Category: VA

James R. Nichols was born in Los Angeles, California, in February 1943. He played football at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he met his wife. Graduating from pilot training in 1966, he flew F-100, F-4 and F-16 fighter aircraft in the Air Force. In 1967, Nichols began his first of two…

The Fourth of July is an opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate the founding of our nation. However, for Veterans with a PTSD diagnosis, it can also serve as a trigger. The sounds of explosions, along with heightened light and noise during events, can elicit physical and emotional responses, leading to feelings…

It’s important to understand—and access—all the VA benefits you’ve earned and deserve. The VA Resource Navigator can help. The Navigator puts VA resources and program information at your fingertips through web links, phone numbers and QR codes. Use the VA Resource Navigator to explore VA benefits and programs: Health care Disability Education and training Homelessness…

Earlier this year, the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) called on professional and amateur artists to create picture perfect designs that reflect the theme of this year’s Veterans Day observance. There were more than 180 entries from artists with varied backgrounds and levels of experience.  The votes are in and the winner of the 2025 Veterans Day Poster…

On June 12, 2025, the West Texas VA Health Care System proudly unveiled a handcrafted bench donated by the Howard County, Texas 4-H. The bench is intended to be more than a place to sit—it is a tribute to the courage and service of all Veterans, especially women. June 12 marks the anniversary of the…

Did you know? Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference in hiring for many Federal government jobs—including jobs at VA. This is called Veterans’ Preference. Prioritizing Veteran hires allows VA and other Federal agencies to…

Editor’s note: This post contains links to jobs that are active at the time of publishing. Most job listings close 7-30 days after publishing. The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. Each week,…

Marine Veteran Chester ‘Chet’ Zaremba had never been sick in his life, but when he had a bad cough from what he believed was mold at work, he went to his local VA Clinic. During the visit, VA found something devastating—a tumor that needed surgery right away. Welcome to the USMC Zaremba, 80, remembers how…

As the warm summer breeze drifts through open windows and the scent of freshly cut grass fills the air, something magical begins to stir in kitchens, gardens and farmers’ markets around the country. The summer season isn’t just a shift in weather; it’s an invitation to slow down, gather together and reconnect—with ourselves, with others,…

The 2025 National Creative Arts Festival took place May 11-18 at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Co-hosted annually by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary, the event provides a stage for Veterans from diverse backgrounds to showcase their artistic talents and bond over shared experiences. “It’s about staying connected with…

Just as our phones and devices need recharging to keep working, so do we. “Recharge” means giving your body and brain the rest, sleep and relaxation it needs to restore energy and function at its best. Get enough sleep Without daily rest, we can’t fully enjoy life or stay healthy. Sleep allows the body to…

Joseph Lloreda Jr. was born in July 1915 in Galveston, Texas. He enlisted in the Army in November 1942, while he was married to Victoria Lloreda. He served as a paratrooper and was a member of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment at the 101st Airborne Division, achieving the rank of technician fourth grade. Lloreda and…