Military spouses are resilient, adaptable and highly skilled, but frequent relocations and shifting responsibilities can make it challenging to build and sustain a career. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers career support programs designed specifically for military spouses to provide resources that help them thrive no matter where military life takes them. If…
The women who shaped early Veteran mental health care
How women shaped the earliest systems of care for returning soldiers While the history of Veteran mental health in the United States is often told through policies and institutions, the contributions of women during its earliest and most formative years deserve special recognition. From organizing care on the ground to advocating for structural reform, these…
Warning signs and ways to support Veterans in crisis
How Veterans can look out for each other, and act when something feels off. Veterans look out for their own. You’ve probably noticed when a buddy wasn’t acting like themselves. Maybe they were pulling away, talking differently or seeming a little more run-down than usual. You don’t need to be a doctor or an expert to help in those moments. Being present, paying attention and knowing…
Veterans first: SVA and VA team up to support student Veterans
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently shared how partnering with VA delivered real impact for student Veterans. During a recent Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Hearing, Tammy Barlet, SVA’s vice president of Government Affairs, emphasized the transformative impact of VA’s engagement at SVA’s 2026 National Conference (NatCon), held Jan. 8–10, in Colorado…
The torch and the baton: Passing the legacy of service from mother to daughter
For the transition from February’s Black History Month to March’s Women’s History Month, we’re honored to present the dynamic story of a mother-daughter duo that embodies the very best of both these months. Together, the women presented below have given over 33 combined years of military service, but their story isn’t just about time served—it’s…
Celebrating March as National Nutrition Month
Power your day with nutrition March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.” Food is more than fuel, and it can shape how you feel, move and think. Making balanced choices at meals and snacks powers your body and supports long-term health. Including lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats in your meals…
Bring your empathy and expertise to VA as a social worker
Across Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs), outpatient clinics and community-based programs, social workers help Veterans overcome personal and social challenges, navigate health care coordination, and build healthier, more stable lives. For professionals seeking meaningful, mission-driven work, a VA social work career offers both purpose and professional growth. VA is hiring qualified, compassionate social…
Custom adaptive devices built for Veterans, at no cost
The sharing of non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should always verify information with the organization offering the program. Are you a Veteran with an injury or disabling condition who has an idea for a device that could improve your mobility, independence or…
Live Whole Health #308 – Find your breath
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…