Category: VA

VA is now providing more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before, and in order to continue serving Veterans at this historic rate, we are hiring additional staff across the country. We are also implementing new hiring and retention authorities to grow and maintain a diverse, talented workforce that is focused on…

How would you feel if, due to poor eye health, you could no longer see your loved ones clearly or perform routine tasks that you’ve been doing your entire life? Many of our nation’s Veterans are, unfortunately, facing this reality. For Veterans like Earl White, 92, who is functionally deaf and losing his vision due…

Jaime Pacheco enlisted in the Army in 1970 and trained as a combat engineer, medic and Ranger. He also became a qualified Airborne Pathfinder after completing training in Panama. When deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in October 1971, Pacheco was assigned as a Ranger in Company H (Ranger), 75th Infantry, where he served in…

Gregory Rund was born on Sep. 25, 1983, in Denver, Colorado, but was raised in Littleton. He was a freshman at Columbine High School when two teenage gunmen killed 13 of his classmates. He enjoyed sports and played on the Columbine High School football team that won a state championship his senior year. After the attacks…

Reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation may reduce the likelihood of dying by suicide. Understanding risk and protective factors is important to preventing Veteran suicides. “From Science to Practice” is a series of products designed to communicate the research in an easy-to-understand and quick-to-read format for clinicians and other stakeholders within VA and partnering…

Memorial Day can bring up many emotions in the Veteran community: grief, nostalgia, pride, even loneliness. For many, visiting their battle buddy’s resting place provides a sense of peace, comfort and duty. For those who can’t get there because of distance or reasons beyond their control, the day can feel hollow.  This Memorial Day, volunteers…

When it comes to specialized careers providing care to Veterans, medical technologists have a home in all our facilities. Whether you want to work in medical centers, diagnostic laboratories or even clinics, you won’t find a greater variety of care environments than at VA. That’s because medical technologists work across multiple disciplines — including chemistry,…

Memorial Day is always officially designated as the last Monday in May. This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 29. On this day and the days leading up to it, Americans from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who gave the last full measure…

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert, America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a live presentation this Sunday hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors dedicated to Veterans’ causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service. The 90-minute broadcast will honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women…

In recognition of their service to America’s heroes, VA has implemented programs and policies aimed at protecting the safety and health of its employees. Orlando VA staff are encouraged to participate and enjoy whole health activities on their inpatient unit. The overall health and resilience of employees is critical, and that’s why taking a proactive…

For many Veterans, eating fast began with basic training. Consuming food has always been something you do to survive, and eating is a considerable aggravation for drill instructors given the short time frame to equip new troops. Digesting food fast during mealtime can last through your time in service. We must adapt and overcome. Some…

Bay Pines VA provides various resources for Veterans experiencing homelessness with the understanding that each Veteran’s road to recovery is built differently. For Air Force Veteran Kerry Schmid, her path was paved with perseverance, dedication and selflessness. In April 2023, the Largo Elks Foundation donated a Welcome Home Starter Kit to Schmid, making her its…