Category: VA

In a celebration of valor party filled with laughter, nostalgia and gratitude, nine Texas World War II Veterans were honored this week at the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic.  The event was a special birthday celebration for the Veterans, all of whom are celebrating at least 100 years of life in 2025. One of the guests…

Veterans facing homelessness can find more than a safe place to sleep at YWCA Gateway Independence facility in Providence, Rhode Island. They can also find invaluable advice and support from someone who’s been in their shoes. Army Veteran Mike McRae once lived at Gateway to Independence. Now, he’s the YWCA director of Veterans affairs, where…

I was in the best shape of my life when multiple sclerosis (MS) changed everything. At first it was just a strange tingling in my fingertips, a sudden pain down my spine. Then I started tripping, first on the treadmill, then outside. I thought the problem was faulty equipment, but soon I realized it was…

West Texas VA is revolutionizing Veteran health care, bridging the gap by bringing lifesaving medical services directly to those who need it most. Through its Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program, the health care system is ensuring aging and homebound Veterans are not left behind. For those who can no longer travel to a VA clinic…

Like the Veterans we care for, rural communities are as engaging and exciting as you can imagine. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends or just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you. Regardless of…

Think about your body for a moment. Not as a whole, but as each of the amazing parts that make up your full physical being. Your eyes see these words and send signals to your brain to read them. Your skin, nails and hair grow. Your lungs expand as you take in oxygen. Your blood…

Columbus VA in Ohio has a rich history of providing meaningful volunteer experiences to area youth. Last year alone, 15 youth were able to volunteer and take part in many assignments caring for Veterans, such as assisting in the Canteen with meal service and helping them to their tables. They served as urgent care runners,…

In November 2024, VISN 16 proudly introduced the Honor Everywhere Virtual Reality Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing the nation’s war memorials to Veterans who may be unable to travel. This innovative program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of participants in the VISN 16 Leadership Development Institute and VISN 16 innovation specialists.…

After persevering through her experiences, accepting she needed help, and then deciding to enter a treatment program, Sherry Robinson found herself hesitating to take the final step of walking into the residential rehabilitation and treatment (RRTP) program at Coatesville VA. Robinson owned a working car and was staying 45 minutes away in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, but…

Gulf Coast VA has established a standardized Virtual Reality (VR) Home Use program. January 2025 marked one year since we launched this initiative, which coincided with efforts to streamline and bolster documentation and data collection for immersive therapy within the health care system. Over 250 Veterans are now benefiting from having this technology available to…

We recently released our 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which, in addition to data, highlights seven strategies we’re taking to support Veterans. In this story—the first in a series of two—we’ll talk about the first two strategies we’re taking throughout the next year and beyond to meet Veterans where they are and with…

Pamela Dorothy Donovan was born in March 1942 in Merseyside, England, as the daughter of Irish parents. Donovan and her family immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in Brighton, Massachusetts. Donovan was educated as a nurse and nun in Canada, Ireland, England and the United States, graduating from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of…