Category: VA

At VA, we actively work to meet Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy and healthy lives. With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. One such rural health facility…

When Navy Veteran Dr. Matthew Messa walks into the room, Veterans are often surprised to learn that he is their doctor. “I don’t hide who I am,” said Messa, an emergency physician at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. “You know, I walk in and they see who I am. They’re like, ‘You’re not the doctor.’…

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…

Content warning: This article addresses suicide, so reader caution is advised. If you are a Veteran in crisis, dial 988 and press 1 to reach our Veterans Crisis Line. There’s rarely a single reason why a Veteran attempts suicide. Instead, it’s often the result of many overlapping risk factors. Homelessness is one of those factors.…

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. The information and perspectives presented are for informational purposes only and represent the views of the author(s) and does not relate to VA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness…

Veterans are at risk for developing lung cancer at more than twice the national average—but at Asheville VA, early detection and timely, personalized treatment are transforming outcomes. A hybrid operating room at the medical center allows VA doctors to find early-stage lung cancers and remove them in a minimally invasive procedure. This cuts time between…

John Harold Pease was born in November 1919 to John and Mary Pease in Stillwater, Minnesota. His passion for aviation took flight in Boise, Idaho, where his family relocated when he was 10. An outdoorsman at heart, he spent his youth hunting and fishing along the Boise River. After his early years in Boise, he…

With over 3 million downloads and 1.4 million monthly active users, the VA Health and Benefits app is proving to be an essential tool for Veterans. This milestone is more than just a number—it represents real impact, real convenience and real-time access to critical VA services. Whether it’s managing health care, checking benefits, or staying…

Thomas Gillis was born the year before President Hoover signed Executive Order 5368 creating the then-known Veterans Administration, and this week, Gillis will make history as the oldest registered Veteran athlete participating in the 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games, proving the adage, “Age isn’t nothing but a number.” An Army Veteran from Fouls River,…

For Marine Corps Veteran David Reeves, leaving military service led to battles with addiction and homelessness. Reeves served eight years in the Marines as a data network specialist, deploying to Iraq in 2008 and to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from 2009 to 2010. After returning home, he was stationed in St. Louis before receiving a medical…

For 83-year old Air Force Veteran Alfred Izzarone, having a VA care team diagnose his PTSD was the first of many steps in taking care of his mental health. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he didn’t know if he would be able to get care. Fortunately, VA’s TeleMental Health services allowed Izzarone to continue…

Army Ranger Tommy Gwynn feels even better today than he did six years ago when he turned 100. “Always smile and have a good heart,” the 106-year-old, 12-time Purple Heart recipient said when asked his secret to longevity. Since 2019, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and the Tullahoma community throw a birthday bash for the…