Posted on June 8, 2021June 8, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Face of InnoVAtion: Kathryn Beckner 06/08/2021 02:00 PM EDT Face of InnoVAtion is a regular series from the VHA IE focusing on VA employees who are working to change and save Veteran lives through innovation. The post Face of InnoVAtion: Kathryn Beckner appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Victoria Turney 06/08/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Victoria Turney, who served as a gunnery sergeant during the Persian Gulf War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Victoria Turney appeared first on VAntage Point. VA researchers trying brain stimulation to treat headaches 06/08/2021 09:50 AM EDT At VA San Diego, Dr. Albert Leung is leading a trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat persistent headaches. Such headaches are often seen in military personnel with concussions. The post VA researchers trying brain stimulation to treat headaches appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans can hike, bike, paddle across America with help from Warrior Expeditions 06/08/2021 09:00 AM EDT Air Force Veteran Emerald Ralston stepped off the southern point of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia, March 19. Since then, she has been hiking, connecting with nature and recovering from a difficult transition out of the military. She’s on a mission to complete the 2,185-mile long trail through the help of Warrior Expeditions. The post Veterans can hike, bike, paddle across America with help from Warrior Expeditions appeared first on VAntage Point. LGBT Veteran care evolves, continues to improve 06/08/2021 08:00 AM EDT Lorry Luscri is one of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Veteran Care Coordinators at each VA medical center. She has a very straightforward message for Veterans with LGBT and related identities. “You do not have to be afraid to come to the VA for care,” she said. “You are and have always been welcome here and should take advantage of all the great services available through the VA for all Veterans.” The post LGBT Veteran care evolves, continues to improve appeared first on VAntage Point. AARP Guide to 10 military museums and historic locations across the U.S. 06/07/2021 06:00 PM EDT AARP has developed comprehensive guides to 10 key sites of memorials, military museums and other historic locations found across the United States. The post AARP Guide to 10 military museums and historic locations across the U.S. appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 7, 2021June 7, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Live Whole Health #75: Go out and play, moving the body for fun 06/07/2021 04:00 PM EDT On this #LiveWholeHealth exercise, we talk about playing and moving our bodies for fun. Think back to when you were a kid and you spent your days bike riding, climbing trees, playing tag, and simply running around the neighborhood with friends. Try to imagine what it felt like to use your body in all these ways. Can you recall climbing into bed after a long day of swimming? Remember that feeling of pure exhaustion? Why do we stop using our bodies for fun? When did we decide that moving our bodies was too much work, too painful, or a waste of time? The post Live Whole Health #75: Go out and play, moving the body for fun appeared first on VAntage Point. Home-based care expands for vulnerable Veterans in Southern Colorado 06/07/2021 02:00 PM EDT Southern Colorado home-based primary care team sees patients in their homes. “We see them so often they don’t have to go to the hospital or the emergency room. We’re able to keep them in their home.” The post Home-based care expands for vulnerable Veterans in Southern Colorado appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Jason Redman 06/07/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Jason Redman, who served as a Navy SEAL during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Jason Redman appeared first on VAntage Point. Sick Marine Corps Veteran evacuated from Caribbean island 06/07/2021 10:00 AM EDT Marine Corps Veteran Donald Germann survived a hurricane with 180 to 190 mph winds, but his chronic medical issues needed immediate care. Here’s how a VA partnership got him to safety. The post Sick Marine Corps Veteran evacuated from Caribbean island appeared first on VAntage Point. Largest genome study of depression to date reveals genetic risk factors 06/07/2021 09:00 AM EDT The study involved genetic data on more than 300,000 participants of VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP), along with more than a million subjects from other biobanks, including 23andMe. With such a large participant pool, the researchers were able to spot trends in genetic risk of depression not previously known. The post Largest genome study of depression to date reveals genetic risk factors appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #245: Air Force Veteran Josh Seefried, DADT Repeal Advocate 06/07/2021 08:00 AM EDT In this episode of Borne the Battle, Josh Seefried shares his life story, from being blackmailed and outed as gay to becoming one of the nation’s foremost advocates for LGBT active-duty service members. The post Borne the Battle #245: Air Force Veteran Josh Seefried, DADT Repeal Advocate appeared first on VAntage Point. Men’s Health Month: Yes, you can cook it yourself 06/06/2021 04:00 PM EDT This month is all about encouraging men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. The goal for this campaign is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems. The post Men’s Health Month: Yes, you can cook it yourself appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 6, 2021June 6, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Transitional apartments help Vets prepare for independent living 06/06/2021 02:00 PM EDT The Compensated Work Therapy-Transitional Residence Program was the perfect next-step for Marine Corps Veteran Rickey Ginn in his recovery. Program provides a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. The post Transitional apartments help Vets prepare for independent living appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Raymond Lambert 06/06/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the D-Day anniversary, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Raymond Lambert, who landed on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Raymond Lambert appeared first on VAntage Point. Frank DeVita: From Brooklyn to Omaha 06/06/2021 09:00 AM EDT Coast Guard Veteran Frank DeVita served in World War II on USS Samuel Chase (AP-24) and was involved in the storming of Omaha Beach and later the Pacific Theater in Japan. The post Frank DeVita: From Brooklyn to Omaha appeared first on VAntage Point. Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative reflects on 40 years of HIV/AIDS 06/05/2021 04:00 PM EDT In the 40 years since, HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention has come so far. VA is currently part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative which aims to reduce new HIV infections by 75% by 2025. The post Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative reflects on 40 years of HIV/AIDS appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 5, 2021June 5, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Virginia VA helps homeless program reach “Functional Zero” 06/05/2021 02:00 PM EDT Central Virginia VA and community partners have announced a major milestone in the fight against Veteran homelessness: Functional Zero. Read about what that means and the people who made it happen. The post Virginia VA helps homeless program reach “Functional Zero” appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Adrianna Vorderbruggen 06/05/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Pride Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Adrianna Vorderbruggen, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Adrianna Vorderbruggen appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 4, 2021June 4, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   VA programs aim to attract transitioning service women and health providers to its health facilities 06/04/2021 04:00 PM EDT Every VAMC has a designated women Veterans program manager to help women Veterans access VA benefits and health services. The post VA programs aim to attract transitioning service women and health providers to its health facilities appeared first on VAntage Point. Golden Age Games – Army Veteran takes rehabilitation to another level 06/04/2021 02:00 PM EDT Army Veteran Billy Connel has proven to himself he can make big life changes in a short amount of time. “I’ve enjoyed preparing for the games. It has given me a goal to shoot for and I’m going for gold.” The post Golden Age Games – Army Veteran takes rehabilitation to another level appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ronald Rosser 06/04/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Ronald Rosser, who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a paratrooper and forward observer. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ronald Rosser appeared first on VAntage Point. Why I get my health care at VA: Army Veteran Mitchell 06/04/2021 10:00 AM EDT Army Veteran Mitchell “never knew how good VA was.” At a friend’s urging, he went to VA and doctors there doctors found a myelofibrosis disorder. Today, Mitchell believes “it’s a good thing I’m here.” The post Why I get my health care at VA: Army Veteran Mitchell appeared first on VAntage Point. From concept to reality: VA endeavor offers guidance, support to researchers trying to bring innovations to market 06/04/2021 09:00 AM EDT Frech launched a telemedicine program at VA in 2011 and learned, for one, that many of her patients had suffered injuries to their fingers due to bitter cold temperatures while serving in Afghanistan. She also received complaints that some patients weren’t getting timely evaluation. The post From concept to reality: VA endeavor offers guidance, support to researchers trying to bring innovations to market appeared first on VAntage Point. VA extending listening sessions through the week of June 14 06/04/2021 08:00 AM EDT VA has been hosting public virtual listening sessions across the country since March to hear from Veterans about their care. We are extending listening sessions through the week of June 14. The post VA extending listening sessions through the week of June 14 appeared first on VAntage Point. How to succeed in college or grad school #1: Outside the classroom 06/03/2021 04:00 PM EDT In this first of several guest blog posts, Harvard Extension School Instructor Cynthia A. Meyersburg, Ph.D., guides student Veterans on how to prepare for and succeed when returning to an academic school. This post examines what student Vets should do outside the classroom. The post How to succeed in college or grad school #1: Outside the classroom appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 3, 2021June 3, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Harvey Milk: Honor, courage and commitment 06/03/2021 02:00 PM EDT Enshrined in the Navy Core Values Charter are honor, courage and commitment. Navy Veteran Harvey Milk upheld each of those values as he advanced gay rights. The post Harvey Milk: Honor, courage and commitment appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Jose Antonio Berrios 06/03/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Jose Antonio Berrios, who served as a boatswain mate during Vietnam. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Jose Antonio Berrios appeared first on VAntage Point. Navy submarine Veteran describes life with multiple sclerosis 06/03/2021 10:00 AM EDT Navy Veteran Frank Helenberger was diagnosed with MS while working as a firefighter and paramedic. He describes the onset of the condition in precise detail. And how he is dealing with it today. The post Navy submarine Veteran describes life with multiple sclerosis appeared first on VAntage Point. Amid shortage of face masks, researchers explore 3D options to guard against COVID-19, other infectious diseases 06/03/2021 09:00 AM EDT A newly published study evaluated how well the 3D masks perform, with a focus on the filter materials used to block out airborne particles and liquid contaminants. The project team found a wide range of filter efficiency in the 3D masks, including some filters that met or closely approached the criteria needed to make a typical N95. Others did not filter nearly as well when matched up against the N95. The post Amid shortage of face masks, researchers explore 3D options to guard against COVID-19, other infectious diseases appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans: Share what you can do now that you’re vaccinated! 06/03/2021 08:00 AM EDT Veterans, families and caregivers – now that you’re fully vaccinated, what can you safely do that you couldn’t before? Post your #NowICanSafely activity on social media and tag @VeteransHealth. The post Veterans: Share what you can do now that you’re vaccinated! appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Secretary Denis McDonough statement on the retirement announcement of Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski: 06/02/2021 07:39 PM EDT Coach K has become known by many titles over the years. National Champion. Gold Medalist. Winningest coach in NCAA history. Bane of Tar Heels everywhere. But here at VA and in the military, he has also been known as Army Capt. Krzyzewski, an artillery liaison to the infantry and graduate of West Point in 1969. The post VA Secretary Denis McDonough statement on the retirement announcement of Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski: appeared first on VAntage Point. CaringBridge Helps Veterans and their loved ones stay connected during health challenges 06/02/2021 06:00 PM EDT Family and friends are an amazing source of support, but constantly sharing updates with each and every one of them is impractical. CaringBridge replaces countless texts and emails with a free, easy-to-use communications platform.  The post CaringBridge Helps Veterans and their loved ones stay connected during health challenges appeared first on VAntage Point. Live Whole Health Episode #74: Improving your life with gratitude 06/02/2021 04:00 PM EDT Gratitude is a quality, attitude or expression of thankful appreciation, and it’s a positive emotion that can serve a biological purpose: scientists have measured positive effects on the body and mind from a gratitude practice. The post Live Whole Health Episode #74: Improving your life with gratitude appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 2, 2021June 2, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Standing Ready #5: Innovating volunteers 06/02/2021 02:00 PM EDT Volunteers have built communities of care and support and continue to meet the needs of Veterans. They are deeply rooted in our history. Hear how they have been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Standing Ready #5: Innovating volunteers appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Hilda I. Ortiz Clayton 06/02/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Hilda I. Ortiz Clayton, who served as a photographer in Afghanistan. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Hilda I. Ortiz Clayton appeared first on VAntage Point. Southern Arizona VA celebrates LGBT Pride year-round 06/02/2021 10:00 AM EDT In celebration of Pride Month, Southern Arizona VA is honored to create a welcoming environment for all Veterans. The VA continues to take “Pride in Serving ALL Who Served.” The post Southern Arizona VA celebrates LGBT Pride year-round appeared first on VAntage Point. For it’s root, root, root for the Veterans! A Look at baseball’s role in early VA history 06/02/2021 09:00 AM EDT Throughout the history of Veterans health care, sports have long served as a means of rehabilitation and healing. While many sports and recreational activities have been incorporated into the fabric of Veterans hospitals, one sport in early VA history stands out for its popularity and impact on Veterans – baseball. The post For it’s root, root, root for the Veterans! A Look at baseball’s role in early VA history appeared first on VAntage Point. Our Military Kids provides extracurricular grants for children of Post-9/11 combat Veterans 06/02/2021 08:00 AM EDT Our Military Kids supports military children (age 3 – 18) by providing grants up to $300 to fund sports, arts, and other enrichment activities when their parents are deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserve or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence during an otherwise difficult time in their lives.  The post Our Military Kids provides extracurricular grants for children of Post-9/11 combat Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. LifeWaters Adaptive Scuba takes Veteran to Georgia Aquarium 06/01/2021 09:00 PM EDT LifeWaters non-profit teaches adaptive scuba diving to those with mobility challenges and each year they take a terminally ill Veteran on a Hero Dive. The post LifeWaters Adaptive Scuba takes Veteran to Georgia Aquarium appeared first on VAntage Point. Bridge My Return: Veteran Voices in the Workplace 06/01/2021 08:00 PM EDT Bridge My Return helps Veterans find meaningful employment and talk about how Veteran voices are crucial in the workplace. The post Bridge My Return: Veteran Voices in the Workplace appeared first on VAntage Point. Now hiring: Medical records techs help manage patient records 06/01/2021 06:00 PM EDT VA medical records technicians ensure patient records are accurately and confidentially maintained so that Veterans can receive proper care. The post Now hiring: Medical records techs help manage patient records appeared first on VAntage Point. Robotic pets provide comfort for hospital residents 06/01/2021 04:00 PM EDT Army Veteran Harold, 90, lives in the Community Living Center of the Salem VA. He sits in a hallway, smiling and petting the small, golden-furred robot puppy he’s named Peaches. The post Robotic pets provide comfort for hospital residents appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 1, 2021June 1, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Secretary McDonough: On the Tulsa Massacre, we remember 06/01/2021 03:00 PM EDT Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, one of the most tragic domestic terrorism instances visited upon the Black community. Today, we remember. The post Secretary McDonough: On the Tulsa Massacre, we remember appeared first on VAntage Point. Deafened by rare disease at 12, today a VA scientist 06/01/2021 02:00 PM EDT At the age of 12, Nicole LaMont was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease that took away her hearing. Today, she is a VA scientist. “You can do anything you want, just a little bit differently.” The post Deafened by rare disease at 12, today a VA scientist appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Morgan Freeman 06/01/2021 11:30 AM EDT On his 84th birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Morgan Freeman, who served from 1955 to 1959 and became an award-winning actor. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Morgan Freeman appeared first on VAntage Point. Navy Veteran: “I never wanted to talk about what happened.” 06/01/2021 09:50 AM EDT After Michael Corso joined the Navy, he gained confidence in himself through his job … and also socially. But when a friendship went terribly wrong, it changed him forever. Here’s how VA helped. The post Navy Veteran: “I never wanted to talk about what happened.” appeared first on VAntage Point. Face of InnoVAtion: Robert Bankston 06/01/2021 09:00 AM EDT Face of InnoVAtion is a regular series from VHA IE focusing on VA employees who are working to change and save Veteran lives through innovation. The post Face of InnoVAtion: Robert Bankston appeared first on VAntage Point. LGBT Veterans describe VA care, provide advice for others 06/01/2021 08:00 AM EDT Navy Veteran Marilu Fanning and Army Veteran Dylan Liebhart have followed different journeys through life. Different upbringings, generations and military services. Yet, the two share a passion for helping fellow Veterans receive the care they’ve earned. They have advice for fellow LGBT and Related Identities Veterans. The post LGBT Veterans describe VA care, provide advice for others appeared first on VAntage Point. Operation Gratitude, saying thank you to those who serve and honoring the fallen 05/31/2021 06:00 PM EDT While our nation takes pause to recognize those who’ve sacrificed their lives in service to their country on this Memorial Day 2021, Operation Gratitude and survivors of these fallen heroes know the weight of that loss is felt 365 days a year. The post Operation Gratitude, saying thank you to those who serve and honoring the fallen appeared first on VAntage Point. A Gold Star Mother on learning to live again 05/31/2021 05:00 PM EDT Memorial Day may come for some once a year, but for Sallie Woodard it is every day since the passing of her son, U.S. Navy Engineman Second Class Sebastian Woodard, on March 4, 2015 (Served from 2006-2015). The post A Gold Star Mother on learning to live again appeared first on VAntage Point.