Posted on November 19, 2020November 20, 2020

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Newest VHA Innovation Ecosystem Innovation Fellows is already changing and saving Veterans’ lives 11/19/2020 04:00 PM EST The VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) is proud to announce the Innovation Fellowship Program’s newest Innovation Fellows. The post Newest VHA Innovation Ecosystem Innovation Fellows is already changing and saving Veterans’ lives appeared first on VAntage Point. Franklin Chang: An unusual challenge in the Korean War 11/19/2020 02:00 PM EST Franklin Chang was a Chinese American Marine who served in the Korean War. He faced tense encounters and exclusion but fearlessly completed his mission. His example continues to inspire today. The post Franklin Chang: An unusual challenge in the Korean War appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Herman L. Adams 11/19/2020 11:30 AM EST On the 43rd anniversary of the creation of Delta Force, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Herman L. Adams, one of the original members. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Herman L. Adams appeared first on VAntage Point. Digital technology helps blind Veteran experience world 11/19/2020 10:00 AM EST Legally blind Army Veteran uses a device that details the world around him, feeds him input, identifies people around him and reads to him. The Orcam MyEye attaches to a pair of reading glasses. The post Digital technology helps blind Veteran experience world appeared first on VAntage Point. VA and Fitbit launch shared initiative 11/19/2020 09:00 AM EST The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Innovation Ecosystem, is collaborating with Fitbit to address health and wellness. The post VA and Fitbit launch shared initiative appeared first on VAntage Point. Vets First Podcast S:1 E:8: Season one in the books 11/19/2020 08:00 AM EST In this short wrap up episode, hosts Levi Sowers and Brandon Rea look back on the first season of the Vets First Podcast, including topics and guests. The post Vets First Podcast S:1 E:8: Season one in the books appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   VA Debt Management Center to resume sending notification letters in January 2021 11/18/2020 04:00 PM EST The VA Debt Management Center (DMC) is sending a letter this month to Veterans with benefit debts advising that due process notification letters will resume after January 1, 2021. The post VA Debt Management Center to resume sending notification letters in January 2021 appeared first on VAntage Point. Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family program 11/18/2020 02:00 PM EST Through the Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, eligible Military and Veteran families are “adopted” to ensure a wonderful holiday season. The post Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family program appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Kenneth Bottoms 11/18/2020 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Kenneth Bottoms, who served as an engineer upgrading aircraft and missiles. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Kenneth Bottoms appeared first on VAntage Point. Your last cigarette: The Great American Smokeout! 11/18/2020 10:00 AM EST As part of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19, Veterans are encouraged to explore VA’s tobacco cessation resources, including medications and counseling. Here are links to valuable services. The post Your last cigarette: The Great American Smokeout! appeared first on VAntage Point. Five ways VA supports rural Veterans during COVID-19 11/18/2020 09:00 AM EST VA supports rural Veterans and residents through a variety of resources. Nearly five million rural Veterans are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 challenges. Here’s how VA is helping. The post Five ways VA supports rural Veterans during COVID-19 appeared first on VAntage Point. Celebrating the Year of the Nurse: Denise Kresevic 11/18/2020 08:00 AM EST VHA Innovation Ecosystem and Office of Nursing Services are proud to celebrate the Year of the Nurse by highlighting a unique nurse-led innovation, or promising practice, each month for the remainder of 2020. With over 80,000 nurses, VA is the largest employer of nurses in the nation. This month, we introduce employee innovator Denise Kresevic from the Cleveland VA Medical Center. For Denise Kresevic, compassion and science go hand-in-hand when it comes to nursing. “Nurses take the ‘science’ and apply those principles to their care using the ‘art of nursing and caring,’” Kresevic said. “It is always a bit different depending on the person and situation.” Her perspective … The post Celebrating the Year of the Nurse: Denise Kresevic appeared first on VAntage Point. VA releases Customer Experience Cookbook for Federal Agencies 11/17/2020 06:00 PM EST The Customer Experience Cookbook provides a guide to government agencies looking to build customer experience capabilities. The post VA releases Customer Experience Cookbook for Federal Agencies appeared first on VAntage Point. Are you an innovator? Put your creativity to work at VA! 11/17/2020 04:00 PM EST VA is always looking for creative and talented innovators to make a difference in the lives of Veterans. Come work at VA! The post Are you an innovator? Put your creativity to work at VA! appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 17, 2020November 18, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Five ways VA supports rural communities during COVID-19 11/17/2020 02:00 PM EST VA is committed to providing high-quality health care to Veterans during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. The post Five ways VA supports rural communities during COVID-19 appeared first on VAntage Point. When COVID-19 vaccine comes, VA will be ready 11/17/2020 12:00 PM EST VA, along with other federal agencies, submitted a COVID-19 vaccine plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare for distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccine(s). The post When COVID-19 vaccine comes, VA will be ready appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Billy Walkabout 11/17/2020 11:30 AM EST During National Native American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Billy Walkabout, a Vietnam Distinguished Service Cross recipient. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Billy Walkabout appeared first on VAntage Point. Partnership to enhance breast cancer treatment for Veterans 11/17/2020 09:50 AM EST Partnership will recruit the nation’s top breast cancer oncologists to advance and improve health outcomes for women Veterans as well as launch new collaborative research programs. The post Partnership to enhance breast cancer treatment for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Veterans camaraderie, chance to contribute 11/17/2020 09:00 AM EST Veterans looking for camaraderie and a chance to contribute in a military setting have opportunities through the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The post Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Veterans camaraderie, chance to contribute appeared first on VAntage Point. VA, Labor Department team up to support Veteran employment 11/17/2020 08:00 AM EST VA and the U.S. Department of Labor are joining forces to help Veterans who are facing homelessness secure and maintain employment. The post VA, Labor Department team up to support Veteran employment appeared first on VAntage Point. Women Veterans, learn what VA has to offer 11/16/2020 04:00 PM EST Women transitioning from the military or recently separated can attend free, live, on-line virtual events offered twice a day through Dec. 21. The Women’s Health Transition Training, or WHTT, helps transitioning service women prepare with the tools and resources for a healthy life after active duty service. The post Women Veterans, learn what VA has to offer appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Free customer experience certificate, program for Veterans, their families 11/16/2020 02:00 PM EST Medallia is offering a course and certificate in customer experience free for Veterans and their families for Veterans Month 2020. The post Free customer experience certificate, program for Veterans, their families appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Joseph Moore 11/16/2020 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Joseph Moore, who served on several ships during his career from 1947-1969, including in Vietnam. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Joseph Moore appeared first on VAntage Point. Helping Veterans with therapeutic exercise and holistic interventions 11/16/2020 10:00 AM EST Kinesiotherapy provides therapeutic exercise and holistic interventions to improve well-being and functional abilities for America’s Veterans. It was used to treat more than 100,000 Veterans in 2019. The post Helping Veterans with therapeutic exercise and holistic interventions appeared first on VAntage Point. VA adds tens of thousands of jobs, increases remote options 11/16/2020 09:00 AM EST Jessica Bonjorni, VHA’s chief officer of human capital management, talked about VA adding tens of thousands of jobs, plus increasing remote options. The post VA adds tens of thousands of jobs, increases remote options appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #220: Vietnam War Veteran John Burns and Iraq War Veteran David Eckert, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act 11/16/2020 08:00 AM EST In this episode of Borne the Battle, two Veterans from two very different generations come to talk about the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The post Borne the Battle #220: Vietnam War Veteran John Burns and Iraq War Veteran David Eckert, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 15, 2020November 16, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Groundbreaking for VA Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas 11/15/2020 04:00 PM EST New Fort Smith clinic will add eye care, audiology, laboratory and radiology services to current services. Also a computerized tomography (CT) scan in addition to X-ray technology. The post Groundbreaking for VA Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Chasity C. Bingley 11/15/2020 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Chasity C. Bingley, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq as a light wheel mechanic. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Chasity C. Bingley appeared first on VAntage Point. Texas VA hiring new staff for care Veterans’ deserve 11/15/2020 09:00 AM EST West Texas VA director Jason Cave: “Hiring new, well qualified staff with a true desire to serve our nation’s Veterans is at the core of creating the consistency our Veterans deserve.” The post Texas VA hiring new staff for care Veterans’ deserve appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 14, 2020November 14, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Helping Veterans with wellness and resilience 11/14/2020 04:00 PM EST The Shalom Project is designed to help Veterans find a sense of peace and calmness in their lives. It reminds us that we experience peace, harmony and wholeness through completeness. The post Helping Veterans with wellness and resilience appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Manchester celebrates babies born in 2020 11/14/2020 02:00 PM EST Twenty-five Veteran families received baby essentials, clothes, car seats and bedding. Community donors helped to make the third annual baby shower possible, this year a drive-thru event. The post VA Manchester celebrates babies born in 2020 appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Luis Martinez III 11/14/2020 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Luis Martinez III, who deployed for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Luis Martinez III appeared first on VAntage Point. My Life, My Story #3: Simon: When work is your hobby 11/14/2020 09:00 AM EST This episode of My Life, My Story podcast features Veteran Simon, who shares that not all Veterans’ stories are war stories, how work is also his hobby. The post My Life, My Story #3: Simon: When work is your hobby appeared first on VAntage Point. Philadelphia VA cross trains over 350 nurses 11/13/2020 04:00 PM EST Philadelphia VA cross trained over 350 nurses to use their skills and experience in the most effective way during a pandemic. Training plan developed for potential surge in COVID-19 positive Veterans. The post Philadelphia VA cross trains over 350 nurses appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 13, 2020November 13, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Holiday Safety: Give the Gift of Life this season 11/13/2020 02:00 PM EST Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are all hallmarks of the holiday season. However, they also present fire risks that can quickly turn into devastation. Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when travel spikes and families gather to cook delicious meals. This year’s fire prevention theme is “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” The post Holiday Safety: Give the Gift of Life this season appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joshua Wheeler 11/13/2020 11:30 AM EST During National Native American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joshua Wheeler, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joshua Wheeler appeared first on VAntage Point. Meditation may help Veterans with PTSD 11/13/2020 10:00 AM EST Meditation may be able to help Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Learn about a meditative practice available through VA called the Mantram Repetition Program. Also compassion meditation. The post Meditation may help Veterans with PTSD appeared first on VAntage Point. Pay off your school debt quickly with this VA program 11/13/2020 09:00 AM EST Earning an advanced degree with little or no debt sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? But for health care professionals who take advantage of VA’s Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), it isn’t. One of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation, EDRP provides up to $40,000 a year — or $200,000 over a five-year period — in loan repayment. “I still have a very large amount of medical school debt to service. The EDRP program helps to accelerate the pay off dramatically,” said Dr. Stephen Gau, a physician at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System in … The post Pay off your school debt quickly with this VA program appeared first on VAntage Point. Community providers: VA urgent care network change 11/12/2020 06:00 PM EST Important changes that require Community Providers to establish a contract with either Optum or TriWest to provide urgent care services or treatment for minor injuries and illnesses to Veterans. The post Community providers: VA urgent care network change appeared first on VAntage Point. How a partnership-funded, lung cancer screening saved one Veteran’s life 11/12/2020 04:00 PM EST Mitchell Caviness enlisted in the Army at 17 and immediately took up smoking “to fit in.” Nearly five decades later, the former mortarmen from the 101st Airborne wishes he hadn’t. Today, he credits a routine VA lung cancer screening for saving his life. Lung Cancer affects more than 7,000 Veterans each year and causes more deaths than any other cancer among Veterans. Unfortunately, most lung cancer cases diagnosed at VA are at advanced stages when curative treatment options are limited. But when lung cancer is caught early through screening, it is very treatable with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. … The post How a partnership-funded, lung cancer screening saved one Veteran’s life appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 12, 2020November 12, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Test Gulf War 11/12/2020 02:07 PM EST The post Test Gulf War appeared first on VAntage Point. Joe Vandever: Navajo Code Talker 11/12/2020 02:00 PM EST Joe Vandever was drafted into the Marine Corps to serve as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II. The post Joe Vandever: Navajo Code Talker appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Coast Guard Veteran Shirley H. Reagor 11/12/2020 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Coast Guard Veteran Shirley H. Reagor, who served during World War II as part of Women’s Reserve, also known as the SPARs. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Coast Guard Veteran Shirley H. Reagor appeared first on VAntage Point. Transforming Veteran stories into art 11/12/2020 10:00 AM EST Can the arts help Veterans heal? That’s just one of the questions explored through a creative learning project between Columbus College of Art & Design and VA’s Veteran Arts Initiative in Ohio. The post Transforming Veteran stories into art appeared first on VAntage Point. The Innovation Experience brought partnerships to the forefront 11/12/2020 09:00 AM EST Last week the VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) held the third annual VHA Innovation Experience (iEX), showcasing partnerships on innovation at VA. The post The Innovation Experience brought partnerships to the forefront appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on November 11, 2020November 12, 2020 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Reflections on Armistice Day 1945 11/11/2020 02:00 PM EST Omar Bradley and doctors met the moment and ushered in sweeping changes resulting in the creation of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, the precursor to today’s Veterans Health Administration. The post Reflections on Armistice Day 1945 appeared first on VAntage Point. VA health care facilities celebrate Veterans Day 2020 11/11/2020 10:00 AM EST VA hospitals across America will be celebrating Veterans Day November 11 with a wide variety of events and ceremonies. Here are just a few. Learn more about Veterans Day History. The post VA health care facilities celebrate Veterans Day 2020 appeared first on VAntage Point. Special Veterans Day musical tribute 11/11/2020 09:00 AM EST VA nurse Tracey Welborn performs the Star-Spangled Banner in Veterans Day salute. The trained opera singer says there is a connection with Veteran patients when you perform on an emotional level. The post Special Veterans Day musical tribute appeared first on VAntage Point. Secretary Wilkie’s 2020 Veterans Day message 11/11/2020 06:00 AM EST VA Secretary Robert Wilkie: “Each Veterans Day is a remembrance set aside to honor those who have defended our country in peace and war.” The post Secretary Wilkie’s 2020 Veterans Day message appeared first on VAntage Point. My Life, My Story bonus: Daniel, facing the tiger 11/11/2020 04:00 AM EST The Korean War is often called “the forgotten war,” but in this episode of the “My Life, My Story” podcast, we bring you the unforgettable story of Daniel, who was a prisoner of war in Korea for an astonishing 38 months. The post My Life, My Story bonus: Daniel, facing the tiger appeared first on VAntage Point. Hiring Our Heroes Vehicle Giveaway 11/10/2020 04:00 PM EST Veterans and spouses: Now through December 1, enter for a chance to win a new Toyota through Hiring Our Heroes’ annual “Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes” – no cost to enter. The post Hiring Our Heroes Vehicle Giveaway appeared first on VAntage Point.