Emory Scott West was born on September 12, 1874, in Troy, West Virginia. He attended several schools there and would go on to further his education by graduating from Redfield College in South Dakota. Not much is recorded of his early life, as he emerges primarily onto the historical scene during the Spanish-American War. During…

Having a sense of connection and community can go a long way in supporting our whole health and well-being. Feeing alone can sometimes make us get sick or keep us feeling ill. Positive social relationships are healthy, and they can be a source of strength and positivity in our lives. Relationships can affect our emotional,…

Robert Smith, who is legally blind, is a former Marine Corps scout sniper trying to relearn his entire way of life. Smith lost his sight following a stroke in February 2023 while sleeping in his Kansas City, Missouri, home. He is now completing a six-week inpatient program at Edward Hines Jr. VA’s Central Blind Rehabilitation Center. …

As an outpatient registered dietitian who previously worked with the MOVE! Weight Management program, one of my favorite and most requested group topics was healthy barbecuing. The Veterans I worked with always had lively group discussions about the pros and cons of attending barbecues. The Veterans really looked forward to socializing with friends and family and…

A Community Living Center (CLC) is a VA nursing home where Veterans may stay for a short time or for the rest of their life. For many, adjusting to their new living arrangements can prove challenging, so Bay Pines VA and its community partners do all they can to cultivate an environment filled with comfort…

Physicians enter the field of medicine, first and foremost, to help people. That’s why, as our national population of aging Veterans continues to grow, the need for physicians who specialize in the field of geriatrics has never been greater at VA. Veterans have complex health issues tied to their service, and as they age, those…

The ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) site in Los Banos, California, has reached a new milestone: 200 telehealth encounters since its launch in March 2021. Before the site opened, some Veterans had to travel up to three hours to the nearest VA Medical Center in Fresno or Palo Alto. And more than 16%…

Lupe Higareda was born in February 1924 in Galesburg, Illinois, one of eight children to Manuel and Mary Higareda, who were from Mexico. He went to Galesburg High School and was nicknamed “PeeWee.” He registered for the draft on February 6, 1943, in Knox County when he was a junior in high school and was…

The process of transitioning from military service can be a complex experience. In addition to significant lifestyle changes, many Veterans also experience physical, psychological, economic and spiritual stressors that affect their mental health and quality of life. This includes moral injury, the distressing aftermath that can occur when an individual experiences or witnesses an event…

On July 26, the United States recognizes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law in 1990, ADA acknowledges the important work that is furthering equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Jamisa Hoare, EEO program manager for Greater Los Angeles VA (pictured above), shares how this legislation impacts her both at…

David Wesley Armstrong was the middle child born to George and Louise Armstrong on September 10, 1925, in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and, in September 1943, commissioned into the U.S. Army. Armstrong married a widowed mother of two, Jean Fahrney, in January 1949 with friends and…

In reply to Micki Bea. omg, i feel the struggle too.. same here i have four kids and by myself off of VA….groceries have gone up and no they dont last at all.. Author: Tasha Bowling