Category: VA

In April 2023, VA and Pet Partners announced the renewal of their memorandum of agreement, reaffirming their commitment to enhance the quality of life for Veterans. Facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), the renewed partnership builds upon the strong collaboration established in 2019 and signifies a continued effort to deliver…

Each Tuesday, a small group of Veterans, dubbed the Yak and Yarn, meet at the Grounds for Celebration café to knit or crochet while sharing conversation and coffee. The meet-up is an opportunity for camaraderie and a chance to engage in a shared hobby. “Knitting is just a stress reliever.” Jerra Buster, a recreation therapist…

Bay Pines VA’s Police Service has added another element to support their ongoing mission to protect those who served: It is the latest health care system in VA to be 100 percent trained on the use of body cameras, advancing effective, accountable policing and criminal justice practices to enhance public trust and public safety. “All…

For physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists who want to come to VA, but may be indebted to their current employers, VA’s new Contract Buy-Out Program (CBOP) is a game changer. “Over the years, there have been too many physicians and health care providers who want to serve our Veteran patients…

Shar-Ron Buie spent 25 years in prison, was homeless and lost his daughter prior to VA helping him turn his life around. Now the Marine Corps Veteran dedicates his life to helping other Veterans thanks to VA’s HUD-VASH program. Buie was raised by his grandmother. They never lived in a single location for more than…

Antibiotic overuse can lead to serious infections from Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterium that affects the colon. Veteran patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities are more vulnerable to C. diff infections than those not receiving care in hospitals or long-term care facilities. From 2019-2020, C. diff rates rose sharply in the Columbia VA…

On Aug. 30, Hurricane Idalia tore through the Florida gulf coast with 125 mph winds, flooding streets, damaging homes and shifting the lives of countless impacted by her destructive force. Perry, a small quiet town in Florida’s big bend, was hit hard, and the VA Clinic located there had to temporarily close its doors for…

Nathan Matthew Cox of Davenport, Iowa, was born September 30, 1975, to Les and Jane Cox. He attended Davenport Central High School, but detested school, despite his intellect, dropping out to complete a GED and join the Army. Cox attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and soon served in Bosnia in the mid-1990s. He…

At VA, our mission is to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” and for their families, caregivers and survivors. Our mission is your well-being. We’re committed to making sure all Veterans live their best lives and that includes prioritizing cancer screenings. Drawing inspiration from a legacy of valor, American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans…

Military service isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle that shapes individuals in profound ways. The camaraderie and shared experiences that come with serving in the armed forces create friendships that can last a lifetime. Whether you served side by side in combat or shared moments of laughter during downtime, those connections hold a special…

If you’re a gaming aficionado or a Veteran looking to create bonds on the virtual battlefield, the 2023 Warrior GMR VA Duel of Champions is an event you won’t want to miss. This 2-day extravaganza celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie by bringing together the military community, Veterans and gaming fans. Here’s everything you…

Over 600,000 military families move or transition out of service every year. As a Veteran family, you may not live close to a military installation, or you may be living in a new location. Likewise, finding common ground with those in your community, including those who’ve never served, can cause feelings of isolation. Enter Blue…