Category: VA

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. Before separating from the Marine Corps, Chris Earl started building the foundation for what became the country’s largest military gaming community: Regiment Gaming. The former logistics…

If you’d like to wake up feeling more refreshed, full of energy and ready to tackle the day, consider trying mocktails instead of cocktails. A mocktail is a drink that contains no alcohol but resembles drinks that do. A drink might seem like an easy way to unwind, but Cathy, a Veteran who uses the New…

Ready to take a stand? Many older adults spend between 9 and 13 hours a day sitting and they struggle to add physical movement and mobility into their lives. As we age, even the day-to-day activities such as reaching for a can on a shelf, walking to the mailbox, and getting down to look for…

Too many Veterans are surviving in places not meant for human habitation—under bridges, in parked cars, or in encampments tucked out of sight. They deserve more than survival. They deserve a path home. To help make that a reality, VA has launched “Getting Veterans Off the Street”—a nationwide initiative focused on reaching and housing Veterans…

VA Houston Healthcare System has broken ground on construction of a brand-new outpatient clinic in Beaumont, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility will be nearly double the size of the current Beaumont clinic and offer Veterans a comprehensive range of health care services. “We couldn’t be more excited to break ground on this new clinic,” said Lindsey…

Marìa Inés Ortiz was born in 1967 in Camden, New Jersey, but she grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in 1990, she joined the Army Reserve as a Wire System installer. By 1993, she transitioned to active duty, embarking on a career that would take her…

At VA, every role plays a part in our mission to care for those who served our country—and that includes the dedicated individuals who work in food service. From preparing nutritious meals for patients, visitors and staff to supporting hospital kitchen operations, VA food service workers help ensure that Veterans receive high-quality care and comfort…

If you’re a woman Veteran who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you’re likely thinking about what’s best for your health and your baby’s health. An important part of that is figuring out the best way to feed your baby. While it’s a deeply personal journey, VA is here to help you understand the…

A new program at Houston VA is changing the lives of Veterans in southeast Texas and beyond. The facility has been designated as the first Center of Excellence for pancreas care within the VA system by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). The hospital’s innovative new Pancreas Clinic aims to provide comprehensive care for Veterans suffering from…

Air Force Veteran Ed Lucero started having severe abdominal pain while undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. Even after a kidney transplant in 1987, his pain didn’t stop. At the time, doctors couldn’t explain why. The surgery was successful. There was no sign of new damage, yet Lucero was in constant discomfort. Decades later, Lucero learned…

Whether you’re actively job searching or simply looking to grow in your field, networking is a powerful tool for advancing your career. But effective networking is more than just handing out business cards or adding people on LinkedIn—it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships.  Here are some simple dos and don’ts to help you network…

We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Can a delicious, nutritious meal serve as medicine? Yes! It’s true that specific foods can have beneficial effects and support overall health and well-being. When John, a Veteran who receives his care through the VA Maryland Health Care System, had a hard…