Posted on January 20, 2021January 20, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Free Wheels of Courage live webinar to discuss wheelchair sports 01/20/2021 02:00 PM EST Join Paralyzed Veterans of America for a live webinar with author David Davis to discuss his book “Wheels of Courage” on February 4, 2021 at 1pm. The post Free Wheels of Courage live webinar to discuss wheelchair sports appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Marine and Army Veteran Al Faustino 01/20/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine and Army Veteran Al Faustino, who served in the Vietnam War and works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Marine and Army Veteran Al Faustino appeared first on VAntage Point. VA nurse CPR training pays off 01/20/2021 10:00 AM EST VA nurse Elizabeth Priestley, Tennessee Valley VA, often wondered if all those hours of CPR training was worth her time. Today, she will tell you yes! It helped her save a neighbor’s life. The post VA nurse CPR training pays off appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: God Bless the U.S.A. 01/20/2021 09:00 AM EST During Operation Desert Storm, there was an anthem that came to define the war: Lee Greenwood’s country song “God Bless the U.S.A.” When Greenwood originally released the song in 1984, it was moderately successful. The song peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart July 28, 1984. However, the song took on a renewed life during Operation Desert Storm. The post #DesertStorm30: God Bless the U.S.A. appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle Bonus Episode: Home Loan Forbearance Protections Extended 01/20/2021 08:00 AM EST This bonus episode of Borne the Battle features Army Veteran and Assistant Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Office of Service Member Affairs Jim Rice and Assistant Director of the CFPB Office of Mortgage Markets Mark McArdle. Rice and McArdle break down home loan protections in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The post Borne the Battle Bonus Episode: Home Loan Forbearance Protections Extended appeared first on VAntage Point. VA making extra effort to connect with women Veterans 01/19/2021 06:00 PM EST Due to the difference in trust amongst women Veterans versus male Veterans, VA is making an extra effort to connect to earn and restore trust. The post VA making extra effort to connect with women Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Veteran VA employee goes above and beyond to help homeless Veteran community 01/19/2021 04:00 PM EST Veteran Stacey Bulluck left the military and devoted her next career to helping Veterans. Here’s how she went above and beyond. The post Veteran VA employee goes above and beyond to help homeless Veteran community appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   VA hiring oncologists for female Veterans care 01/19/2021 02:00 PM EST A new VA partnership with Duke University and Baylor College of Medicine will help build a National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence. The post VA hiring oncologists for female Veterans care appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Air Forces Veteran Earl G. Anderson Jr. 01/19/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Air Forces Veteran Earl G. Anderson Jr., who served as a pilot flying over Italy and Germany during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Air Forces Veteran Earl G. Anderson Jr. appeared first on VAntage Point. One question could save a life. Would you ask it? 01/19/2021 09:50 AM EST In our culture, we often avoid using the word suicide so asking a fellow Veteran “Are you thinking of suicide?” may take a lot of courage. Asking the question won’t increase their risk of harm. The post One question could save a life. Would you ask it? appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: First-hand account 01/19/2021 09:00 AM EST Gary Kunich originally wrote this first-hand account the morning after Desert Storm started, when he was a 21-year-old Air Force sergeant. It’s 11:55 p.m., Jan. 16. The clock continues ticking past the United Nations’ deadline for Iraq to leave Kuwait. While the world holds its breath in anticipation of war, F-16s sit silently on a quiet runway. Will these mighty, Fighting Falcons fly into combat tonight? If they do, when? The post #DesertStorm30: First-hand account appeared first on VAntage Point. How VA listens and responds to Veteran feedback 01/18/2021 06:00 PM EST VA’s service recovery and customer service efforts are focused on listening and responding to Veterans’ feedback with action. The post How VA listens and responds to Veteran feedback appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Live Whole Health #56: The First Step 01/18/2021 04:00 PM EST At the start of a new year, we often think of ways to dramatically change our lives or achieve something big. It could be losing 25 pounds, running a marathon, writing a book, or learning to cook like a chef. Inspiring and challenging goals excite us as we think about reaching them. But the small, first step that follows for any of those goals is the hardest to take. The first step isn’t always the most exciting, for it requires dedication and attention. That tiny first step is the core to achieving our larger goals, and without the first step … The post Live Whole Health #56: The First Step appeared first on VAntage Point. COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Dr. Adam Robinson 01/18/2021 02:00 PM EST Robinson, who served as the 36th surgeon general of the U.S. Navy and is now director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System in Honolulu, Hawaii, knows that vaccination programs are safe and effective for most people. That is why he volunteered to participate in VA’s COVID-19 research program to test a new vaccine to combat the coronavirus. The post COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Dr. Adam Robinson appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Esther Jane McNeil 01/18/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Esther Jane McNeil, who served as a nurse in the Pacific theater during World War II and in the Korean War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Esther Jane McNeil appeared first on VAntage Point. Telehealth not an option for most hematology and oncology patients 01/18/2021 10:00 AM EST Telehealth is not an option for hematology and oncology patients or the DC team who takes care of them. Veteran patients must come in for blood smears, biopsies, radiographic exams and chemotherapy. The post Telehealth not an option for most hematology and oncology patients appeared first on VAntage Point. VHA Diffusion of Excellence begins spreading 10 new practices 01/18/2021 09:00 AM EST With 10 practices entering the Diffusion of Excellence portfolio this year, joining 59 previous efforts, even more Veterans lives will be impacted. The post VHA Diffusion of Excellence begins spreading 10 new practices appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #226: Marine Corp Veteran Scott Stump, President and CEO, National Desert Storm Memorial Association 01/18/2021 08:00 AM EST This week’s Borne the Battle episode features Marine Corps Veteran Scott Stump, who discusses his military career to becoming President and CEO of the National Desert Storm Memorial Association. The post Borne the Battle #226: Marine Corp Veteran Scott Stump, President and CEO, National Desert Storm Memorial Association appeared first on VAntage Point. Tech know-how lands her VA job… 35 years ago 01/17/2021 04:00 PM EST Tauna Perenovich started as a clerk-stenographer. She was recently honored for her remarkable work ethic and accomplishments. The post Tech know-how lands her VA job… 35 years ago appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 17, 2021January 17, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Scott Speicher 01/17/2021 11:30 AM EST On the 30th anniversary of Desert Storm, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Michael Scott Speicher, an F/A-18 pilot who was the first combat casualty. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Scott Speicher appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: Powell says Veterans did ‘fabulous’ job 01/17/2021 06:00 AM EST During Desert Storm, there were many faces of the war. President George H.W. Bush made decisions as the commander in chief and delivered remarks from the White House to the American people on the war’s opening night. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney advised the president on policy. Army Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf led the troops downrange. Serving as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there was an Army Veteran advising Bush and Cheney while working with Schwartzkopf: Gen. Colin Powell. Powell was less than a year into his tour as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when Operation Desert … The post #DesertStorm30: Powell says Veterans did ‘fabulous’ job appeared first on VAntage Point. Oklahoma City VA to receive first Fisher House in the state 01/16/2021 04:00 PM EST Oklahoma City VA Health Care System has been selected to receive a Fisher House. This will be the first Fisher House in the state of Oklahoma. “A home away from home” for families of Veteran patients. The post Oklahoma City VA to receive first Fisher House in the state appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 16, 2021January 16, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Thomas O. Black 01/16/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Thomas O. Black, who served with the Second Infantry Division during the Korean War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Thomas O. Black appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: 50/50 chance of survival 01/16/2021 09:00 AM EST When Air Force Veteran Greg Feest took off in his F-117 Jan. 16, 1991, there was a 50/50 chance he wasn’t coming back. Iraq was one of the most heavily defended airspaces in history. According to the Gulf War Air Power Survey, there were 972 anti-aircraft artillery sites, 2,404 guns and 6,100 mobile guns. There were also surface-to-air missiles: 6,500 SA-7s, 400 SA-9s, 192 SA-13s, and 288 SA-14s. Pilots spent months planning operations, developing routes and making target lists during Operation Desert Shield. During that planning, the numbers were grim. For the 12 F-117s that left Jan. 16, commanders said six might not return. Most spouses didn’t know when the Desert Storm air war started and watched the TV coverage from the U.S. Bridget McGovern, Feest’s wife and also an Air Force Veteran, knew hours before. She watched from a command center at their base in Saudi Arabia. The post #DesertStorm30: 50/50 chance of survival appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Help and hope in the time of COVID-19 01/15/2021 04:00 PM EST Stand Downs bring homeless Veterans together in a single location for one to three days. They are provided access to resources needed to address their individual problems and rebuild their lives. The post Help and hope in the time of COVID-19 appeared first on VAntage Point. See how medical trainees get matched with their perfect VA job 01/15/2021 02:00 PM EST Jessica Pierce, a VA portfolio manager, discusses job placement events for health professions trainees on “Talk About It Tuesday” broadcast. The post See how medical trainees get matched with their perfect VA job appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger 01/15/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who piloted the “Miracle on the Hudson” Jan. 15, 2009. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger appeared first on VAntage Point. Blindness from glaucoma – often prevented with early treatment 01/15/2021 10:00 AM EST Early identification of Veterans at high risk of glaucoma allows more aggressive treatment before the damage occurs. Glaucoma damages your eye’s optic nerve. Make an appointment today. The post Blindness from glaucoma – often prevented with early treatment appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: First and last rules 01/15/2021 09:00 AM EST On their second mission during Operation Desert Storm, the crew of an AC-130H gunship, call sign Ghost 02, flew a mission that none of them should have lived to tell. Flying into Iraqi airspace, the 14 men aboard destroyed a command and control center, then evaded three surface-to-air missiles through death-defying maneuvers in the lumbering, four-propeller aircraft. The crew’s actions followed their aircraft commander’s first and last rule: all 14 men come home alive. The post #DesertStorm30: First and last rules appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie discusses recent VA accomplishments 01/14/2021 07:23 PM EST VA Secretary Robert Wilkie: In 2020, America faced a crisis in the form of COVID-19. And it became VA’s responsibility to see our Veterans through it. The post VA Secretary Robert Wilkie discusses recent VA accomplishments appeared first on VAntage Point. How family members and caregivers can help with Veterans’ appeals 01/14/2021 06:00 PM EST Family members and caregivers often assist their Veterans through the claims and appeals processes by providing invaluable evidence and insight. The post How family members and caregivers can help with Veterans’ appeals appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 14, 2021January 14, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Army Veteran Jeremy Wheeler 01/14/2021 04:00 PM EST Wheeler is a combat Veteran who served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division as a military intelligence specialist. He received two Army Commendation Medals for his service in Iraq. He says he spent more time on deployment than he did stateside at his duty station in Ft. Stewart, Georgia. The post COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Army Veteran Jeremy Wheeler appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Grace Moody 01/14/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Grace Moody, who served as a legalman for 20 years and retired as a chief petty officer. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Grace Moody appeared first on VAntage Point. New chartbook identifies disparities in health care quality 01/14/2021 10:00 AM EST New chartbook identifies disparities in health care quality related to age, sex, race and ethnicity while confirming that Veterans have greater health needs but receive better care than non-Veterans. The post New chartbook identifies disparities in health care quality appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: Refueling the fleet 01/14/2021 09:00 AM EST In 1990 the newest aircraft in the Air Force’s fleet of KC-135 air refueling tankers was already 25 years old. The venerable airframe based on the Boeing 707 airliner and its crews were being asked to do something few of them had been trained to do – take part in a conventional war. The post #DesertStorm30: Refueling the fleet appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 13, 2021January 14, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Heroes Foundation: Job opportunities for Veterans 01/13/2021 04:00 PM EST Collaboration between VA and Daniel and Salvador Montoya Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit that works with Veteran-friendly companies to match Veterans and transitioning service members with jobs. The post Heroes Foundation: Job opportunities for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Kenneth Bentz 01/13/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Kenneth Bentz, who served during the Korean War in the 7th Infantry Division as a personnelist. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Kenneth Bentz appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans monitor blood pressure at home 01/13/2021 10:00 AM EST Veteran Ronald Bordenaro’s health care visits are taking place through videoconferencing. He has high blood pressure and VA’s telehealth program has enabled him to continue his VA care at home. The post Veterans monitor blood pressure at home appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: Research committee 01/13/2021 09:00 AM EST Desert Shield and Desert Storm Veterans who want to comment on their health concerns or ask about Gulf War Research can do so through the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses. The post #DesertStorm30: Research committee appeared first on VAntage Point. Customer Experience: Bringing same day onboarding for care, benefits and community resources 01/12/2021 06:00 PM EST By assembling all VA and local community partners in one place, Veterans are triaged and onboarded immediately to meet their needs. The post Customer Experience: Bringing same day onboarding for care, benefits and community resources appeared first on VAntage Point. Operation Family Caregiver makes a difference for military families 01/12/2021 04:00 PM EST Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) is the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers signature military caregiving program. Founded by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1987, RCI provides coaching and support to caregivers of all types. The post Operation Family Caregiver makes a difference for military families appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Chiefs of staff needed to lead Veteran care at 11 VA medical centers 01/12/2021 02:00 PM EST Want to make your mark as the head of a medical staff at a VA hospital? We’re currently hiring chiefs of staff in 11 locations across the U.S. Positions are now open in Butler and Erie, Pennsylvania; Chillicothe, Ohio; El Paso and Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Manchester, New Hampshire; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Salisbury, North Carolina; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Wichita, Kansas. “We are seeking physician leaders who are committed to boosting the quality of health care for more than 9 million Veterans around the nation,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of recruitment marketing. Be ready to lead As chief … The post Chiefs of staff needed to lead Veteran care at 11 VA medical centers appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran James Carney III 01/12/2021 11:30 AM EST Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran James Carney III, who served for 13 years from 1980-1993 as a nuclear power machinist. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran James Carney III appeared first on VAntage Point. Her personal mission to help homeless Veterans 01/12/2021 09:50 AM EST Amanda Frelka-Bruch brought a homeless man lunch. She was flabbergasted to learn he was a Veteran who had served two tours in Afghanistan. Her sister, a VA nurse, suggested how she could help. The post Her personal mission to help homeless Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. #DesertStorm30: Out to save people 01/12/2021 09:00 AM EST Army Veteran Harry Low has always been on a mission to save other people. His mission started in 1988, when he followed two older brothers in the service. He was a combat medic in an engineering unit, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. By 1992, Low’s mission to care for military ended when he left the Army. He picked up a new mission, caring for Veterans as a VA employee. The post #DesertStorm30: Out to save people appeared first on VAntage Point. Applications now accepted for 2021 National Veterans Wheelchair Games 01/12/2021 08:00 AM EST VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) are hosting the 40th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New York City, August 8-13, 2021. Applications from eligible Veterans interested in competing may be completed online at www.wheelchairgames.org, and the application period is open now through April 2. The post Applications now accepted for 2021 National Veterans Wheelchair Games appeared first on VAntage Point. American Corporate Partners offers Veterans mentorship opportunities with Fortune 500 industry experts 01/11/2021 08:00 PM EST All Post-9/11 Veterans are eligible for 12 free mentorship sessions with industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies through American Corporate Partners. The post American Corporate Partners offers Veterans mentorship opportunities with Fortune 500 industry experts appeared first on VAntage Point. CaringBridge – An anchor for mom of wounded soldier 01/11/2021 06:00 PM EST CaringBridge provides social and emotional support critical for families during hospitalization and healing. A place of help and hope and for Veterans, service members, families and their caregivers. The post CaringBridge – An anchor for mom of wounded soldier appeared first on VAntage Point. COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Dr. Sabrina Clark 01/11/2021 04:00 PM EST At the same time, Clark encourages all African Americans and other minorities to stay informed about developments related to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. The post COVID-19 Research Volunteer: Dr. Sabrina Clark appeared first on VAntage Point.