Memorial Day is always officially designated as the last Monday in May. This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 29. On this day and the days leading up to it, Americans from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who gave the last full measure…

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert, America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a live presentation this Sunday hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors dedicated to Veterans’ causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service. The 90-minute broadcast will honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women…

In recognition of their service to America’s heroes, VA has implemented programs and policies aimed at protecting the safety and health of its employees. Orlando VA staff are encouraged to participate and enjoy whole health activities on their inpatient unit. The overall health and resilience of employees is critical, and that’s why taking a proactive…

For many Veterans, eating fast began with basic training. Consuming food has always been something you do to survive, and eating is a considerable aggravation for drill instructors given the short time frame to equip new troops. Digesting food fast during mealtime can last through your time in service. We must adapt and overcome. Some…

Bay Pines VA provides various resources for Veterans experiencing homelessness with the understanding that each Veteran’s road to recovery is built differently. For Air Force Veteran Kerry Schmid, her path was paved with perseverance, dedication and selflessness. In April 2023, the Largo Elks Foundation donated a Welcome Home Starter Kit to Schmid, making her its…

Meta Monteleon, a treasured resident at Dublin VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep May 3. She was 108. Monteleon served in the Army Nurse Corps during WWII. After discharging in 1944, she continued with her nursing career for an additional 50 years. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living WWII…

VA recently launched a virtual program to pilot mental health services for caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). This program will provide much needed resources, tools and support for caregivers while they care for our nations’ heroes. The clinical resource hub will focus on the unique mental health needs…

Loneliness has been described recently as a social epidemic affecting half of U.S. adults. While the reasons for this epidemic are varied and complex, the consequence of loneliness is clear: Research shows loneliness puts people at higher risk for heart disease, dementia, depression and even premature death. Health care is paying closer attention to how…

Many people don’t think twice about scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Their biggest barriers may be insurance concerns or finding the time for a visit. But what if you avoid seeking care because of historic attitudes toward your sexual orientation or gender identity? This is the situation many Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay,…

Bruno Peter Gaido was born in 1916 in Staunton, Illinois, just two years after his parents John and Clementina Gaido immigrated from Italy. Upon graduation from Lincoln High School in June 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he attempted to enlist in the Navy. While his father initially refuted, the young Gaido received permission six years later…

Born in December 1918 in Kittrell, North Carolina, Charity A. Earley was the oldest of four children. Raised in Columbia, South Carolina, by her father who was a minister and her mother, a former teacher, she excelled in school and became valedictorian at Booker T. Washington High School. After completing high school, she attended Wilberforce…

Kidney disease is often labeled a “silent killer” due to its lack of physical symptoms in the early stages. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when the kidneys get damaged and lose the ability to filter waste and fluids out of the blood. CKD is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. While anyone can get…