Posted on March 30, 2021March 31, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veteran women get a little love and a mammogram 03/30/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA Connecticut decided to combine a VA Love-Your-Self Campaign with local providers Hartford Healthcare and Yale New Haven Health having their mobile mammography buses visit our facilities. The post Veteran women get a little love and a mammogram appeared first on VAntage Point. VICTORS: Caring for Veterans with significant visual impairment 03/30/2021 02:00 PM EDT The VICTORS outpatient program represents a unique team approach to vision rehabilitation using the disciplines of optometry, ophthalmology, social work, psychology and low vision therapists. The post VICTORS: Caring for Veterans with significant visual impairment appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Lauran Glover 03/30/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Lauran Glover, the first woman to lead the U.S. Army Drill Team. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Lauran Glover appeared first on VAntage Point. COVID-19 Vaccine: You Asked, We Answered – Part II 03/30/2021 09:50 AM EDT Your COVID-19 questions answered. VA is listening to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and hosting a blog series on questions from Veterans. Tell us what you think. The post COVID-19 Vaccine: You Asked, We Answered – Part II appeared first on VAntage Point. More than 50,000 Veterans have switched benefit payments to direct deposit 03/30/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA recently announced that more than 50,000 Veterans have switched to receiving their benefit payments through direct deposit. The post More than 50,000 Veterans have switched benefit payments to direct deposit appeared first on VAntage Point. Improving Reproductive Health for Women with PTSD 03/30/2021 08:00 AM EDT PTSD affects many areas of a woman’s life, including relationships, work, sleep and even reproductive health. Dr. Nillni’s research aims to understand the ways that trauma and PTSD impact women in their childbearing years, and especially during and right after pregnancy. Her research helps women get better care for PTSD during pregnancy, which benefits their families too. The post Improving Reproductive Health for Women with PTSD appeared first on VAntage Point. Disabled Veterans, active duty can get adaptive equipment for automobiles 03/29/2021 08:00 PM EDT Veterans and active duty with a service-connected disability that prevents them from driving an automobile may qualify for a VA program to purchase a specially modified motor vehicle. The post Disabled Veterans, active duty can get adaptive equipment for automobiles appeared first on VAntage Point. Florida Vet Centers honor Vietnam Era Veterans 03/29/2021 06:00 PM EDT Florida Veterans rode their motorcycles to honor Vietnam War Veterans. Staff from the area Vet Centers were on hand to recognize the Vets and answer questions about readjustment counseling services. The post Florida Vet Centers honor Vietnam Era Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA, DoD secretaries honor Vietnam War Veterans 03/29/2021 05:00 PM EDT Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III honored Vietnam War Veterans during a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2021. The post VA, DoD secretaries honor Vietnam War Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Live Whole Health #65: Checking in with your body 03/29/2021 04:00 PM EDT We often forget about our bodies until something starts to hurt or stops working. Have you thought about the miraculous way that your body functions? The post Live Whole Health #65: Checking in with your body appeared first on VAntage Point. Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military-ready employers 03/29/2021 02:00 PM EDT Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military ready employers. The post Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military-ready employers appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix 03/29/2021 11:30 AM EDT On Vietnam War Veterans Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix, a Medal of Honor recipient from the war. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam Veteran leads the way for tomorrow’s medicine 03/29/2021 10:00 AM EDT VA’s Million Veteran Program is one of the largest genetics research programs, supporting groundbreaking research in precision medicine. Vietnam Veteran Milton Verdoot shares his story for enrolling. The post Vietnam Veteran leads the way for tomorrow’s medicine appeared first on VAntage Point. Face of InnoVAtion: Ronald Major 03/29/2021 09:00 AM EDT Face of InnoVAtion is a regular series from the VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) focusing on VA employees who are working to change and save Veteran lives. The post Face of InnoVAtion: Ronald Major appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #235: VA Secretary Denis McDonough 03/29/2021 08:00 AM EDT On Feb. 8, 2021, Denis McDonough was confirmed by the Senate to be the United States’ 11th Secretary of Veterans Affairs. On Borne the Battle he discusses the priorities behind his “First 100 Day Plan” for VA. The post Borne the Battle #235: VA Secretary Denis McDonough appeared first on VAntage Point. VBA salutes Vietnam War Veterans 03/29/2021 06:00 AM EDT During his inaugural address in 1961, President John F. Kennedy affirmed that the United States stood ready to pay any price and to bear any burden to preserve freedom and liberty. Vietnam War Veterans surely shouldered that burden. More than 58,000 of them paid the ultimate price and another 153,000 were wounded over the course of the conflict. Today, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, VBA joins the rest of the nation in honoring the service and sacrifice of all Veterans who served in the Armed Forces from 1955 to 1975. On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops … The post VBA salutes Vietnam War Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 28, 2021March 28, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   After a Veteran passed, VA nurses found a home for his puppy 03/28/2021 04:00 PM EDT Two VA nurses stayed by a critically ill Veteran and comforted him. They listened to his stories about his love for his new puppy. After he passed, they found the puppy and secured him a new home. The post After a Veteran passed, VA nurses found a home for his puppy appeared first on VAntage Point. Chats with the Chief: South Texas Director Chris Sandles on VA’s fastest growing HCS 03/28/2021 02:00 PM EDT Jon Jensen, VHA Chief of Staff, talks with Chris Sandles, director of the South Texas VA Healthcare System. He manages the fastest growing VA health care system in the country. The post Chats with the Chief: South Texas Director Chris Sandles on VA’s fastest growing HCS appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam Veterans Memorial showcases warriors instead of war 03/28/2021 01:00 PM EDT When people visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., they can see the 58,279 names on The Wall, The Three Serviceman statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the In Memory plaque, and a flagpole that flies both the U.S. and the POW-MIA flag. While the memorial and names provide an obvious visual reminder, Army Veteran Jan Scruggs wants people to know the story behind the memorial. It involves a poncho, a promise, PTSD, an Academy Award-winning movie and a focus on warriors instead of a war. The post Vietnam Veterans Memorial showcases warriors instead of war appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Ruth Drover Burnham 03/28/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Ruth Drover Burnham, who turns 100 years old March 29 and served in the Reserve during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Ruth Drover Burnham appeared first on VAntage Point. 35th Annual National Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic 03/28/2021 10:00 AM EDT The 35th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic will look a bit different but the mission remains the same. This year’s five-day event, sponsored by VA and DAV, will be held virtually. The post 35th Annual National Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic appeared first on VAntage Point. Blood donation could earn Indianapolis 500 trip, gift card 03/28/2021 09:00 AM EDT Those who come to give blood or platelets April 1-15 through the American Red Cross will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis 500®. The post Blood donation could earn Indianapolis 500 trip, gift card appeared first on VAntage Point. A Veteran’s perspective on the challenges of transition 03/27/2021 04:00 PM EDT Retired Army Sergeant Major Jason Beighley says leaving the security blanket of the military culture was tough. He shares the three major things he has learned since retiring. The post A Veteran’s perspective on the challenges of transition appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 27, 2021March 27, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran reflects on service, transition, family 03/27/2021 02:00 PM EDT Purple Heart Veteran Thornell Billingslea served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. As we celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, VA says to all Vietnam Veterans, “Welcome Home.” The post Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran reflects on service, transition, family appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Leslie Zimmerman 03/27/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Leslie Zimmerman, who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Leslie Zimmerman appeared first on VAntage Point. Fresh Focus #23: MOVE! 03/27/2021 09:00 AM EDT Knowledge is power when learning about our patterns and behaviors, especially in relation to food. This series hands that blueprint over to you and provides you with the tools to carry the plan through. This week’s episode features MOVE! The post Fresh Focus #23: MOVE! appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 26, 2021March 26, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Forbes ranks VA as one of America’s best large employers 03/26/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA was named one of 2021’s top large employers by Forbes magazine, recognizing our efforts to create a great working environment for our employees. The post Forbes ranks VA as one of America’s best large employers appeared first on VAntage Point. Update: SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers 03/26/2021 03:14 PM EDT VA has begun work to implement the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, caregivers, spouses and CHAMPVA beneficiaries under the SAVE LIVES Act. We still have a limited amount of vaccines. We’re working to determine how quickly we can begin to offer vaccines to these other groups.  In accordance with the law, we must prioritize vaccinations and health care delivery for Veterans enrolled in VA care. The post Update: SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans schedule COVID-19 vaccinations with VEText 03/26/2021 02:00 PM EDT Veterans are scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointment through VEText, an interactive digital solution from VA that automatically reminds Veterans of upcoming appointments via text messaging. The post Veterans schedule COVID-19 vaccinations with VEText appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Shannon Teague 03/26/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Social Work Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Shannon Teague, who served from 200-2004 and is now a VA social worker. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Shannon Teague appeared first on VAntage Point. Celebrating Women’s History Month 03/26/2021 10:00 AM EDT Women’s History Month – VA celebrates valiant women Veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Women have honorably served in the military for generations and continue to break barriers even today. The post Celebrating Women’s History Month appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans see help through American Rescue Plan, says SecVA 03/26/2021 08:30 AM EDT Veterans will see significant help through the American Rescue Plan, VA Secretary Denis McDonough told the House Veterans Affairs Committee March 25 during a virtual hearing. The post Veterans see help through American Rescue Plan, says SecVA appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   VA’s new Whole Health app 03/25/2021 04:00 PM EDT Your Whole Health journey is now easier than ever with a new mobile app. It’s a free easy-to-use tool created for Veterans and others interested in taking charge of their health. User-friendly design. The post VA’s new Whole Health app appeared first on VAntage Point. Tuskegee Airman Howard Lee Baugh 03/25/2021 02:00 PM EDT Air Force Veteran and Tuskegee Airman Howard Lee Baugh served in World War II as a fighter pilot and overcame the barriers of systemic racism. The post Tuskegee Airman Howard Lee Baugh appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Roy Benavidez 03/25/2021 11:30 AM EDT On National Medal of Honor Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Roy Perez Benavidez, a Vietnam War special forces soldier. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Roy Benavidez appeared first on VAntage Point. Army National Guard Veteran Aubrey: Why I get my health care at VA 03/25/2021 10:00 AM EDT Army National Guard Veteran Aubrey says VA’s recreational therapists helped her realize that life didn’t end with her paralyzing injury. The post Army National Guard Veteran Aubrey: Why I get my health care at VA appeared first on VAntage Point. VA extends debt relief for Veterans 03/25/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA is extending debt relief for Veterans through September 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VA will suspend collection of all Veteran benefit overpayments incurred between April 6, 2020 and September 30, 2021. No adverse actions or collection attempts will occur during this suspension period. The post VA extends debt relief for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Making community emergency care easier for Veterans 03/24/2021 06:00 PM EDT Community Emergency Care Reporting process changes improve efficiency, timeliness and security for Vets and providers. Easier to notify VA when Veteran receives emergency care at community provider. The post Making community emergency care easier for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. USPHS-VA partnership provides Veteran COVID care, new career opportunities 03/24/2021 05:00 PM EDT U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers at the Charlie Norwood VAMC are among those who serve Veterans across the country. The post USPHS-VA partnership provides Veteran COVID care, new career opportunities appeared first on VAntage Point. All Veterans, their spouses, caregivers can get COVID-19 vaccinations from VA 03/24/2021 04:00 PM EDT All Veterans, their spouses and caregivers can get COVID-19 vaccinations from VA under the SAVE LIVES Act signed into law March 24. The post All Veterans, their spouses, caregivers can get COVID-19 vaccinations from VA appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 24, 2021March 24, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Welcome to the Standing Ready podcast 03/24/2021 02:00 PM EDT Standing Ready in an inside look at the histories and untold stories of VA’s Innovations, highlighting the significant contributions of the nation’s largest health care system through a historical lens. The post Welcome to the Standing Ready podcast appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Diane Carlson Evans 03/24/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Diane Carlson, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Diane Carlson Evans appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans’ poor sleep can lead to mental health nightmares 03/24/2021 10:00 AM EDT Sleep disorders can lead to increased thoughts of suicide. VA researchers are conducting a study to better understand the relationship between sleep disorders and suicidal ideation. The post Veterans’ poor sleep can lead to mental health nightmares appeared first on VAntage Point. Virtual events available for National Vietnam War Veterans Day 03/24/2021 09:00 AM EDT National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. Veterans can stay connected and participate in the following virtual events. The post Virtual events available for National Vietnam War Veterans Day appeared first on VAntage Point. Annie’s Coping During COVID messages help manage stress during pandemic 03/24/2021 08:00 AM EDT Annie is VA’s automated text messaging program that sends information and self-care reminders. There are many types of Annie text messages and they work on any cellphone with texting capabilities. The post Annie’s Coping During COVID messages help manage stress during pandemic appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Solar Ready Vets Network looking for transitioning service members and Veterans 03/23/2021 04:00 PM EDT The Solar Ready Vets Network is made up of several solar workforce development programs that provide Veterans with training, development and jobs. The post Solar Ready Vets Network looking for transitioning service members and Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Army Veteran a champion for health and research 03/23/2021 02:00 PM EDT VA’s Million Veteran Program is the largest genetics research program of its kind, supporting groundbreaking research in personalized medicine. Veteran Keisha Bellamy shares her story for enrolling. The post Army Veteran a champion for health and research appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Raul Hidalgo 03/23/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Raul M. Hidalgo, a reconnaissance scout in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II who is 96 years old. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Raul Hidalgo appeared first on VAntage Point. A day in Milwaukee Veterans Treatment Court 03/23/2021 09:50 AM EDT Veterans Treatment Court – a nontraditional approach to criminal justice in which Veterans can work to address problems. Those who complete the program typically have the charges reduced or dismissed. The post A day in Milwaukee Veterans Treatment Court appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam memorial walls release schedule, with COVID restrictions 03/23/2021 09:00 AM EDT Veterans, families, friends and the general public have several options to see Vietnam memorial walls in 2021 with the release of traveling wall schedules. The post Vietnam memorial walls release schedule, with COVID restrictions appeared first on VAntage Point. VA to commemorate 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War 03/22/2021 06:00 PM EDT On March 29, our Nation will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day on its 50th anniversary, an opportunity for VA employees and all Americans to recognize and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of America’s longest wars. The post VA to commemorate 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War appeared first on VAntage Point. Remarks of President Joe Biden honoring women Veterans 03/22/2021 05:00 PM EDT During Women’s History Month, I want to honor some of our nation’s heroes, who have too often gone unsung, uncelebrated: Our proud women Veterans.  The post Remarks of President Joe Biden honoring women Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Live Whole Health #64: Gratitude gives you power over mind 03/22/2021 04:00 PM EDT Does focusing on your daily challenges lead to stress? Thinking of your challenges in this way can cause you to feel fatigued, with low energy. The mind can gravitate toward stressful thoughts without us even realizing it’s happening. The good news is that we have the power to change our perspective by refocusing on gratitude; we can train ourselves to focus on those things we are grateful for in the present moment.  The post Live Whole Health #64: Gratitude gives you power over mind appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 22, 2021March 22, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veterans benefit from VBA computer systems innovation 03/22/2021 02:00 PM EDT A group of VBA employees worked together to speed up a process to get benefits into the hands of Veterans faster than ever by revamping computer systems. The post Veterans benefit from VBA computer systems innovation appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran James Harvey III 03/22/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the Tuskegee Airmen birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran James Harvey III, who served during World War II and the Korean War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran James Harvey III appeared first on VAntage Point. COVID-19 vaccine questions answered: Do I need it? 03/22/2021 10:00 AM EDT Your COVID-19 questions answered. VA is listening to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and hosting a blog series on questions from Veterans. Tell us what you think. The post COVID-19 vaccine questions answered: Do I need it? appeared first on VAntage Point. New features on VA.gov improve Veterans’ online experience 03/22/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA.gov has been redesigned based on Veterans’ feedback to mkae information on VA benefits and services simpler to find and understand.  The post New features on VA.gov improve Veterans’ online experience appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #234: Army Veteran Diane Carlson Evans, Founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation 03/22/2021 08:00 AM EDT Army Veteran Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, joins Borne the Battle to discuss her decision to become a nurse, time serving in Vietnam as a combat nurse, decision to re-enlist after working in a civilian hospital and her fight for a women’s memorial on the National Mall. The post Borne the Battle #234: Army Veteran Diane Carlson Evans, Founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation appeared first on VAntage Point. Budget friendly healthy grocery tips for Veterans and their families 03/21/2021 04:00 PM EDT Here are some great healthy food shopping suggestions for Veterans and their families. Emphasis on good-for-you-groceries on your local budget store. Print it out and take it along. The post Budget friendly healthy grocery tips for Veterans and their families appeared first on VAntage Point.