Why we serve: Find your calling in VA’s mission of service to Veterans

Our mission at VA is a mission of service, to care for those who have served this country by offering support to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Across our nearly 1,300 facilities, our team knows that fulfilling this promise to Veterans is fulfilling all on its own. Embracing the mission “I meet a lot…

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Live Whole Health #146: Welcoming your guests – all of them

The turkey is roasting. The house is in order. The table is set. What about the guests? Being surrounded by others is one of the greatest gifts of the season. Whether in our home, a family members’, or a local community center, being in the company of other people can be both joyful and difficult.…

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HireMilitary helps Veterans and spouses find their next career  

HireMilitary helps Veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find their next great job. The HireMilitary team of recruiters are all “Veterans and spouses,” and they understand firsthand the challenges of finding a role after leaving the military. Their experience can help translate skills to meaningful employment opportunities. The service is free to everyone in…

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Vietnam Veterans’ reunion a key to recovery

Army Veteran Robert Shave was recently reunited with four of his squad members for the first time in 57 years. They had located Shave through an internet search. Squad members Wayne Short and Robert Toporek traveled to Michigan from Pennsylvania. Ken Grimes and William Yates came in from Alabama. They met in the garden area…

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Honoring victims of anti-transgender violence

Research indicates that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, particularly those who identify as transgender. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), observed annually on Nov. 20, recognizes experiencers of anti-transgender violence to shine a light on the persistence of these crimes and to memorialize those who have experienced them. A report…

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Rideshare program assists Veterans in critical need

Orlando VA has successfully adopted an innovative rideshare program. It provides transportation to Veterans in critical need after being discharged from an inpatient stay, emergency department visit, or for assistance getting to and from a follow-up appointment related to their recent hospitalization. “Once I heard about this option for Veterans to independently get to critical…

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World War II Veterans receive flu vaccinations at Jasper VA clinic

Four World War II Veterans received flu vaccinations at the Jasper VA Clinic during the Birmingham VA Flu Fair. Veterans Dalton Sharpton, Eustis Pendley, Raymond Doss and Charles Richardson were invited and greeted by Mark Davis, clinic director. “This is a monumental event,” said Davis. “Not only do I admire and honor these heroes but…

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Tucson VA addresses Veteran food insecurity

There is no greater mission than to serve those that have served our great nation. The Southern Arizona VA Patriot Pantry, in Tucson, is a good example. Nutrition and Food Services partnered with the Center for Development & Civic to tackle the issue of Veterans’ food insecurity. Over a year ago, the Patriot Pantry got…

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Leader profile: Lynn Berry and the founding of Virtual PRIDE

When Lynn Berry came to VA six years ago, she had already transitioned from being a small business owner for over two decades and then working as a surgery scheduler for a doctor’s office. While she enjoyed the work, she wasn’t sure it was the place for her. “So a friend of mine recommended I…

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Great American Smokeout: Clear the air for what matters

Smoking has a way of clouding nearly everything in a person’s life. VA can help Veterans clear the air with text, phone and in-person support and counseling, as well as prescription medications and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products to help them stop smoking. VA has more ways than ever to help Veterans make smoking a…

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#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Gladys Blount

November 17, 2022: Gladys Blount Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Gladys Blount, a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion that delivered lost mail during World War II. World War II Army Veteran Gladys Blount grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, working as a beautician. However, due to a combination of restlessness and…

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