Category: VA

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will host “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families,” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 11-13. This national event will honor Vietnam Veterans and their enduring legacy of service, and inspire Americans to thank them and their families for their service…

A healthy lifestyle, including moving the body and taking time for self-care, can support heart health. About 80% of heart disease and stroke events are preventable. Awareness of your risk factors, knowing your heart health numbers like cholesterol and blood pressure and making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risks. Your efforts can also lower…

Dr. Michael Brescia, a kidney dialysis pioneer and co-founder of modern palliative care and hospice care, died April 19 in his home in Westchester County, NY, at the age of 90. His death was announced by New York’s Calvary Hospital where he was medical director emeritus. Brescia, with Dr. James Cimino, developed the Brescia-Cimino fistula…

VA has renewed its focus to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all Veterans and employees. VA’s new mission statement reflects a new VA that is intent on creating an environment where all have equitable opportunities to thrive, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved populations. “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those…

For social worker Larry Johns, working with Veterans is a personal connection. As a Marine Corps Veteran now working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Orlando VA Domiciliary, Johns found pour painting to be relaxing and calming while attending the University Central Florida. Pour painting is an art form that uses a fluid…

As a flute player in the Army band for nearly 10 years, Amanda Burns loved being able to bring the gift of music to others while deployed to Iraq. “Our concert band was playing in the communities for the Iraqi people,” said Burns. “The most musical and soulful work was being able to connect with…

Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities. They are our family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce and more. This May, VA recognizes Older Americans Month as we celebrate the meaningful contributions of older adults and raise awareness of services available to support older Veterans’ unique needs, wants and…

As we begin National Nurses Month, VA proudly joins the American Nurses Association in celebrating our nurses far and wide. We commemorate our invaluable teammates and the positive impact they provide by recognizing that “VA Nurses Make a Difference”—the theme we’re using to celebrate Nurses Month this year. By joining the nation’s largest nursing corps, you can…

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and​ women in the United States. VA is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology for use during colonoscopy to assist in recognizing pre-cancerous growths (aka “polyps”) and to add to the best-in-class care available to Veterans across the nation. Why Artificial Intelligence? VA…

December 8, 2022: Gregory Feest Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Gregory Feest, who served in Panama, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror. Gregory Feest was born in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1956. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he enrolled in the ROTC program and graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s in…

This year marks the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On Dec. 7, 1941, America was caught flat-footed by a surprise Japanese attack on a target thought to be untouchable. As home to the Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor was host to over one hundred vessels, thousands of servicemen and hundreds of aircraft belonging…

While the sound of the bugle may stop us momentarily from what we are doing, the tradition and honor that accompanies this music deserves more than a moment of our time. Taps carries extra significance for Martinsburg VA this year, as they are blessed with a special playing from one of their Veteran patients to mark…