Category: VA

The podcast industry is growing exponentially. Research shows there are now 465 million podcast listeners globally, a figure expected to reach 505 million by 2024. Plus, there are more than 5 million podcasts around the world in an industry market size of nearly $25 billion. According to Nielsen’s 2023 Audio Today report, heavier podcast use is growing (five…

In 2020, VA established 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a national number that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can contact when in need of assistance. MyVA411 serves as a “front door” contact to VA and provides access to the broad spectrum of VA benefits and services. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the customer service representatives…

Michelle Ann Hovland was born on November 6, 1960, in Ventura, CA. She grew up around Cassville, MO, attending Cassville High before going to Missouri State University. She was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army through ROTC in 1982 and initially worked with Nike Missiles in Germany. She left the Air Defense Artillery…

Telehealth has emerged as a vital component of VA health care delivery, providing convenient access to medical services for Veterans. To ensure the highest quality care, VA implemented the Telehealth Preceptor (Instructor) program which trains experts to mentor and coach telehealth staff across various systems. The Western States Network Consortium has played a significant role…

Close your eyes. Picture yourself lying on the grass and looking up at soft, puffy clouds. Choose a cloud and reach up to hold it in your hands while you inhale deeply. Now imagine that you could gently and slowly move the cloud from side to side between your hands. How does it feel to…

Kyle Dean Walker attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Utah Army National Guard’s 145th Field Artillery Regiment before his death while scuba diving on May 23, 2022. Walker was an Eagle Scout growing up, and outdoors activities like hunting, climbing, longboarding and skydiving were among the things he loved most. He enlisted in…

Kenneth H. Olsen was drafted into the Navy during World War II, serving between 1944 and 1946. After his short naval career, he went on to become the president of Digital Equipment Corporation and a pioneer in the realm of multi-vendor computing and electrical engineering. Olsen was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in February 1926 and was…

We all love music in some form or fashion, like writing, singing or playing a tune with friends and family. It’s a way for people to share, express themselves and sometimes heal. Alicia Chopyk, music and neurologic music therapist at Wilmington VA, talks about music, and she uses song and instruments to help Veterans in…

VA police is the armed and uniformed federal law enforcement service of VA. With nearly 90% of our police officers coming from a military background, they know what it means to be of service and to use their training to protect others. As part of our support teams, the work of VA police is invaluable…

Michael J. Ybarra was born May 7, 1925, in Milan, Illinois, the son Pedro and Margarita Ybarra. He attended St. Joe’s High School, where he was a star player on the football team. He enlisted in the Army on June 1, 1950. Ybarra was almost immediately sent to Korea after enlisting, and he served as…

Terry L. Berg was born December 13, 1946, in Boise, Idaho. He was an only child. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and served four years, until 1969. He trained in Texas and then was sent to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. He chose to go to Vietnam from there with the…

Reports of cyberbullying and cyber harassment cases have increased dramatically in the last few years. Virtual aids have become more prominent resources in the workplace, but there are additional resources available for dealing with inappropriate comments, like the negative encounters can occur online, where social media is the most common venue cited for harassment. The…