Category: VA

Columbia VA has recruited a talented gynecological robotic surgeon to offer women Veterans more options for their care. With robotic surgeries, Veterans will experience less pain during recovery, shorter recovery period, smaller scars and a lower risk of infection. Dr. Ana Rodriguez (pictured above) joined the hospital in October 2023 as a gynecologist/minimally invasive gynecologic…

A group of Veteran patients at the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Center at Jefferson Barracks VA assembled in the facility’s dayroom recently for a very special story hour.    VA recreational therapist Charlie Wright settled into a chair before the group and held up a book entitled, “Mr. Groundy and the Rag Tag…

Melissa Rose Barnes was born in Whittier, California, in November 1973 and was a resident of Redlands, California. In May 1992, Barnes joined the Navy as a naval corpsman at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. She later received communications training in Mississippi. Barnes left the Navy in 1997, but she missed serving and re-enlisted…

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. That’s why VA is shining a light on the facts about this cancer, like who should get screened and why screening is more accessible than ever. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Each year, VA diagnoses approximately 4,000 new cases.…

Ever notice how superhero movies often follow the same storyline? The hero thinks they need superhuman powers to protect people, but it’s really their human qualities that ultimately save lives. The same is true if you have a Veteran loved one going through a tough time or thinking about suicide. You don’t need to be…

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,…