran leaders are not symbolic voices, they are institutional leaders who bring lived experience, military culture and a deep understanding of our sister Veterans directly…
Veterans: Make kidney disease screening a priority
More than 1.4 million Veterans enrolled in VA health care are living with chronic kidney disease, a key focus during World Kidney Month March is World Kidney Month. What better time to ask your VA provider about your risk for kidney disease? Most don’t “feel bad” until the later stages of kidney disease, so screening…
Freedom250: Marine Corps Veteran Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr.
Marine Corps Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr. is one of the greatest legends in Marine Corps history. Barnum arrived in Vietnam in December 1965, a first lieutenant serving in fire support with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. His company provided rear security for battalion movement out of the mountains. Within days…
The Lost Battalion: Nelson Miles Holderman
Nelson Miles Holderman—commander of Company L, 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division—was one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. At some point in 2017-2018, his unit was sent overseas to replace Company K, one of the nine companies of the 77th Division. During the war, Holderman’s battalion became encircled by German forces in the…
The Chosin Few: Marine Corps Cpl. Lee Hugh Phillips
In fall 1950, Cpl. Lee Hugh Phillips found himself in the rugged, sub-freezing terrain of Korea. He was a squad leader in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. Marching north with his fellow Marines toward the Chosin Reservoir, he would soon see some of the fiercest fighting of the Korean War. On Nov. 4, 1950,…
Staying job search savvy online
Searching for a new job can be exciting, but as more hiring and recruiting moves online, job scams have unfortunately become increasingly common. Fraudsters can pose as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other legitimate employers, create fake job postings, or request personal information under the guise of processing an application. Knowing how to…
Veteran with Multiple Sclerosis explores her world
Traveling with multiple sclerosis A multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis often brings with it a wave of logistical, emotional and financial challenges. For Anne Padgett, who had been out of the military for more than five years when she received her diagnosis, turning to VA for care was the furthest thing from her mind. She was…
Live Whole Health #310: Healing carrot soup with ginger and turmeric
A restorative soup for spring renewal Lightly roasting fresh vegetables helps bring out new flavors and supports your immune system. When onions and garlic roast, they start to taste sweet and caramelized. Carrots and parsnips turn a warm golden-brown. For this carrot soup recipe, we add fresh ginger near the end for a zesty taste…
A family legacy of service
Connected by duty and care Army Veteran Rob Sterling recently visited the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), bringing with him an incredible family legacy that warmed the hearts of VA staff. Sterling’s father, Edmond, and his twin brother, Edward, both served as radiomen in the Navy during World War II. The brothers deployed…
After the crisis call: How SPCs can keep Veterans connected
How SPCs can keep Veterans connected Reaching out for support can happen for all kinds of reasons. Maybe life is piling up. Maybe something from your past is bothering you again. Or maybe you’re dealing with relationship stress, money challenges, health concerns or just feeling stuck. These are all valid reasons to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line. No matter what you’re going through, the Veterans Crisis Line is here to help. And your call, chat or…