With over 3 million downloads and 1.4 million monthly active users, the VA Health and Benefits app is proving to be an essential tool for Veterans. This milestone is more than just a number—it represents real impact, real convenience and real-time access to critical VA services. Whether it’s managing health care, checking benefits, or staying connected with health care teams, the app is making life easier for Veterans nationwide. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now is the time!
Beyond its current capabilities, the app will offer Veterans additional features in the coming year, such as travel pay reimbursements, and lab and test results.
Veterans are calling this app a game changer
Across the country, Veterans are sharing how the VA Health and Benefits app is making a real difference in their lives.
“It’s great to know I can message my provider and get quick answers. I recently asked my primary care team about a medication, and I had a response by the end of the day.” Stephen Havard, Marine Corps Veteran from Texas
“While sitting in my deer blind, I realized I was low on one of my prescriptions. I opened the app and ordered a refill in just a few taps.” Luke Yanny, Marine Veteran from Wisconsin
“Lovely format, very user friendly and updated regularly. Recommend using this app instead of the actual site. Keep up the good work developers :)” Anonymous Veteran Reviewer on Google Play Store
“The VA Mobile App is a great tool for Veterans… I use it almost daily… Excellent idea, VA… Great job!” Nealy Marine, Veteran from Alabama
The app is designed to simplify everyday tasks, making VA services more accessible than ever before.
“VA’s Health and Benefits app gives Veterans fast and convenient access to a host of important information, from appointments to prescriptions and benefits,” said VA Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Acting Chief Information Officer Eddie Pool. “We encourage all VA-enrolled Veterans to stay connected and informed by downloading the app.”
Key features built for you
The VA Health and Benefits mobile app gives you fast, secure access to the services that matter most. And it wasn’t just designed for Veterans—it was designed with Veterans, every step of the way. From checking your benefits to managing health care appointments or refilling prescriptions, the app puts control in your hands—right when and where you need it.
Stay connected with VA
- Use secure, biometric login for quick and safe access.
- Show digital proof of your Veteran status.
- Easily update your contact information.
- Locate nearby VA facilities in seconds.
- Get immediate support from the Veterans Crisis Line.
Manage your health care
- See and manage VA health care appointments.
- Receive push notifications for appointment reminders.
- Send and receive secure messages to your VA health care team.
- View and download your vaccination records.
- Refill prescriptions with ease.
Access your VA benefits
- Check the status of your claims and appeals.
- Upload claim documentation directly from your phone.
- Download VA letters and important benefit documents.
- Receive and view claim decision letters.
- Review your disability rating.
Stay on top of your VA payments
- View your VA payment history.
- Update your direct deposit information securely.
- Review the history of payments we’ve sent to you.
What’s next? Even more features are coming
VA continues to enhance the app to meet Veterans’ evolving needs. Here’s a preview of upcoming features:
- Lab and test results at your fingertips.
- Mobile check-in for medical appointments.
- Request travel pay reimbursement in a few taps.
- Expanded appointment scheduling options to save you time.
- Integration with VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) for a seamless experience.
Download the app today
More than 3 million Veterans have already discovered the convenience of the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App. Don’t miss out—download it today and experience the difference for yourself.
Download now at Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Stay connected, stay informed and take control of your VA benefits—all in one place.
]]>John Harold Pease was born in November 1919 to John and Mary Pease in Stillwater, Minnesota. His passion for aviation took flight in Boise, Idaho, where his family relocated when he was 10. An outdoorsman at heart, he spent his youth hunting and fishing along the Boise River. After his early years in Boise, he attended Boise State University, where he not only excelled academically but also played football. He completed the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) before joining the Army Air Corps in 1939.
Pease’s military career began at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1940.
On Oct. 24, 1941, while testing new radar facilities, Pease’s P-40 engine failed and he survived a harrowing ejection over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a severe storm. He then faced a grueling 3-day journey to safety while several of his squadron pilots lost their lives in the crash.
Pease’s leadership and skill led to his appointment as Squadron Commander of the 389th Fighter Squadron, part of the 366th Fighter Group. His finest hour came in June 1944 on D-Day. As the first fighter pilot to fly over Normandy during the largest amphibious invasion in history, Pease played a crucial role in supporting the Allied forces that would ultimately turn the tide of the war.
For his service, Pease was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, a Legion of Merit, a France’s Croix de Guerre avec Palme, a Joint Staff Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal and an Air Force Commendation Medal.
Throughout his 30-year military career, Pease held several key command and staff positions. These included Commander of the 122nd Fighter Group Air Defense (F-102A) from 1957 to 1959, J-3 at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Air Defense) from 1963 to 1965; Commander of the 37th Air Division at Goose Air Base in Labrador, Canada, from 1965 to 1968; and Deputy Inspector General of the Aerospace Defense Command from 1969 to 1970. His career culminated in his retirement as a colonel in February 1970.
Pease was an active member of several organizations, including the Daedalians, TROA and USAF AA, as well as various local civic groups. He also assisted in the Retiree Affairs Office at Peterson Air Force Base, continuing his service to the military community even in retirement.
John Harold Pease died in December 2022 at the age of 103. He was laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery.
We honor his service.
Writer: Yosaida Santana
Editor: Tayler Rairigh
Researcher: Raphael Romea
Graphic Designer: Kiki Kelley
]]>Navy Veteran Gene Wagner learned to skate on a frozen creek next to his childhood home in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, when he was three or four years old.
“I came from a hockey family with my brothers,” Wagner said. “We played hockey. We played baseball. We played everything. That was during the Great Depression in the ‘30s.”
Wagner’s older brothers left to fight when the United Stated entered World War II, giving him the chance to play in the Wisconsin State Hockey League when he was only 15 years old.
Wagner was drafted upon graduating high school in 1945. After his discharge in 1946, he moved to Milwaukee and worked as a barber, owning two shops in the city for many years.
In 1967, he moved with his wife to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where he taught three daughters and a son how to skate.
Return to the ice
In 1995, the Ozaukee Ice Center was built in Mequon, Wisconsin, minutes away from his house. Five years later, Wagner returned to the game of his youth when he founded the Bald Eagles, a hockey club for people 55 and over. He was 72 at the time.
Today, at 98, Wagner still suits up and plays on Tuesdays and Fridays. His teammates include Deb Donovan, who has been with the club since its early days.
“During the pandemic, I had two mini strokes, and I was afraid to get on the ice,” Wagner said. “She actually helped me for quite a long time to get back on the ice. I give her a lot of credit for that.”
‘Every day is a gift’
Since his discharge in 1946, Wagner has received his medical care at Milwaukee VA.
“I’ve been there hundreds of times over the years,” he said. “If I have a headache, a toothache, I go right to VA.”
Wagner plans to stay in the rink for years to come.
“At my age, every day is a gift,” Wagner said. “But I’m shooting for 100.”
]]>This week, VA’s Office of Research and Development published three News Briefs highlighting research advances for Veterans in caregiver training, Alzheimer’s disease and toxic exposure.
New video training prepares families for home care
Researchers from the Durham and Minneapolis VAs, and the Mayo Clinic, created a program to help rural family caregivers prepare for the transition of patients with severe and life-limiting illnesses from the hospital to their homes. Transitional palliative care is an 8-week program administered by palliative care nurses by video and designed to teach family caregivers how to prepare for the patient’s care needs, as well as how to communicate effectively with the health care team. The researchers randomly assigned caregivers to either the new program or to a control group that received monthly phone calls. Caregivers who received the training felt better prepared to meet the patient’s care needs, such as identifying and addressing emerging issues before they became dire. The results show pairing rural family caregivers with palliative care nurses for video training can lead to better care of seriously ill patients, although more work may be needed to improve caregivers’ communication skills. View the full study from the “Journal of Palliative Medicine.”
Gene therapy shows promise for Alzheimer’s disease
San Diego VA researchers demonstrated in mouse models that targeting specific brain neurons through gene therapy in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease may help preserve memory and stimulate neuron growth. The researchers focused on the protein Cav-1, which promotes the growth and survival of connecting paths within the brain. They administered a synthetic copy of Cav-1, SynCav-1, to the brains of mice with an Alzheimer’s-like condition. SynCav-1 demonstrated the ability to preserve cognitive function and memory in the mice. Molecular analysis showed SynCav-1 protects neurons from degeneration and may even help grow new neuronal paths. The results suggest this type of gene therapy could be a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. View the full study from “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.”
Exposure to toxic dust linked to lung disease
Researchers from the Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System and National Jewish Health showed deployment exposure to dust from sources such as burn pits and diesel exhaust is connected to distal lung disease. Distal lung diseases such as bronchiolitis and emphysema affect the smaller airways and lung tissue, and they can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough and wheezing. Using a new microscopy technique they developed on lung biopsies, the researchers showed the lung tissue of Veterans with deployment-related distal lung disease had significantly more pigmentation caused by airborne toxins than healthy controls. The findings implicate dust exposure as a cause of distal lung disease in Veterans deployed to Southwest Asia and Afghanistan. View the full study from the “American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.”
For more Office of Research and Development updates, visit ORD online or go to https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/.
]]>For Marine Corps Veteran David Reeves, leaving military service led to battles with addiction and homelessness.
Reeves served eight years in the Marines as a data network specialist, deploying to Iraq in 2008 and to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from 2009 to 2010. After returning home, he was stationed in St. Louis before receiving a medical discharge in 2013.
“I was angry,” Reeves said. “I didn’t want anything to do with the government. I wanted to be left alone.”
By 2014, he was homeless and struggling with substance use. By 2016, he was living in a tent near a zoo campground in Nebraska.
With a frigid winter looming and no shelter, Reeves checked into a community detox center. That center connected him to Grand Island VA health care. That’s where things began to change.
TR House: A bridge to stability
After completing inpatient treatment through VA’s substance abuse residential rehabilitation treatment program, Reeves was referred to the Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence Program, or “TR House,” in early 2017.
The program offers Veterans a structured living environment, vocational rehabilitation and support services as they work toward reintegration into the community and workforce. It supports Veterans facing homelessness, addiction or unemployment. More than a temporary shelter, the program offers Veterans structure, purpose and a team invested in their success.
Part of the program is reintegration into the workforce. For Reeves, that meant working in the VA kitchen—a job that would put him on a path to leadership.
“TR House gave me time,” Reeves shared. “It’s usually a one-year program, but my transition took longer than normal due to employment barriers. They helped me for two and a half years until I could get through some hurdles and move out on my own. No other program would do that. But VA did.”
Reeves worked in the kitchen through the program for three years before officially becoming a VA employee. By 2022, he was promoted to kitchen manager.
“I’ve done civilian treatment programs before—30 days and you’re out, no plan, and I went right back to the streets,” Reeves said. “VA stuck with me. They gave me time to get it right.”
Advice to fellow Veterans: Stick with it
Now several years into stable employment and living in recovery, Reeves encourages Veterans who need help to reach out.
“If you’re in TR House, stick with it. Do the full year. Don’t rush it,” he advised. “There’s no other place that gives you this kind of support. You’re in the right place.”
From a tent in the snow to a manager at VA, Reeves’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when Veterans are offered the tools, time and trust they need to rebuild their lives after service. Learn more about compensated work therapy.
]]>Thomas Gillis was born the year before President Hoover signed Executive Order 5368 creating the then-known Veterans Administration, and this week, Gillis will make history as the oldest registered Veteran athlete participating in the 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games, proving the adage, “Age isn’t nothing but a number.”
An Army Veteran from Fouls River, Alabama, Gillis was born in November 1929, and has spent his entire life being active—his decision to participate in his first Golden Age Games shows his strength and resilience and gives a nod to being fit for life.
“I like to stay active and do things,” Gillis expressed when asked about participating in the Golden Age Games for the first time at 95.
“Mr. Gillis likes to be active. Many times, I’m working in the yard or the garden, and he will come out and want to help,” said Charles Campbell, Gillis’ caregiver. “He likes to stay busy.”
Charles and his wife, Sandy, have been VA Caregivers since 2013 and feel a special calling to care for Veterans. They are dedicated nurturers, having served as foster parents for two decades before becoming VA caregivers.
They lead active lives and are dedicated to helping Veterans thrive. The Campbells are an integral part of Gillis’ success and are well connected with VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.
“Sandy was instrumental in helping Mr. Gillis prepare for the games. She coordinated times for practice at senior centers near their home in Mobile, Alabama, to ensure we could meet and prepare, said Alona Thompson, recreation therapist at VA Gulf Coast.
It’s never too late to learn something new
Gillis didn’t know how to play pool before this year, but he was a good sport about learning. He has a can-do attitude.
“He’s just so sweet and coachable,” said Thompson.
But you don’t get to the games on desire alone. It takes a team.
The Campbell’s commitment to teamwork is evident in the effort they put into locating training sites and coordinating sessions with his coach.
“I’m proud of Mr. Gillis and his commitment,” said Thompson. “He may not have known how to do every sport, but he was open to doing everything I asked him to do to get ready for the games. He was coachable and he is excited about being here.”
Gillis’s first event is billiards. It’s his least favorite, but in every interaction, he trusted his coach and trained for the competition.
To some it may seem like billiards is just a game, but it’s so much more than that when it comes to promoting fitness, wellness and healthy aging.
Billiards helps build mental focus, enhances eye-hand coordination, and strengthens the core and leg muscles.
Healthy aging takes a team
According to the CDC, healthy aging is maintaining good physical, mental, emotional, and social health and well-being as one ages. The National Veterans Golden Age Games check all the boxes.
“As a recreation therapist, this is my passion, and with him being 95 and excited about competing for the first time, I knew we had to make way,” said Gillis’ coach.
Thompson attributes the incredible teamwork between the Veteran, coach and caregivers as pivotal to his success.
By the closing ceremony, Gillis will have participated in five events, including billiards, shuffleboard, boccia, cornhole and bowling.
He is the quintessential “Fitness for Life” Veteran. His age is not a barrier to pursuing a healthy lifestyle and this week, along with over 1,000 Veterans with the same mindset, will demonstrate just that.
The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the only multi-sport, multi-ability competition designed for Veterans 55 years of age or older who are enrolled in VA health care.
Established to improve the quality of life for Veterans, this year’s event boasts 18 competitive sports categories and seven exhibition in-person events.
“The fact that we are here is already a win, so I’m excited for him and what he will experience. It’s a competition, but no matter the outcome, I’ve already told him he’s a winner,” Thompson added.
Great and fitting words from his coach, as Gillis already won a bronze medal in billiards.
]]>Army Veteran 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 “greatest Ranger that ever was,” a moniker Gwynn gave himself as a nod to his military achievements. This year was no different with dozens of community members celebrating the decorated Veteran, including Arnold Air Force Base leaders and the Mayor of Tullahoma proclaiming June 2, 2025, as Tommy Gwynn Day.
Gwynn has been a patient at TVHS for several years and transitioned into home-based primary care around 2019. Led by Dr. Ralf Habermann, the home-based primary care teams travel to the homes of geriatric patients across middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky and northern Georgia to provide essential health care services. The teams consist of multiple health care experts ranging from nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, physical therapists, dietitians, pharmacists and psychologists, as well as a chaplaincy care, should the patient request it.
“It’s a great honor taking care of Mr. Gwynn. He’s a true American hero,” said Dr. Habermann, who has cared for Gwynn over the past four years. “He’s an incredible man, and without home-based primary care and the [Tullahoma] community, he couldn’t have stayed home.”
Gwynn was born in June 1919 and joined the Army in 1940; he became an Army Ranger in April 1943. Serving in World War II, he fought in numerous historic battles, ranging from D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Normandy, and he witnessed the momentous Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) on May 8, 1945, marking the end of WWII.
Five years later, Gwynn returned to the frontlines, fighting in the Korean War, where he fought in the Battle of Inchon. He was twice a prisoner of war, escaping captivity both times, and was injured 20 times on the battlefield.
Gwynn has outlived his family, so the home-based primary care team and the Tullahoma community serve as his caretakers. Neighbors and church friends stop by routinely to assist him with laundry, cleaning and cooking.
“He’s still here, and it’s amazing. It’s an inspiration for our team to provide care for him,” said Dr. Habermann. “The goal of home-based primary care team is to keep patients out of nursing homes if we can. VA is the only place in the country that has this.”
Veterans interested in home-based primary care should speak with their health care team to determine if home-based care is best for them. TVHS is also seeking community members to participate in VA’s medical foster home program. For more information, visit the Geriatrics and Extended Care website online.
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 his treatments without interruption.
“They saved my life,” Izzarone said. “Before I started treatment, I was a mess.”
The road to healing
After he moved to Maryland in 2015, Izzarone began working with a new VA care team, which led to a diagnosis of PTSD. The process was eye-opening for him after he had spent years wondering why he felt the way he did.
“I would wake up in the middle of the night screaming,” he said. He had intense nightmares and began losing hope after his wife passed away. “I was close to suicidal. I was at the end of my rope, but they saved my life.”
With a treatment plan in place, Izzarone began therapy sessions, at first in-person and then virtually. Being able to use VA’s TeleMental Health services was a game-changer for him. He could receive care from the comfort of his home when in-person visits became more challenging.
“They kept the same thing going that they had done in person,” Izzarone said of the VA staff in Cambridge, Maryland. “The clinic here is amazing—the doctors, the nurses, the front staff—they care about you. They look out for you.”
Through therapy via TeleMental Health, Izzarone was able to continue his progress, learning coping mechanisms to manage his PTSD symptoms effectively.
Embracing life again
Thanks to the care he has received, Izzarone has rediscovered the joy of life. He spends his days gardening, fishing and visiting with friends and family. He also loves attending concerts and baseball games. His mental health journey is ongoing, but he now faces each day with confidence and resilience.
Izzarone hopes that his story will encourage other Veterans to reach out for support from a VA mental health provider.
“That’s what they’re there for,” Izzarone said. “They will speak to you and help you get through whatever you’re going through.”
VA TeleMental Health: Help is just a click away
VA TeleMental Health services are available to Veterans across the country, with a range of mental health care options, including:
- Individual and group therapy sessions via telehealth.
- Mobile health apps for managing symptoms.
- Crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Medication management and psychiatric consultations.
- Support for PTSD, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
If you are dealing with PTSD, depression or any other mental health challenge, know that support is available. To learn more about TeleMental Health, talk with your VA provider or visit VA’s Telehealth Services page.
]]>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.
Last year, Blue Star Families invited all Veteran families to take the Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) to give you a direct say in improving the lives of military and Veteran families. This year, you’re invited again to participate in driving real change for families like yours.
Blue Star Families is continuously seeking ways to address the issues that military and Veteran families face. Its annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey is an essential part of the work to understanding the challenges unique to military and Veteran families.
Your voice has already led to real change
Veterans, your experiences are shaping the future of military family support. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is the largest and most comprehensive survey of its kind, with over 107,000 responses worldwide. Your participation directly influences policy changes that impact our community and directly affects policies set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act.
In the 2025 (NDAA), your input led to significant improvements:
- 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted members (E-4 and below), benefiting approximately 500,000 service members.
- Expansion of child care programs, including fee assistance and competitive staff salaries, to support military families.
- Increase in the Basic Needs Allowance, addressing food insecurity for low-income families.
- Enhanced employment support for spouses, including expanded child care for job searches, easier professional licensure transfers, and the permanent establishment of the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program.
These advancements are a direct result of your feedback. By taking part in the 2025 MFLS, you continue to shape policies that improve the quality of life for military families. Your experiences and insights are invaluable in driving meaningful change
Your feedback in the Military Family Lifestyle Survey has already directly influenced policy changes that support military families. In 2024, VA became the first federal agency to adopt the 4+1 Commitment, a collaborative initiative by Blue Star Families, Hiring Our Heroes and the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership. This commitment encourages employers to implement policies that enhance employment opportunities for military spouses. VA’s adoption of all four key policies—facilitating job transferability, offering remote or telework options, providing flexible work hours and granting paid or permissive Permanent Change of Station leave—demonstrates a significant step toward addressing employment challenges faced by military spouses.
While progress has been made, the journey isn’t over. Continued participation in surveys like MFLS and open forums ensures that your concerns remain at the forefront of policy discussions. Your voice is a catalyst for change, driving initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for all Veteran families. Take this year’s survey and help continue to drive change.
After completing the survey, watch for the 2026 results release event early next year.
]]>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 HUB is your all-access pass to thousands of free or highly subsidized, unforgettable, outdoor experiences. Whether you’re an avid angler, a passionate hunter, a nature enthusiast or just looking to unwind, the HUB puts the outdoors at your fingertips.
Explore with ease
The HUB’s interactive platform makes it simple to find your next adventure by state, activity or personal interest. Wondering about equine therapy? Dreaming of deep-sea fishing? Wanting to try sailing? The HUB puts it all within reach. Just browse, click, connect and go.
Think outdoor adventure just means fishing or hiking? Think again. The National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB opens doors you might never have imagined. Ever wanted to try powered paragliding? How about hog hunting, beekeeping or learning the art of homesteading?
Adventures await
Here are some unforgettable experiences you can find through the HUB:
- Deep sea fishing.
- Adaptive scuba diving for all abilities.
- Equine therapy on peaceful ranches.
- Guided mountain hikes and forest retreats.
- Pirate ship excursions for the young at heart.
- Kayaking, canoeing and lakeside camping.
- Creative arts workshops and outdoor photography.
- Veteran-led hunting trips and archery events.
Whether you crave the thrill of the wild or the quiet camaraderie of a morning by the lake, there’s a nonprofit ready to welcome you. Imagine joining a dog-mushing team in Minnesota. Set sail with a pirate ship crew. Learn the art of blade smithing alongside fellow Veterans. With hundreds of nonprofits nationwide, the adventures are as diverse as the Veterans they serve.
Service dogs and support
Need a loyal companion for your next chapter? The HUB connects you to trusted organizations offering service dogs for Veterans at no cost. These four-legged partners are ready to join you on your journeys—on the trail, by the lake or wherever your path leads.
Your next mission starts now
The National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB is more than a directory. It’s the gateway to the great outdoors. You’ve stood watch over our country’s freedom—now stand in awe of its beauty.
This is your invitation to experience America the Beautiful firsthand. The great outdoors is calling—let the land you served become your new frontier. Discover the thrill of the outdoors at www.usvetconnect.com.
]]>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 in the Navy alongside the Marines.
“I was brown water Navy,” he said. “I operated amphibious landing craft in and out of combat landing zones. We’d land Marines directly on beaches, inland waterways or wherever needed.”
Since his discharge from the Navy, Dubas has lived in Colorado, staying active into his 70s through yardwork, hiking and house projects. When he couldn’t finish hiking a familiar trail, it concerned him.
The hills said something’s wrong
In September 2024, while hiking with his niece, Dubas was suddenly unable to continue. His legs gave out. His breathing became shallow.
“I had to stop and lean against a tree,” he said. “That’d never happened before. I always told myself, if you can’t hike these hills, it’s time to see the doctor.”
His doctors confirmed a case of severe aortic stenosis, a life-threatening heart condition where a heart valve narrows so much that blood can barely pass through. A normal valve opening is about the size of a nickel. Dubas’s was smaller than the tip of a pencil.
A new option at VA Eastern Colorado
His VA care team proposed a minimally invasive procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR.
“I needed multiple heart function tests to confirm I could safely undergo the procedure,” said Dubas. “If I couldn’t, they gave me a year, maybe two.”
With TAVR, instead of opening the chest for traditional open-heart surgery, a team of cardiologists and surgeons makes a small cut in the groin and then inserts and guides a new valve to the heart through a major blood vessel.
On April 21, 2025, Dubas became the first Veteran in the region to undergo TAVR at a VA medical center.
Dr. Neel Butala, VA Eastern Colorado’s medical director of structural heart disease, said they performed Dubas’s case successfully thanks to preparation.
“We had more than 20 people on standby—cardiology, cardiac surgery, imaging and anesthesiology—ready in case we had to switch to open-heart surgery,” Butala said. “Thankfully, everything went like clockwork.”
The procedure took about 40 minutes.
“He woke up and said, ‘Doc, I feel great. I can literally see more clearly now,’” Dr. Butala said.
The heart of the story
After surgery, Dubas walked the hallway twice, completely pain-free and without the need for pain medication that evening. Within 24 hours, he was home.
“Before surgery, I could barely get out of a chair,” Dubas said. “Now I’m back on my feet and looking forward to doing my own yardwork again.”
He was deeply touched by the care and support he got from his VA team.
“They made me feel safe,” he said. “I was part of something special. I wasn’t alone.”
A second chance for more Veterans
Dr. Muhammad Aftab, VA Eastern Colorado’s surgical director of structural heart disease and chief of cardiac surgery, said the team has successfully performed several TAVR surgeries within days of the service being available.
“This has changed how we care for Veterans with severe aortic stenosis,” Aftab said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the teamwork between our surgical, cardiology, ICU and nursing teams.”
Dubas agrees.
“I’m alive because of these doctors,” he said. “VA gave me a second chance and my life back.”
]]>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.
Veterans in north Texas have a new gaming facility to help them build camaraderie and boost their mental health.
Phil Miller VFW Post 2205 in Denton, Texas, recently unveiled a groundbreaking esports suite designed to support the mental health and well-being of local Veterans. This unique facility is the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year journey initiated by a response to a 2022 Department of Defense study that identified online gaming as one of the most effective activities to reduce suicide risk among service members.
Inspired by these findings, Post 2205 members—many of whom are Vietnam Veterans—voted to create the esports suite. Over the next two years, they led a campaign to raise funds and awareness, with community volunteers contributing to the transformation of the site.
Recognizing the importance of community, the Post leaders partnered with Christopher Earl, CEO of Regiment, the largest online gaming community for Veterans with more than 100,000 Discord members. Earl’s involvement significantly accelerated the project’s progress. To ensure high-performance gaming experiences, Arpit Manaktala, CEO of Paradox Customs, was brought in to design the gaming PCs, and Dylan Wray, esports Director at the University of North Texas, reviewed the system specs.
The suite features noise-canceling insulation and integrated wiring, creating an immersive environment. It serves as a digital sanctuary where Veterans can engage in shared gaming experiences, combat isolation and find a sense of purpose.
Looking ahead, the suite plans to expand into virtual reality (VR), a technology already used by the military for training in high-pressure situations. VR could be an invaluable tool in helping service members transition back to civilian life.
The grand opening was attended by several elected officials, including Senator Ted Cruz, Representative Andy Hopper, Representative Ronny Jackson, Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, Councilmember Brian Beck, and Lynn Rolf of Combat Tested Gaming, the VFW’s official online gaming initiative.
The launch of the esports suite marks a significant advancement for VFW and the Denton community, blending cutting-edge technology with a profound commitment to Veteran mental health. Phil Miller Post 2205 now stands as a national model for how innovation and community spirit can unite to support those who have served.
]]>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 moment of our lives. It’s always with us, but we just have to pay attention.
It’s always been here with you
Have you found it? It is your breath. Throughout your entire life, you are breathing in and out. Each in-breath is balanced by each out-breath. Each exhalation is equally as important as each inhalation. We know this from experience. With each in-breath, we take in what we need. With each out-breath, we let go of what we don’t need, making space for what we do need.
The breath is one of many ways our body creates balance. When we take a moment to tune in and settle into our body, we can see and connect with the natural flow within our body. From there, we can make space within our body to take in what we need from the world around us. It’s an intentional way to create balance by integrating what’s inside of us and balancing it with what’s outside of us.
Join Yoga Teacher Matthew Sanford and Greater Los Angeles VA Physician Indira Subramanian where Sanford guides an intentional practice to create space in our body and mind, so that we can have more room to take in what we need. Making space by letting go, then breathing in what we need. It’s a beautiful process and state of balance.
Are you ready to create more balance?
Balance is what Whole Health is all about. Learn how to look at your life from the perspective of the Circle of Health to find areas where you may want to make some changes. Your goals can be supported by a Health and Wellness coach or Whole Health partner. Find the Whole Health team at your local VA Medical Center.
]]>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 events for the Veteran community.
Whether you’re a Veteran, service member, caretaker or family member, there are events and experiences tailored to the unique needs of the Veteran community posted below.
National
June 4, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET, Online: MOAA Virtual Hiring Event
June 4, 2025, 1:00 – 1:15 p.m. ET, Online: Wellbeing YOU – Online
June 4, 2025, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET, Online: Virtual Breast Cancer Support Group
June 4, 2025, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. ET, Online: What entrepreneurs need to know about the SBA
June 4, 2025, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET, Online: Breath Work Class – Online
June 4, 2025, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET, Online: Virtual Veteran Town Hall
June 5, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET, Online: Veterans Teletown Hall
June 5, 2025, 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. ET, Online: Inside the Invisible Ranks: A Practical Guide for Military Caregivers – Online
June 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Online: War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) Mindfulness Meditation Phone-Based Class
June 6, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET, Online: Vetrepreneur Franchise Coaching Information Session – Online
June 6, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, Online: Coffee Chat – Online
June 9, 2025, 8:30 – 9:00 p.m. ET, Online: Monday Night Meditation – Online
June 10, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, Online: Hosted by VA Center for Faith – “Overview of VA Survivor Assistance Program”
June 10, 2025, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET, Online: Corporate Fellowship Program Information Session – Online
June 10, 2025, 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET, Online: Tuesday Night Meditation – Online
June 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET, Online: Tackling Safety Together: Safety Planning Intervention – Online
June 11, 2025, 1:00 – 1:15 p.m. ET, Online: Wellbeing YOU – Online
June 11, 2025, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET, Online: Online Caregiver Chat
June 11, 2025, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET, Online: Breath Work Class – Online
Alabama
June 10, 2025, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, Irondale, AL: Creative Arts Class
Alaska
No events listed for this week
Arizona
No events listed for this week
Arkansas
No events listed for this week
California
June 4, 2025, 12:00 – 5:30 p.m. ET, Salinas, CA: Mobile medical outreach for Veterans – Salinas
June 11, 2025, 12:00 – 5:30 p.m. ET, Santa Cruz, CA: Mobile medical outreach for Veterans – Santa Cruz
Colorado
June 4, 2025, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET, Grand Junection, CO: Grand Junection, Colorado Women Veterans VA Town Hall
June 6, 2025, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET, Aurora, CO: Soldiers’ Angels Military and Veteran Food Distribution – Denver, CO
Connecticut
No events listed for this week
Delaware
No events listed for this week
District of Columbia
June 5, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Washington, D.C.: In-Person Meditation Practice, Take A Pause
June 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET, Washington, D.C.: Veterans Mobile Food Pantry
Florida
June 4, 2025, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. ET, West Palm Beach, FL: Free Legal services are back in partnership with Legal Aid of Palm Beach County!
Georgia
No events listed for this week
Guam
No events listed for this week
Hawaii
No events listed for this week
Idaho
No events listed for this week
Illinois
June 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Chicago, IL: Veterans Coffee Break with Southside Strong
June 6, 2025, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET, Crestwood, IL: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 84 Veterans Meeting Event
June 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET, Peru, IL: Hines VA Outreach at LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission – Peru, IL
Indiana
June 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, Fishers, IN: Junee Veterans Benefits & Resource Fair
Iowa
No events listed for this week
Kansas
No events listed for this week
Kentucky
June 5, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET, Lexington, KY: PACT Act: Toxic Exposure Class
June 6, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Lexington, KY: VOCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
Louisiana
No events listed for this week
Maine
No events listed for this week
Maryland
June 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET, Baltimore, MD: Hosted by VA Center for Faith – “Baltimore Veterans Claims Clinic & Resource Fair”
Massachusetts
June 5, 2025, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET, Leeds, MA: Veteran Walk-in Flu Clinics
June 10, 2025, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET, Leeds, MA: Veteran Walk-in Flu Clinics
June 10, 2025, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET, Lowell, MA: Lowell VA Clinic Veteran open house and town hall
Michigan
June 4, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET, Traverse City, MI: Veteran town hall & PACT Act resource fair
Minnesota
June 6, 2025, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET, Winona, MN: Salute to Service Event
Mississippi
No events listed for this week
Missouri
No events listed for this week
Montana
No events listed for this week
Nebraska
No events listed for this week
Nevada
No events listed for this week
New Hampshire
June 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET, Manchester, NH: Manchester VA Medical Center 75th Anniversary Open House Jubilee
New Jersey
No events listed for this week
New Mexico
No events listed for this week
New York
No events listed for this week
North Carolina
No events listed for this week
North Dakota
No events listed for this week
Ohio
June 6, 2025, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. ET, Cincinnati, OH: Donut Day
June 7, 2025, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET, Seaman, OH: Health Fair
June 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET, Higginsport, OH: Higginsport Community Day
June 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET, Lima, OH: Allen County Veterans Services 4th Annual Veterans Family Picnic
Oklahoma
No events listed for this week
Oregon
No events listed for this week
Pennsylvania
June 4, 2025, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET, Washington, PA: Veterans Benefits Seminar – Washington, PA
June 11, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monroeville, PA: Veterans Town Hall and Resource Fair
Rhode Island
No events listed for this week
South Carolina
No events listed for this week
South Dakota
June 4, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET, Spearfish, SD: Veterans Benefits Seminar – Spearfish, SD
June 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Rapid City, SD: Veterans Benefits Seminar – Rapid City, SD
Tennessee
No events listed for this week
Texas
June 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, Waco, TX: Mobile Food Pantry – Waco
June 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET, McAllen, TX: Blood Drive at McAllen VA Clinic
June 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, Weslaco, TX: 2025 Sisters in Service Health and Benefits Event
June 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET, Austin, TX: Monthly Benefits Clinic-Austin, TX
Utah
No events listed for this week
Vermont
No events listed for this week
Virginia
June 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Newport News, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners (PENINSULA) – Newport News, VA
June 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Norfolk, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners (Norfolk)
June 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Norfolk, VA: Hampton Roads Military Community Education Connect (Southside) – Norfolk, VA
June 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Newport News, VA: Hampton Roads Military Community Education Connect (Peninsula) – Newport News, VA
June 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Newport News, VA: Hampton Roads Military Community Employer Connect (Peninsula) – Newport News, VA
June 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Norfolk, VA: Hampton Roads Military Community Employer Connect (Southside) – Norfolk, VA
June 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Newport News, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners (PENINSULA) – Newport News, VA
June 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Norfolk, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners (Norfolk)
Washington
June 6, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, Bremerton, WA: Veterans Benefits Seminar – Bremerton, WA
West Virginia
No events listed for this week
Wisconsin
No events listed for this week
Wyoming
No events listed for this week
To find events in your local area, visit the VA Facility Locator and click your state and local area. Events are listed near the bottom of each page.
Additionally, you can find more at Outreach Events.
]]>If you’re a Veteran living or traveling abroad and receive care for service-connected disabilities and related conditions under the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), you will be reimbursed by direct deposit.
Although only U.S. bank accounts are supported for electronic payments, we are working to add direct deposit if you have an international bank account.
Benefits of direct deposit for FMP claims:
- Faster reimbursements.
- More secure; no lost or stolen checks.
- No more waiting for mail delivery.
Manage your FMP profile
You can request personal confirmation that your FMP profile is set up for direct deposit to your U.S. bank account by sending an Ask VA request to the FMP escalation team.
Register with FMP
Register before filing claims to avoid payment delays. You can register online by visiting FMP Registration.
Key FMP benefits:
- No need to be enrolled in VA health care to be eligible for FMP.
- No prior authorization required to receive care.
- Choose any provider while abroad.
- Reimbursement for FDA-approved prescription medications.
- VA translates foreign documents after you submit a claim.
Need Help?
Ask VA for FMP-related questions.
About FMP
FMP covers medical care for service-connected disabilities and related conditions for eligible Veterans living or traveling outside the U.S. More than 6 million Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities may qualify.
Resources
- FMP Overview.
- FMP Registration.
- Filing FMP Claims.
- Getting Care Through FMP.
- Confirm or Change Your Direct Deposit Information.
- Create a VA Online Account.
]]>
Editor’s note: This post contains links to jobs that are active at the time of publishing. Most job listings close 7-30 days after publishing. 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.
Each week, we receive job announcements from employers and employment websites—including Home Depot, RecruitMilitary, VetJobs and HireMilitary—looking to hire Veterans. This post contains links to job listings for the week of June 2, 2025. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely listings as we receive them, and for the locations listed.
By recognizing the skills, discipline, leadership and problem solving abilities that Veterans possess, employers can benefit greatly from hiring them. Veterans bring a diverse perspective, adaptability and a strong work ethic to the workplace, enriching the company culture and fostering innovation.
Check out the latest job listings below for the week of June 2, 2025.
Join the tens of thousands of Veterans who are continuing their careers with us. We value your commitment, strong leadership and decision-making skills. Here, you can continue to be part of a culture that takes care of each other and makes a difference.
Warehouse associate in Boston, MA
Warehouse associate in Topeka, KS
Warehouse associate in Toledo, OH
Assistant Store Manager in Williston, VT
Department Supervisor in Portsmouth, NH
Asset Protection Specialist in North Hampton, NH
Customer Experience Manager in Onalaska, WI
Department Supervisor in West Lebanon, NH
Repair & Tool Technician in Kitty Hawk, NC
Asset Protection Specialist in Bozeman, MT
This post contains links to job listings from RecruitMilitary, VetJobs and HireMilitary.
Remote – Adolescent and Children’s Therapist – Calm Seas Psychotherapy
Remote – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Calm Seas Psychotherapy
Multiple Locations – Accountant for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Accountant (Systems) for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Business Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Financial Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Financial Liaison for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Supervisory Management and Program Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Sr. Complex Claims Adjuster, Mass Tort
Multiple Locations – Complex Claims Director
Multiple Locations – Senior Analyst
Duluth, MN – Systems Analyst – Altec
New York, NY – Technical Customer Success Manager – Cisco Systems, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC – Audit Senior Manager
Garfield Heights, OH – Planning Manager – Howmet Aerospace
Lancaster, TX – Production Operator – Niagara Bottling, LLC
Kileen, TX – Educator/ Sales Promotion
VA – Assistant Swim School Manager
Overseas Roles with Acuity International
Iraq – Protective Security Specialist – Acuity International
Marshall Islands – Multiple Medical Roles – Acuity International
Somalia – Senior Guard – Acuity International
Whether you’re looking for the care you’ve earned or the career you deserve, we’re all about Veterans at VA. Many of our popular jobs for prior and transitioning military personnel offer special hiring preferences, application resources and more to help you start a rewarding career serving others who served.
See this week’s job announcements below for a variety of clinical and nonclinical positions at VA facilities around the country:
Nationwide – Medical Support Assistant
Los Angeles, CA – Supervisory Criminal Investigator
Colorado Springs, CO – Medical Laboratory Technician
New Orleans, LA – Healthcare Engineer
Perry Point, MD – Firefighter (Paramedic)
Togus, ME – Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health)
Salisbury, NC – Physician (Geriatrics and Extended Care Service)
Albuquerque, NM – Physical Therapy Assistant
Reno, NV – Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Salt Lake City, UT – Housekeeping Aid Supervisor
Viera, FL – Retail Sales Associate
Danville, IL – General Manager
Indianapolis, IN – Food Service Worker
Indianapolis, IN – Food Service Worker/Lead Barista
Boston, MA – Assistant General Manager – Retail
Greenville, NC – Food Service Worker
Las Vegas, NV – General Manager
Spokane, WA – Food Service Worker
Visit online for more openings!
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Online: What entrepreneurs need to know about the SBA – June 4, 2025, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. CT
Nationwide – Veteran-Only Franchise Opportunities
Career Fairs
Newport News, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners – June 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Norfolk, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners – June 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Online: MOAA Virtual Hiring Event – June 4, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Online: Corporate Fellowship Program Information Session – June 10, 2025, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CT
Online: G.I. Jobs Get Hired Workshop – June 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
]]>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 diet includes foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium and is low in produce, whole grains and other healthful whole foods.
Gut feeling
Your gut and brain communicate with one another. Research has shown a link between a healthy gut and mental health. For example, omega-3s—healthy fats that your body cannot produce on its own—travel through the digestive system, pass into the brain and interact with mood-related molecules inside the brain. Studies have shown some improvements for patients with depression and other mood disorders when they take omega-3s, but more research is needed.
Vitamin B6 is involved in the creation of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate), which regulate mood. Research has found that B-group vitamins may benefit mood in both healthy and at-risk individuals.
Food mood
Food choices can affect your mood and even your future food choices. Eating enough of the right foods throughout the day supports energy, focus, thinking and sleep.
If your body isn’t getting the right nutrients, you may start craving certain foods. Eating sugary foods may solve the craving in the short term but will lead to a spike in blood sugar, followed soon after by a drop, which in turn causes more cravings throughout the day. This cycle can negatively affect mood, decrease energy levels and increase anxiety.
Six ways to improve your diet and support mental health
The Mediterranean diet, which includes beans, nuts, fruits, lean proteins, vegetables and whole grains, is associated with reduced depressive symptoms and improved quality of life.
Here are some ways to incorporate the Mediterranean diet to support your mental wellbeing:
- Add color to your plate: Challenge yourself to add a piece of fruit or a vegetable at every meal or snack you eat.
- Change your breads and pastas to whole grain options. Oatmeal, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta or wheat crackers are good choices.
- Add unsalted nuts as a snack or to salads. Try almonds, walnuts and pistachios.
- Make one vegetarian dinner a week by eliminating meat and adding beans as your protein source. Try serving beans for your next Taco Tuesday!
- Decrease your sugar intake by limiting soda and desserts to occasional treats.
- Give fish a try! Experiment with salmon, sardines or anchovies to increase omega-3 fatty acids.
For recipes to incorporate the Mediterranean diet, check out the VA recipe page or Healthy Teaching Kitchen for more ideas. If you’re interested in this or any other nutrition-related topic, contact your local VA to speak with a registered dietitian.
If you need mental health support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line.
Happy eating!
]]>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 essential to healthy aging.
Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center is hosting the Games in Memphis, Tennessee, as athletes compete in 18 sports from pickleball, basketball and blind disc-golf to track and field. A record number—over 1,000 Veterans—are registered to compete, including a 95-year-old Veteran from Mobile, Alabama.
For Veterans like Myra Ancheta, being a National Veterans Golden Age Games athlete is a game-changer, helping them to revive their physical fitness after their military service, setting new goals and getting more fit.
“After joining the Marine Corps, physical activity was a way of life. Waking up early in the morning and running in formation positively changed my life. Now I am a Golden Age Games athlete. My personal goal—be a pickleball coach and teach active duty and Veterans in my community this addicting sport of pickleball,” Ancheta shared.
Serious bragging rights
The feedback from Veterans is crushingly confident—probably for reasons most people might think. Bragging rights and trash talk are all part of the fun for the athletes, who are out to earn their share of medals—and maybe break a few records on their way up the ranks. With VA recreation therapists and clinicians as their coaches, Veterans benefit from year-round rehabilitation and fitness programs at their local VA facilities to remain physically engaged and give them an extra boost of confidence.
Army Veteran Michael Bell, a three-time participant who “truly enjoys both competition and fellowship,” will compete in boccia, bowling, golf, pickleball and horseshoes.
Veteran Richard Cooks said the Games help him achieve more each day, despite his visual impairment. “I’m more athletic now and that keeps me going,” said Cooks, who who is returning for his ninth year will compete in the visually impaired division for cornhole, boccia, disc golf and shuffleboard.
Mission: Fitness For Life
Through its “Fitness for Life” mission, the Golden Age Games is a premier showcase for the rehabilitation value that sports, fitness and wellness provide in the lives of Veterans ages 55 and beyond. VA research and clinical experience demonstrate that sports rehabilitation helps with weight loss, improves chronic conditions and provides a fun way to destress.
Learn more about Sports4Vets and stay connected to cheer on these proud athletes. Follow on Sports4Vets Facebook, Sports4Vets on Instagram, and Sports4Vets on X for the latest updates. Use #Sports4Vets and #GoldenAgeGames to see the coverage.
]]>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 who will need nursing home care or home-based primary care will continue to increase.
VA currently has more than 100 jobs open with a geriatrics specialty. In honor of May being Older Americans month, let’s look at careers that support geriatrics and extended care at VA.
Geriatrics clinical careers
If you’re a clinician looking for a career where you can make a difference in the care of Veterans, look no further than geriatrics.
- As a physician in geriatrics, you’ll provide the detailed, hands-on care that older Veterans need as their health care concerns become more nuanced with age. With positions available in medical centers and community living centers, you can pursue a path that suits your goals.
- Whether you’re a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or nursing assistant, you can serve a valuable role in treating Veterans in geriatrics and extended care programs. Bringing VA’s patient-centered approach to an aging Veteran’s care can make a significant difference in their health outcomes.
- The mental health of aging Veterans is a vital part of their care, and the expertise of geriatric psychiatrists is necessary to provide whole health care. Particularly as Veterans age and may need to take more medications, experienced geriatric psychiatrists can help manage complexities in care.
- Speaking of medications, pharmacists are valued members of aging Veterans’ care teams. If you’re a pharmacist looking for a career with more autonomy to make clinical decisions on behalf of your patients, VA is the place for you.
- Occupational therapists impact the functional, physical and cognitive skills of aging Veterans. As a member of a Veteran care team at VA, occupational therapists in geriatrics have the unique ability to enhance the quality of life for Veterans.
By specializing in geriatrics and extended care in any of these above fields, you can serve those who served in their twilight years, ensuring that the last few decades of their lives are as comfortable, healthy and fulfilling as possible. If you’re looking for a job that is all about Veterans, a geriatrics specialty provides the perfect path.
Work at VA
If you’re passionate about the health of older Veterans, VA is the place for you. Start pursuing a career in geriatrics today:
- LEARN more about geriatrics and extended care at VA.
- SEARCH for open geriatrics positions on USAJOBS.
- READ more job news and advice to prepare for your next role.
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 many VA resources that can give your efforts a big boost right now.
Here are five facts to know as you pursue a tobacco-free life
Using both medication and counseling is your best option for success.
Combining medication and counseling can triple your chances for success compared with going it alone. Medication helps with managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Counseling supports you in building practical skills to make long-term changes to your behavior, such as how you respond to the triggers that make you want to use tobacco.
You’ll start experiencing positive changes fast.
Within 20 minutes of quitting tobacco, your heart rate drops. Within days, you may start to notice improvements in your sense of taste and smell. Within two weeks of stopping smoking, you may breathe more easily. When you stop dipping or chewing, your mouth sores begin to heal, your gums become healthier, and your breath starts to smell better.
The longer you stop, the more your benefits grow. After you stop smoking, your lungs start to repair themselves. Ten years after you quit, your risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half. When you stop dipping or chewing, you lower your risk for stroke, heart disease and cancer in the mouth, esophagus and pancreas. Five years after you stop, your risk of mouth cancer is cut in half.
You can rely on VA for a full range of treatment options.
VA treatment options include counseling, prescription medications and nicotine replacement therapy. Counseling is available in individual or group settings from a health care provider or over the phone from a Quit VET coach. Nicotine replacement therapies like the nicotine patch, which offers long-acting relief from withdrawal symptoms, can be combined with short-acting products like nicotine gum and lozenges for more effective results. You can work with your VA health care provider to figure out what combination works for you.
It may take you multiple tries to become tobacco-free.
It may take two, three or even more attempts to become tobacco-free, but practice makes perfect. Every time you try, you learn a little more. Think about what helped you get through your cravings. Take what worked for you before and build on it the next time.
Remember that nearly 80% of Veterans who previously smoked have successfully quit, like Army Veteran Mark Neely. “I actually did quit many times. Then I’d start back up,” Neely recalled. “What’s good about the VA program is that it is so multifaceted. I told myself I’m going to avail myself of every resource VA offers. The important thing is to not stop trying.”
VA makes it easy to get started.
No matter where you are on your journey, VA can help you build your plan, obtain effective treatment and get connected with support. Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Use an online tool for Veterans to build your personalized quit plan.
- Contact your VA provider through My HealtheVet to discuss your options.
- Call VA’s free telephone quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) for counseling and help with developing a plan. Quit VET coaches offer counseling in English or Spanish.
- Sign up for SmokefreeVET or text VET to 47848 to receive text messages with encouragement, strategies and support. Puede inscribirse en SmokefreeVET en español enviando VETesp al 47848 o visitando smokefree.gov/SmokefreeVETesp.
Learn more about VA’s treatment options.
]]>Jeannie Leavitt was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up near Scott Air Force Base (AFB), she was so fascinated by aircraft and aviation that she headed to the University of Missouri-Rolla on a full scholarship in 1985 as an aerospace engineering major.
Seeking potential paths to flying, Leavitt joined a co-op program working at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston between semesters at school. She also transferred to the University of Texas (UT) at Austin in 1986 for its Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in hopes of being selected for pilot training.
As ROTC Camp distinguished graduate and 1990 UT Austin summa cum laude graduate, Leavitt was selected, but she had two more semesters remaining on her co-op and a minimum 10-month wait. With higher degrees factoring into promotions at the time, she completed a 12-month master’s degree program at Stanford and got her pilot’s license flying Piper Tomahawks in nearby Georgetown, Texas.
At the time, Air Force policy prohibited women from flying in combat. Even so, Leavitt’s preference for flying fighter aircraft (fighters) became set after her first backseat ride at Moody AFB, Georgia, in the F-16 she had requested for job-shadowing.
Graduating with a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics in 1991, Leavitt joined active duty the next year. As the January 1993 distinguished graduate from pilot training at Laughlin AFB and recipient of the Air Training Command Trophy, she requested her first choice of aircraft: the F-15E Strike Eagle. Prohibited from flying the fighter, however, she maintained her flight hours on the T-38.
In April 1993, Air Force policy changed, exposing Leavitt and three others to publicity as the first women selected to fly fighters. She became the first Air Force female graduate from combat pilot training, including survival and fighter weapons training.
Leavitt continually developed herself, pushing past the policy-based delays to attend the Air and National War Colleges and earn four master’s degrees even as she continued to serve. She became the first female fighter weapons officer and then an instructor at the weapons school.
Leavitt flew combat missions in Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Her calm and professional response when supporting allies against potential attacks gave a good impression of the first combat-certified female Air Force fighter pilot.
Leavitt served joint assignments with the CIA and for the Secretary of Defense. She commanded at the levels of flights and squadrons before becoming the first female combat fighter wing commander in 2012.
As dual commander of the Air Force Safety Center and chief of strategy, Leavitt chaired the first Joint Safety Council, established in 2022.
Leavitt retired in September 2023 as a major general after serving in 19 different flying, staff and command assignments across 32 years of service. She flew over 3000 hours, with 300 combat hours, primarily in the T-37, T-38 and her preferred F-15E.
We honor her service.
Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to [email protected] with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
]]>Meet Chief of Police Timothy Jantz, a dedicated VA police supervisor and proud Marine Corps Veteran serving VA medical facilities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Officer Jantz has served within the VA Police Services for more than 20 years, in addition to his work as a civilian police officer and his service as a military police officer in the Marine Corps.
Every day, Chief Jantz and the VA police officers throughout the nation help keep Veterans, their family members and staff at VA facilities safe. As dedicated members of the VA police force, VA police officers play a critical role in maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all who enter the facility.
VA police not only deter and respond to criminal activity, but also provide essential support during emergencies, assist individuals in crisis and serve as a visible reminder of VA’s commitment to safety. Through their vigilance, professionalism and compassion, Chief Jantz and his fellow officers foster trust and support the wellbeing of the Veteran community they serve.
Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service, Chief Jantz appreciates that the VA Police Service offers flexibility to balance work and family, and the opportunity to serve and assist Veterans.
“I am especially proud when we are able to effectively assist Veterans in need,” he said. “Having the opportunity to dedicate time to understand the situation, identify appropriate actions and follow through makes a meaningful difference.”
National Police Week
Chief Jantz is one of over 4,000 VA police officers at 141 facilities across the country, and one of the 84 percent of VA police officers who are Veterans. In May, during National Police Week, VA acknowledged their service and commitment to the safety and protection of others with events at facilities across the country.
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. To date, 10 VA police officers have made that sacrifice in the line of duty.
VA Police is always looking for qualified applicants to join its team. Desirable candidates must have either criminal justice education, experience as a police officer, experience as a military police officer or a combination of education and experience.
Visit USAJOBS to view current VA Police job announcements. Transitioning service members may be eligible for employment training, internship and apprenticeship opportunities through the DoD SkillBridge program.
]]>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 and explanation of benefits (EOB) if you have other health insurance. We’ll take care of paying the provider directly for covered services.
If your provider doesn’t accept CHAMPVA or you use an out-of-network pharmacy, you’ll have to pay up front and file a claim to get reimbursed.
Remember: You have to file your claim within one year of receiving care. If you were in the hospital, make sure to file within one year of your discharge date.
Make sure you have these on hand when you’re ready to file online:
- An itemized billing statement from your provider.
- A receipt or a billing statement marked “paid.”
- The EOB from your other health insurance, if applicable.
- Documents related to your prescription.
How to file your claim
Once you have all your documents, go to the File a CHAMPVA claim webpage. You will be guided through each step. We recommend signing in with a verified account. If you don’t have one yet, no problem. Create a Login.gov or ID.me account, and we’ll help you verify your identity. You can also submit your claim without signing in.
Prefer to send in your claim by fax or mail? Send your completed CHAMPVA claim (VA Form 10-7959A) and supporting documents to:
Fax: 303-331-7808
Mail:
VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care
CHAMPVA Beneficiary Claims
PO Box 500
Spring City, PA 19475
Still have questions?
If you have questions about how to file a claim:
- Call: 800-733-8387 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Online: Visit Ask VA.
About CHAMPVA
CHAMPVA is a health care program for qualified spouses, widows(ers) and children of eligible Veterans. Through CHAMPVA, VA shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. You may be eligible for CHAMPVA if you don’t qualify for TRICARE, the Defense Department’s health care program.
Resources
]]>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 of strong and essential partnerships with industry collaborators who provide timely access to care and benefits for our Veterans. These Veterans, as they transition from military to civilian life, embark on entrepreneurial journeys, utilizing their leadership qualities and resilience to help strengthen the nation’s economy, fostering innovation and growth that ultimately benefits the federal government and Veterans.
VA’s commitment to partnering with VOSBs embodies a broader strategy for amplifying growth opportunities. By placing Veterans first, VA ensures that services and products procured through federal contracts address the specific needs of the veteran community, creating a more inclusive economic environment where Veteran entrepreneurs can flourish.
The conference offered invaluable networking opportunities, workshops and over 60 sessions on federal business prospects. A standout feature was the one-on-one matchmaking sessions, enabling small businesses to connect directly with government agencies and prime contractors for potential collaborations.
As the event concluded, it reinforced a commitment to innovate within the federal contracting landscape, ensuring Veterans receive the care and benefits they rightfully deserve. VA remains unwavering in its dedication to partnering with small businesses, leveraging agile acquisition methods to secure innovative solutions tailored to Veterans’ needs.
The VETS25 Conference illuminated the vital role of small businesses and Veterans in federal contracting, and VA’s support for entrepreneurial growth among Veterans elevates its mission to provide timely care and benefits.
Let us continue to champion innovation and seize opportunities for Veterans within contracting efforts with VA.
Want to learn more? Explore VA’s contracting partnerships and services online or visit https://department.va.gov/administrations-and-offices/acquisition-logistics-and-construction/.
]]>Ch-ch-ch-chia! Today we’re digging into chia. And yes, we’re talking about the same seeds that many of us grew on animal and character themed pots in the 1980s. Our past selves may be surprised by all of its culinary applications today, but we were missing out on chia’s jam packed nutrition.
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and contain omega 3-s (healthy fat), calcium and iron. Getting adequate fiber daily is a challenge for many Americans. In general, we are recommended to aim for about 25-38 grams per day (depending on age and gender). Fiber aids in satiety (feeling full after eating). It can help promote blood sugar and cholesterol control, and it helps with adding bulk to stool. A two-tablespoon serving of chia seeds contains 4 grams of protein, so not quite as much as an egg.
Make a pudding or a jam (or a pet!)
What can we do with it other than growing green animals? My favorite ways are using chia as thickener to make chia pudding and chia jam. Chia pudding can be as simple as mixing 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and 1 teaspoon of sweetener with 4 ounces of your desired liquid (cow’s milk, plant-based milk, milk blended with frozen fruit, etc.), covering it and allowing it to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t be fooled by their small size; to fully hydrate they require quite a bit of liquid. If you’re looking to boost the fiber and omega -3s into your morning smoothie, add in 1-2 tablespoons and blend. They can also easily be added to pancake, muffin, quick bread and homemade granola recipes.
Check out this 4-minute video by VHA’s healthy teaching kitchen to learn how to make mixed-berry chia jam. Berry chia jam is delicious on toast, English muffins, used in peanut butter and jelly, or mixed with Greek yogurt.
Hungry for more?
Hungry for more information, tips and ideas for how to have a healthy relationship with Food and Drink and fuel your own wellness journey? Check out Introduction to Food and Drink for Whole Health, Healthy Tips on Eating Out and Grocery Shopping, or this Veteran’s experience with healthy cooking classes at her local VA. For more recipes, please visit VA’s Nutrition and Food Services.
Mixed Berry Chia Jam
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 20 minutes
Yield: 20 servings | Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup organic chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
Directions
1. Combine berries and honey in a small saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat until berries begin to soften and burst, or about 5 minutes.
3. Add chia seeds and cook until very thick, or for about 15 minutes. Stir often.
4. Remove from heat and let cool; then add vanilla extract.
5. Add cinnamon and/or cardamom.
Recipe Notes
Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 38 | Carbohydrates: 7.5g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 1.5g
Adapted from: www.bobsredmill.com | Submitted by Kristine Van Workum, RD
]]>Navy Veteran Giovanni “Johnny” Onorato, 62, was scheduled for knee replacement surgery at the Baltimore VA Medical Center when he received a rude awakening. His surgeon, Dr. Sumon Nandi, told him that the procedure was canceled because his weight and blood sugar were too high.
“We know that patients with uncontrolled diabetes, those with a hemoglobin A1C greater than 8, have a much higher risk of getting an infection after a joint replacement,” said Nandi. “A joint replacement infection is to be avoided at all costs, as it requires repeat surgery and can even result in death.”
“My A1C had hit 8.5 and I weighed 255 pounds,” recalled Onorato. “I was mad. I was mad that the surgery got canceled, but mostly I was mad at myself.”
Taking control
Undaunted and determined to have the much-needed operation, Onorato decided to take control of his health, lose weight and reduce his blood sugar. At his request, Dr. Nandi’s team connected him with VA Licensed Dietitian Kerri Kimbrell-Silva.
Together they created a nutrition plan and Kimbrell-Silva provided him with handouts about portion control, meal planning and plating foods. “He himself is an inspiration,” said Kimbrell-Silva, noting that Onorato would often find information on his own and share it with her.
Due to his sore knee, Onorato couldn’t do weight-bearing exercise, but Kimbrell-Silva was able to recommend alternatives. “For individuals with limited mobility, the focus is on building strength, improving flexibility and increasing cardio health without straining joints,” she shared. Chair exercises, water aerobics and modified versions of traditional exercises can help Veterans with limited mobility reach their weight-loss goals.
‘I’m not done yet’
In a little over a year, Onorato reversed his diabetes, reducing his A1C to normal levels, and lost 56 pounds. “I went from size 44 pants to a size 38, which was what I was wearing five years ago,” he said. “I’m not done yet. I haven’t yet reached my goal weight, which is 185 pounds.”
His knee surgery is scheduled soon. “Patients like Veteran Onorato are shining examples of what can be achieved with dedication and persistence, the same qualities that make us proud of our Veterans every day,” said Nandi.
For Onorato, being healthy makes a huge difference in his quality of life. “I look totally different now,” he said. “I tell anyone who asks, ‘Work the plan and the plan will work.’”
]]>Editor’s note: This post contains links to jobs that are active at the time of publishing. Most job listings close 7-30 days after publishing. 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.
Each week, we receive job announcements from employers and employment websites—including Home Depot, RecruitMilitary, VetJobs and HireMilitary—looking to hire Veterans. This post contains links to job listings for the week of May 26, 2025. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely listings as we receive them, and for the locations listed.
By recognizing the skills, discipline, leadership and problem solving abilities that Veterans possess, employers can benefit greatly from hiring them. Veterans bring a diverse perspective, adaptability and a strong work ethic to the workplace, enriching the company culture and fostering innovation.
Check out the latest job listings below for the week of May 26, 2025:
Join the tens of thousands of Veterans who are continuing their careers with us. We value your commitment, strong leadership, and decision-making skills. Here, you can continue to be part of a culture that takes care of each other and makes a difference.
Warehouse associate in Luckey, OH
Department Supervisor in Littleton, NH
Asset Protection Specialist in Kitty Hawk, NC
Department Supervisor in Petoskey, MI
Assistant Store Manager in Lihue, HI
Department Supervisor in Osage Beach, MO
Assistant Store Manager in West Lebanon, NH
Night Replenishment Manager in Kenai, AK
Supply Chain Area Supervisor in Tracy, CA
Repair & Tool Technician in Portsmouth, NH
This post contains links to job listings from RecruitMilitary, VetJobs and HireMilitary—looking to hire Veterans.
Remote – Adolescent and Children’s Therapist – Calm Seas Psychotherapy
Remote – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Calm Seas Psychotherapy
Nationwide – Field Service Technician – EnerSys
Nationwide – Information Technology Opportunities – Marriott International
Multiple Locations – Accountant for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Accountant (Systems) for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Business Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Financial Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Financial Liaison for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Supervisory Management and Program Analyst for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Multiple Locations – Sr. Complex Claims Adjuster, Mass Tort
Multiple Locations – Complex Claims Director
Multiple Locations – Senior Analyst
Los Angeles, CA – Sales Training Program – Altec
Canon City, CO – Project Manager – CRH
Bridgeport, CT – Experienced Diesel Mechanic – Allegiance Trucks
Ocoee, FL – Finance Support Specialist I – COX
Chicago, IL – Sr. Facilities Manager – The Kraft Heinz Company
Fayetteville, NC – Audit Senior Manager
Bismarck, ND – Sales Management Trainee
Medina, OH – Manufacturing Production Operator – Plastipak Packaging
Arlington, TX – Director of Business Development – HCA Healthcare
San Antonio, TX – Unarmed Security Officer
Alexandria, VA – Sr Administrative Analyst
VA – Audit Remediation Specialist
VA – Assistant Swim School Manager
Overseas roles with Acuity International
Iraq – Protective Security Specialist – Acuity International
Marshall Islands – Multiple Medical Roles – Acuity International
Somalia – Senior Guard – Acuity International
Whether you’re looking for the care you’ve earned or the career you deserve, we’re all about Veterans at VA. Many of our popular jobs for prior and transitioning military personnel offer special hiring preferences, application resources, and more to help you start a rewarding career serving others who served.
See this week’s job announcements below for a variety of clinical and nonclinical positions at VA facilities around the country:
Nationwide – Medical Support Assistant
San Francisco, CA – Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
Boston, MA – Motor Vehicle Operator
Durham, NC – Utility Systems Operator
Ardmore, OK – Physician (Primary Care)
Chesapeake County, VA – Health Technician (Audiology)
White River Junction, VT – Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)
Richland, WA – Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
Martinsburg, WV – Maintenance Mechanic
San Francisco, CA – Assistant General Manager – Retail
Augusta, GA (DT) – Food Service Worker
Boston, MA – Assistant General Manager – Retail
St. Louis, MO (JB) – Program Support Assistant (Business to Business)
New York, NY – Food Service Worker
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Online: What entrepreneurs need to know about the SBA – Jun 4, 2025, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. CT
Nationwide – Veteran-Only Franchise Opportunities
Career Fairs
Newport News, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners – May 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Norfolk, VA: HERO Wednesday Collaborative Partners – May 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Online: MOAA Virtual Hiring Event – Jun 4, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
]]>Looking to start a meaningful career at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) but not sure where to begin? You’re in luck—VA offers useful tools and guidance to support job seekers every step of the way, whether you’re exploring physician, nursing, mental health care or other mission-critical roles.
Keep reading to learn more about the resources available to you as you explore a rewarding career at VA.
Connect with a VA recruiter
The Connect with a Recruiter option is just one way VA is helping job seekers optimize their job search. This easy-to-use feature allows job seekers to get support from a local VA recruiter who can help answer questions, guide your job search, and point you toward the opportunities that best match your skills and goals. Just scroll to your field of interest and complete the inquiry form.
VA Careers news and advice
From interview prep to events and occupational highlights, the VA Job News and Advice blog has information to help you stay focused and motivated as you search for your next opportunity.
VA Careers Newsletter
The VA Careers Newsletter is a monthly resource for navigating the VA application and hiring process. Sign up today and have this roundup of career guidance and hot jobs sent straight to your inbox.
VA job application process
We understand that the Federal application and interview processes can feel daunting. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process from initial career exploration to hiring.
Join VA
Your next mission is ready for you. Discover how you can grow professionally while serving those who served in career that’s All About Veterans.
EXPLORE a rewarding career at VA.
LEARN about our mission of service.
HEAR from VA employees.
]]>When VA nurse Tomeka Allison lost a family member to an overdose, she knew she had to act. Today, she’s leading a pioneering effort at Dallas VA Medical Center that’s already touched the lives of more than 175 Veterans and their families.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental overdose compared with the general U.S. population, and recent studies show that up to 60% of Veterans from Middle East conflicts deal with chronic pain, rising to 75% among women Veterans.
The staff at Dallas VA responded by creating a comprehensive education and identification plan focusing on naloxone, also known as Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids.
“There was a lot of missed information and educational gaps,” Allison said. “I want Veterans and their families to be well informed because this knowledge can save lives. We teach the Veterans, their families and caretakers about the medication. We answer any questions they have and demonstrate how to use the nasal mist properly.”
During a recent teaching event, Army Veteran Robert Sander watched as nurse Ashley Gentle carefully reviewed his medications. “These nurses take their time to talk and listen,” Sander said. “Look at her, she’s examining all these pill bottles. I’m so glad to see people like her that care about us Veterans.”
A mist that saves lives
The initiative has already proved its worth. “I know of Veteran families who have successfully used the mist to save their loved one’s life,” Allison said proudly. “This medication can save lives, including our Veterans’ family members.”
Gentle emphasized their holistic approach: “Many of our Veterans take multiple medications, including opioids. We care for the whole Veteran and see them and their families as partners in achieving high-quality care.”
“Every life saved is a victory,” Allison added. “But our real success comes from preventing overdoses before they happen, through education and awareness.”
For more information about VA’s overdose prevention programs or to learn about Naloxone, contact your primary care team at your their local VA or visit VA’s website on Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution.
]]>Editor’s note: Sharing of non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should always verify information with the organization offering the program.
Want to start a business but don’t know where to begin? A free course from Warrior Rising helps service-disabled Veterans take the first step.
You’ve probably heard it before…“There are benefits out there for Veteran entrepreneurs.” But knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.
What should you build? How do you know if it’s a real business idea? Do you need a plan? Funding? A degree?
Most Veterans stop here before they start. But the benefits aren’t the means to a successful business—the right opportunity is.
That’s why Warrior Rising created SDVET LaunchPoint—a free, 4-week virtual course in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), designed specifically for service-disabled Veterans who are ready to explore business ownership.
What is SDVET LaunchPoint?
It’s a starting point. It is a place to explore ideas, test assumptions and begin aligning what matters most.
Warrior Rising can help you connect the dots between:
- What you’re interested in.
- What you’re skilled at.
- What you’re passionate about.
- And how that becomes a viable market opportunity with the resources you have available.
Whether you’re just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or already running a business and want to vet a new idea, this is the place to do it with structure and with fellow Veterans who understand the mission.
You’ll meet weekly on Zoom, learn from other SDVETs who’ve built businesses of their own, and walk away with clarity, confidence and a plan to move forward.
And yes, it’s completely free.
Course details
- Course Name: SDVET LaunchPoint.
- Start date: June 5, 2025.
- End Date: June 26, 2025.
- When: Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.
- Where: Live on Zoom (1-hour weekly sessions).
- Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2025.
What you’ll learn
This is about mindset, mission and mapping your next step.
Each week builds on the last. By the end, you’ll have:
- A clear understanding of whether business is the right path for you.
- 1–2 solid business ideas shaped by your experience.
- Insight into your ideal customer and your competitive space.
- A simple model to test your idea’s potential.
- An overview of Warrior Rising and other resources for SDVETs
Who can apply?
To be eligible for SDVET LaunchPoint, you must:
- Be a U.S. military Veteran with an honorable discharge.
- Have a service-connected disability rating.
- Be in the idea or early-stage of building a business.
- Or be a current business owner exploring a new direction.
- Be ready to learn, build and take action.
Spouses of qualifying Veterans may also apply with the appropriate documentation.
Verification includes:
- A DD-214 (with SSN blocked) showing honorable discharge.
- A current VA disability letter (any rating accepted).
Apply by June 1, 2025.
There is no waitlist.
Registration for future sessions opens two weeks before the next launch.
About Warrior Rising
Warrior Rising is a nonprofit built by Veterans for Veterans. Since 2015, it has helped thousands of military-connected entrepreneurs start businesses through real-world training, coaching and community.
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