Registered Nurse (RN) Joey Straw knows every patient interaction is an important one in a Veteran’s care journey. Now in his fourth year at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Nashville, Tennessee, he didn’t always have his eyes set on becoming a nurse. Keep reading to learn more about how he got his start…
Fraud Alert: Watch out for phishing scams
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where malicious actors send fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate and trusted sources. These scams target Veterans to steal benefits, healthcare information, and other personally identifiable information. VA urges Veterans, their families and advocates to be aware of phishing, including signs and prevention strategies. Types of phishing…
Support after suicide loss: TAPS resources for military and Veteran survivors
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month reminds us to consider risk factors, recognize warning signs, begin honest conversations and connect people who are struggling with the help they need. It also reminds us to support people grieving after a death by suicide. A military or Veteran suicide loss can affect families, friends, colleagues and battle buddies.…
Simple planning turns leftovers into healthy meals
Turn last night’s dinner into this week’s easiest healthy meals You don’t have to cook a brand-new meal each day to eat well. Leftovers make it easy to have healthy options even on busy days. With a bit of planning, you can give last night’s dinner a fresh new twist. Leftovers are your built-in backup…
VA’s national Customer Experience Symposium recognizes the best in a Veterans-first culture
VA’s eighth annual Customer Experience (CX) Symposium, held Sept. 15-17, 2026, shared CX best practices and tools with 1,700 VA public servants across the country. Centered on earning Veterans’ trust and advancing a Veterans-first culture, the three-day event focused on turning Veteran voices into Veteran experience improvements. The symposium opened with a two-day virtual learning…
281.2 miles for MS: One Veteran’s journey from legally blind to Ironman
A Veteran’s fight against MS, one mile at a time My diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) came with nearly every symptom imaginable – my neurologist called me a textbook case. I experienced bowel issues, severe balance problems, slurred speech, memory loss and numbness so profound that I would walk out of my shoes without realizing…
Build your skills at VA: Training programs to explore
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is invested in helping you grow your career in service of our Veterans. We offer multiple training programs to help you build your skills, all while earning an unbeatable salary and federal benefits package. Here’s a look at a few of the opportunities available at VA to help you…
Six strings and a second chance: How music helped Justin Aguayo heal
How music and steady support reshaped a life Army Veteran Justin Aguayo, the son of a Marine, grew up the way a lot of military kids do — new schools, new towns, new faces, over and over. Home was never a place. It was whoever was in the room with him. So maybe it makes…
Live Whole Health #335: The Power of Connection
Having friends can help you live longer A study of over three million people found that strong social connections lower the risk of early death by as much as 30%. This is a greater effect than many people expected, In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has noted that the health risk of poor social connections…
VA Memphis reopens food hub to fight Veteran food insecurity
Addressing food insecurity through community partnerships VA Memphis Healthcare System has reopened its food hub through a partnership with Mid-South Food Bank, creating a centralized location where eligible Veterans and community members can access groceries and supportive resources in one convenient location. Located inside Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee,…
Celebrating Telehealth Awareness Week 2026
VA Telehealth: Know your options. Own your experience. VA is celebrating Telehealth Awareness Week from September 20–26! The American Telemedicine Association’s sixth annual Telehealth Awareness Week recognizes the value of telehealth, how far it has come, and the many ways it improves access to high-quality care. VA telehealth in action For retired U.S. Army Col.…
The power of Veteran-to-Veteran connection
Reaching out can remind a buddy they aren’t alone Veterans have distinctive experiences, and because of this, they are in a unique position to support other Veterans. Vets are often the first to help others, but they sometimes find it hard to ask for or accept help themselves. The power of connection You don’t need…