Army Ranger Tommy Gwynn feels even better today than he did six years ago when he turned 100. “Always smile and have a good heart,” the 106-year-old, 12-time Purple Heart recipient said when asked his secret to longevity. Since 2019, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and the Tullahoma community throw a birthday bash for the…

For 83-year old Air Force Veteran Alfred Izzarone, having a VA care team diagnose his PTSD was the first of many steps in taking care of his mental health. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he didn’t know if he would be able to get care. Fortunately, VA’s TeleMental Health services allowed Izzarone to continue…

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. You answered the call to serve—now it’s time to answer the call of the wild. Built by a Veteran, for Veterans, the National Veterans Outdoors Resource…

Vietnam Veteran Dennis Dubas didn’t expect to survive the year. Instead, he became the first patient to receive a life-saving heart valve procedure at VA Eastern Colorado, one that could improve heart health care for Veterans across the region.  From the rivers of Vietnam to the hills of Colorado  Dubas, 78, served two combat tours…

Do you want to find more balance in your life? Good news! Balance is not somewhere out there, it’s right here where you are. Instead of trying to find balance, we can simply connect with it. There is a beautiful and powerful sense of balance that is always unfolding within each one of us, every…

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. We’ve curated an assortment of events that aim to assist, educate, and enrich Veterans and their families. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely…

We often hear nutrition is important for our physical health, but did you know it also affects mental health? Nutrition has been connected to behavior, mood and the treatment of mental illness. Studies have found that a highly processed diet can put us at a higher risk of developing anxiety or depression. A highly processed…

The Golden Age Games are the world’s largest sports rehabilitation event of its kind for Veterans over age 55. The annual event, which this year takes place May 31 – June 5, gives Veterans the opportunity to shine year-round, proving that athleticism has no age limit and that a focus on sports and fitness is…

Geriatrics and extended care is a growing specialty at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—and that isn’t likely to change any time soon. According to a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report, nearly one-half of all Veterans in the United States are 65 years or older. That means in the coming years, the number of Veterans…

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. If you’ve tried to stop using tobacco before and then started again, don’t be discouraged! You can use this observance to start creating a plan for how to stop, which will greatly increase your chances of quitting for good. And as a Veteran, you can start using the…

If you’re the spouse, widow(er) or child of an eligible Veteran who receives Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) benefits, you can file your claim online. It’s quick and easy. What you need to know before filing your claim If your provider doesn’t file for you, just ask for an itemized billing statement…

VA attended the VETS25 Conference in Orlando earlier this month to support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Organized by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), VETS25 brought together over 2,000 attendees, including procurement decision-makers and small business leaders that VA calls “the heartbeat of our contracting community.” This community enables VA to form the kinds…