When you hear of radiological incidents, it may come as a surprise to learn about VA’s involvement in the emergency response. Well, for about four decades, VHA has owned one of the oldest, continuously evolving emergency response teams in the federal government: the Medical Emergency Radiological Response Team (MERRT). A critical capability that’s charged of…
Veteran finds housing and hope
Case manager Carmen Cooper, a dedicated Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System social worker with the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, spends her days tirelessly helping homeless Veterans secure stable housing in Dothan, Alabama. One of those Veterans is Jasmine Johnson, who was living out of a hotel with her two…
Gerofit helps Veterans reach their goals
When Army Veteran Emiko Lanier, 71, joined VA’s Gerofit program, she faced serious challenges—persistent back and leg pain, fatigue and declining mobility. At the same time, fellow Army Veteran Wally Dombrowski, a licensed 100-Ton Master, had concerns of his own: weakness in his legs, balance issues and a dip in confidence about aging well. Their…
Providence Veterans serve again through research
Kenneth Lewis is the 5,000th Veteran from VA Providence Healthcare to join the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort. MVP works to improve Veterans’ lives by studying how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health. More than 1,080,000 Veterans across the nation have already joined MVP. “We are most grateful to the…
Former POW inspires Veterans
In the lobby of the VA Outpatient Clinic in Conroe, Texas, Navy Veteran Mike Penn often speaks with fellow Veterans, reminiscing about their military experiences and sharing war stories. As a Navy fighter pilot who served in Vietnam over 50 years ago, Penn has a remarkable story to tell. Former POW and Navy Veteran Mike…
Primary care with purpose: Healing those who served
This August, we’re shining a light on the key role primary care physicians at VA play in supporting Veteran health and wellness. From preventative care and diagnostics to referrals and management of chronic conditions, you can help a Veteran thrive with a primary care career at VA. Give VA a Shot VA Primary Care is…
VA, USTRANSCOM join forces during Ultimate Caduceus 2025
Timeliness, coordination and communication all came together as VA emergency managers and medical centers around the nation participated in the annual Ultimate Caduceus (UC25) exercise July 21 to Aug. 2 hosted by U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). This multistate exercise tests how the Department of Defense (DOD) and its interagency and industry partners coordinate military patient…
VA breaks ground on its first PACT Act construction initiative in Rolla, MO
On Aug. 7, 2025, VA commemorated the groundbreaking of the new Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital community-based outpatient clinic. This state-of-the-art facility, strategically located at 13063 Old Wire Road in Rolla, Missouri, is poised to significantly enhance health care services for the local Veteran population. Designed with a multidisciplinary approach, the clinic will offer…
Tampa VA Veterans attended The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Military Day practice
In preparation for the 2026 National Veterans Golden Age Games, Veterans from the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital were invited to attend The Tampa Bay Buccaneers “Military Day” practice on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The event was dedicated to honoring Veterans and active duty service members, and it functions as part of the team’s ongoing…
Black Hills, big impact: Veterans find VA support at Sturgis 2025
Veterans from across the nation ride into the stunning Black Hills for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, a celebration of freedom and camaraderie. This year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was there to meet them. VA hosted a 1-on-1 Veterans Assistance Expo July 31 through Aug. 8 at the iconic event, offering personalized support…
Five things I learned at an HR and Talent Acquisition Conference as a Veteran in transition
As a recently transitioned Veteran, I’m learning firsthand how complex and personal the journey from military to civilian life can be. I recently attended the Direct Employers Association Conference (DEAMcon 2025) and I had the opportunity to hear directly from employers, advocates and fellow Veterans who are shaping how organizations support that journey. Here are…
MOVE! program helps cancer survivor and spouse slim down
Houston VA’s MOVE! program helped a Veteran cancer survivor and his spouse lose over 100 combined pounds. In October 2022, Army Veteran Tom Howell was diagnosed with brain cancer by doctors at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and underwent chemotherapy through the Houston VA Cancer Center. From March to June 2023, he received…