Shar-Ron Buie spent 25 years in prison, was homeless and lost his daughter prior to VA helping him turn his life around. Now the Marine Corps Veteran dedicates his life to helping other Veterans thanks to VA’s HUD-VASH program. Buie was raised by his grandmother. They never lived in a single location for more than…
Rapid deployment team assists Veterans after hurricane
On Aug. 30, Hurricane Idalia tore through the Florida gulf coast with 125 mph winds, flooding streets, damaging homes and shifting the lives of countless impacted by her destructive force. Perry, a small quiet town in Florida’s big bend, was hit hard, and the VA Clinic located there had to temporarily close its doors for…
Two-step solution to improving Veteran colon health
Antibiotic overuse can lead to serious infections from Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterium that affects the colon. Veteran patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities are more vulnerable to C. diff infections than those not receiving care in hospitals or long-term care facilities. From 2019-2020, C. diff rates rose sharply in the Columbia VA…
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Nathan Matthew Cox
Nathan Matthew Cox of Davenport, Iowa, was born September 30, 1975, to Les and Jane Cox. He attended Davenport Central High School, but detested school, despite his intellect, dropping out to complete a GED and join the Army. Cox attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and soon served in Bosnia in the mid-1990s. He…
Cancer care for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans
At VA, our mission is to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” and for their families, caregivers and survivors. Our mission is your well-being. We’re committed to making sure all Veterans live their best lives and that includes prioritizing cancer screenings. Drawing inspiration from a legacy of valor, American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans…
Rally Point and the power of military friendships
Military service isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle that shapes individuals in profound ways. The camaraderie and shared experiences that come with serving in the armed forces create friendships that can last a lifetime. Whether you served side by side in combat or shared moments of laughter during downtime, those connections hold a special…
Turn a week of welcome into a community for life
Over 600,000 military families move or transition out of service every year. As a Veteran family, you may not live close to a military installation, or you may be living in a new location. Likewise, finding common ground with those in your community, including those who’ve never served, can cause feelings of isolation. Enter Blue…
A guide to the 2023 Warrior GMR VA Duel of Champions: Unite in gaming glory
If you’re a gaming aficionado or a Veteran looking to create bonds on the virtual battlefield, the 2023 Warrior GMR VA Duel of Champions is an event you won’t want to miss. This 2-day extravaganza celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie by bringing together the military community, Veterans and gaming fans. Here’s everything you…
Live Whole Health #185: Hello body!
Quick! Squeeze your shoulders back and hold while you count to five. Don’t forget to breathe while you’re doing it. Now, make tight fists and hold for the count of five. BREATHE! What other body parts and muscles need your attention right now? Can you give another five seconds to those parts? Taking care of…
Veteran with Multiple Sclerosis determined to make the best of his life
Here, a Marine Corps Veteran describes his journey with Multiple Sclerosis. Persistence and determination have made me the man I am today. They keep me on track from the moment I wake to the moment I go to sleep. I see these attributes as omnipotent for success and change. President Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in…
A caregiver finds support through VA and her community
Shelena Drollinger shares her story of finding support through VA’s Veteran Community Partnership (VCP) program and her community to care for her husband who experienced trauma during his deployment to Afghanistan. The VCP program connects VA with community providers and organizations, ensuring support to meet the diverse needs of all Veterans. The National Center for…
End-of-Life planning: Prepare for the future with VA
Talking about end-of-life planning is never easy, but it’s essential. VA provides a variety of benefits and services to help Veterans and their loved ones prepare. From life insurance to burial costs, learn how you can plan ahead with VA benefits. Provide financial protection VA offers life insurance to help Veterans prepare for the future…