LaSalle R. Vaughn was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Nov. 5, 1923, as one of five children to Roger and Lizzette Vaughn. He went to school in Baton Rouge and, after Franklin Roosevelt established a Presidential Directive permitting Black Americans the opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps, enlisted in 1943. Instead of being…
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Christine Tron
Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1958, Christine Tron grew up loving her father’s stories of his Army service in the Philippines. At 18, Tron joined the Army when it was the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1977, completing one of the last cycles of basic combat training before women began serving in the regular Army…
Celebrating 100 years of health care for women Veterans
On Sept. 14, 2023, VA marks the 100th anniversary of providing health care services to women Veterans. While women have served in nearly all of America’s wars, it wasn’t until after World War I that women Veterans were granted access to government health care. Hospitalization and medical care for women who served as Army or…
Create a complete career with VA’s surprising employment benefits
You already know that VA offers a number of employment benefits that make us an excellent place to work (so good, in fact, we’re one of the top five Best Places to Work in the Federal Government). With things like extensive paid leave, federal health insurance programs and an unmatched retirement system, we’ll set you…
Leukemia care from VA, and one Veteran’s story
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), essentially the same disease, are the most common adult form of leukemia. Over 13,000 Veterans have this diagnosis, which is associated with the toxic exposures included in the PACT ACT. Here is one Veteran’s experience at Minneapolis VA as told to me, a VA physician, geriatrics educator and…
Live Whole Health #186: Slowing down with an introduction to Qigong
The idea of slowing down amidst a busy schedule can feel overwhelming. However, sometimes during all the busy-ness, slowing down and taking time for ourselves to take stock on how we are doing can be beneficial. One way of slowing down can actually be through movement, especially slower mindful movement practices. Moving the body can…
Free career guidance for Veterans from America’s top companies
American Corporate Partners (ACP) connects post-9/11 Veterans with corporate professionals for customized career guidance. Veterans find meaningful employment outcomes, whether a higher-paying job or a promotion. The average starting annual salary for Veterans who use ACP is $93,000. The program helps Veterans find great jobs the first time. ACP is a national non-profit organization dedicated…
VA and Pet Partners renew partnership to support Veterans
In April 2023, VA and Pet Partners announced the renewal of their memorandum of agreement, reaffirming their commitment to enhance the quality of life for Veterans. Facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), the renewed partnership builds upon the strong collaboration established in 2019 and signifies a continued effort to deliver…
VA’s Designated Education Officer of the Year
Dr. Shakaib Rehman, associate chief of staff for education at Phoenix VA, was recognized with the Dr. Karen M. Sanders Designated Education Officer (DEO) of the Year Award at VA’s DEO Conference in Chicago. Rehman is an exceptional champion for health professions education within and outside of VA, known for strengthening VA’s relationships with the…
Bay Pines VA police cameras protect those who served
Bay Pines VA’s Police Service has added another element to support their ongoing mission to protect those who served: It is the latest health care system in VA to be 100 percent trained on the use of body cameras, advancing effective, accountable policing and criminal justice practices to enhance public trust and public safety. “All…
VA recreation therapist leads Yak and Yarn group
Each Tuesday, a small group of Veterans, dubbed the Yak and Yarn, meet at the Grounds for Celebration café to knit or crochet while sharing conversation and coffee. The meet-up is an opportunity for camaraderie and a chance to engage in a shared hobby. “Knitting is just a stress reliever.” Jerra Buster, a recreation therapist…
Serve Veterans free and clear through our Contract Buy-Out Program (CBOP)
For physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists who want to come to VA, but may be indebted to their current employers, VA’s new Contract Buy-Out Program (CBOP) is a game changer. “Over the years, there have been too many physicians and health care providers who want to serve our Veteran patients…