In Navajo Nation, VA trainees close the distance to care For rural Veterans living on or near the Navajo Nation reservation, seeking care has often meant hours on the road. Such distances pose a serious barrier, particularly for elderly or disabled Veterans. In rural New Mexico, VA trainees are working to close that gap, bringing…
Air Force Veteran returns to the Golden Age Games with strength, faith and fight
Terrence “Terry” Munoz hadn’t competed in powerlifting in more than 20 years. Life had brought injuries, retirement, family, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and two battles with cancer. Still, when he learned about the National Veterans Golden Age Games, one thought kept returning to him: “I think I got one more meet left in me.” Strength beyond the…
Talk About It Tuesday offers insights, advice to job seekers
From application advice to insights into day-to-day work at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Talk About It Tuesday (TAIT) is back to help viewers learn more about VA and how to better navigate the federal hiring process. Hosted by VA National Recruiter Mike Owens, TAIT invites job seekers like you to explore career opportunities,…
Continuing to serve: Veterans can find purpose through coaching
Veterans leave the military with discipline, leadership, resilience and a deep commitment to service. But when the uniform comes off, many ask, “What’s next?” For many, the answer can be found in coaching—on the field, court, track or sideline. Soldiers To Sidelines helps Veterans, service members, military spouses and Gold Star families continue serving by…
Live Whole Health #325: Give yourself a lift with guided imagery
Imagine your body as one of those Macy’s Day balloons, but instead of helium your body is filled with stress, anger, pain and overall misery. Sometimes you feel you are about to burst! Now imagine that same outline and shape, but instead you can fill it up with feelings of peace, safety, contentment and ease.…
Go plant-based this summer
Savor saucy BBQ tempeh “ribs” with a sustainable twist This summer, fire up the grill and your health! Choosing delicious plant-based foods can help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Vegetarian meals are full of flavor and perfect for celebrations. At your next cookout, try grilling savory tempeh instead of your usual…
Care without limits: How VA telehealth is reaching Veterans where they are
VA telehealth satisfaction hits record highs for sixth straight year Every Veteran has unique care needs, and VA strives to meet those needs with the highest quality of care possible. Telehealth is an important part of that mission, as VA is committed to expanding access to care and helping ensure that where a Veteran lives…
A Veteran’s second chance: Lifesaving heart care
Lifesaving, coordinated VA heart care saved an Army Veteran’s life after a critical arterial blockage was discovered For years, Army Veteran Richard Boda brushed off the growing fatigue, shortness of breath and aching in his arms. He figured it was simply part of getting older, and like many Veterans, he wasn’t eager to visit a…
Tuskegee’s librarian: Dr. Sara Delaney brought healing through books
A visionary who redefined healing through literacy At a time when hospitals focused primarily on physical treatment, Dr. Sara Marie Johnson Peterson Delaney believed healing also lived in the pages of a book. For 34 years, Delaney served as chief librarian at the Veterans hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama, now part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her…
Service that sparked a lifelong passion for WWII Veteran
A century-long journey shaped by service, resilience and an enduring love of the sea At 101, Navy WWII Veteran Levern Owens still finds his mind wandering back to the vast expanse of the ocean, the islands of the South Pacific, and the time he spent feeding both fellow sailors and his local community. While a…
Spinal Cord Injury team helps Army Vet keep competing
Strength, perseverance and the power of SCI rehabilitation Army Veteran Mark Maloney suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off his bike six years ago. The resulting fall broke his neck, paralyzing him. Maloney, now 90, had run marathons, competed in the Pikes Peak Ascent race in Colorado Springs, and had been a competitive runner…
How one Veteran’s TBI recovery led her from coma to creative healing
TeleTBI aids in Veteran’s recovery After high school, Pamela Nee joined the Air National Guard. She served for 25 years with the 193rd Special Operations Wing, deploying for Operation Desert Storm and then working as a federal technician. During her service, she survived a serious car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI). “I…