Category: VA

Louis Pape returned from World War II with stories he rarely talked about. Years later, his daughter and son-in-law opened a box he left behind and found a diary of his life as a prisoner of war written on toilet paper. The visit It started with a visit to the family farm in Illinois in…

Most U.S. states and territories provide tax benefits for Veterans, their families and survivors. Whether you’re a Veteran checking options in your area, a family member or survivor seeking clarity, or a transitioning service member planning your next move, this guide simplifies the process. We’ve organized these benefits alphabetically by state and territory for quick…

More Veterans are turning to VA telehealth for their care, and for good reason: It’s convenient, accessible and built to meet their unique needs. For Veterans like Victoria Backus, VA telehealth has been successful in part because it’s tailored to her. She uses several VA apps to manage her care, including VA Video Connect to…

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. We’ve curated an assortment of events that aim to assist, educate, and enrich Veterans and their families. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely…

When a Veteran faces homelessness, the path to stable housing can be blocked by countless barriers. That’s why, each April, staff and volunteers at the VA Bay Pines Healthcare System dedicate a Saturday to their annual stand down event—working side by side to break down those barriers and bring Veterans one step closer to home.…

U.S. Army Veteran Dennis Wagner found himself living in a new area and in a deepened state of depression after his wife passed away. “I just wouldn’t do anything,” he said, which significantly impacted his quality of life and the chronic pain he was experiencing. Wagner found himself rarely leaving the house or seeing others—something…

Dr. Christine Going, senior advisor for the Veterans Health Administration’s Food Security Office, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for her support of Jason M. Melton, executive officer for the VHA Food Security Office and senior master sergeant in the Air National Guard. Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Larry…

Army Veteran Albert Flores Tristan was born in Dallas, Texas, in March 1949. Initially hailing from Mexico, Tristan immigrated to the United States at the age of six in 1955. After completing his education at North Dallas High School in 1968, he remained in Texas until his enlistment during the Vietnam War in September 1969.…

Veterans who receive higher compensation with Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Purple Heart recipients, Veterans receiving income-based pension or survivors’ pension, and those receiving specially adapted housing (SAH) benefits are frequently targeted by bad actors. The increased financial compensation associated with SMC benefits and the visibility of Purple Heart recipients can attract scammers looking to exploit…

When was the last time you played with a ball? (Other than a stress ball.) Doing yoga on an exercise ball will probably reduce your stress much more than that worn out stress ball! According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “There are many benefits of yoga. Studies have suggested possible benefits of…

The mountain slopes of the Winter Sports Clinic can’t fix everything, but for a week, it helped Veterans with disabilities remember that pushing boundaries—and not their limitations—is what defines them. Facing limits, pushing beyond U.S. Army Veteran Jorge Decastro-Cordeiro, pictured above, looked up from the slopes of Snowmass and said, “I call this a mountain…

Volunteering your time and dedication can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served our nation. It creates meaningful change, fosters connections and contributes to the well-being of those in need. Make a pledge to serve during National Volunteer Week April 20-26, 2025, and join VA in supporting a National Day…