Posted on September 9, 2021September 9, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veterans walking from Bangor to San Francisco… virtually 09/09/2021 04:00 PM EDT When COVID-19 forced Veterans to limit outdoor interactions, the Omaha VA mental health team developed new ways to keep Veterans active. The post Veterans walking from Bangor to San Francisco… virtually appeared first on VAntage Point. 1983 Flight of the Year: The F-4E Phantom II Rescue Mission 09/09/2021 02:00 PM EDT The successful rescue mission of the F-4E Phantom II took place over the Atlantic Ocean in 1983. The post 1983 Flight of the Year: The F-4E Phantom II Rescue Mission appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran William P. Driscoll 09/09/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran William P. Driscoll, who received a Navy Cross and two Silver Stars during Vietnam. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran William P. Driscoll appeared first on VAntage Point. Dallas VA study treats Veterans with chronic sleep problems 09/09/2021 10:00 AM EDT VA North Texas treats some 20,000 patients each year for related issues in its Positive Airway Program (PAP) for sleep disorders. The post Dallas VA study treats Veterans with chronic sleep problems appeared first on VAntage Point. VA physician led landmark study on medication for treating high blood pressure 09/09/2021 09:00 AM EDT Freis, born in Chicago in 1912, originally considered a career as an actor, before turning his focus to medical research. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1936 and received his medical degree at Columbia University in 1940. The post VA physician led landmark study on medication for treating high blood pressure appeared first on VAntage Point. 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows decrease in Veteran suicides 09/08/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA’s latest data from 2019 shows a decrease in suicide among Veterans from the year prior. The decrease, reflecting the lowest number of Veteran suicides since 2007, provides hope and motivation for continued prevention efforts. The post 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows decrease in Veteran suicides appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 8, 2021September 8, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Battlefield acupuncture an emerging and promising alternative to risky pain medications 09/08/2021 02:00 PM EDT “Pain is extremely prevalent among Veterans and others, and there is a need for novel pain treatment approaches,” says VA’s Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the article’s lead author and the director of VA’s Complementary and Integrative Health Evaluation Center. “Not everything works for everybody. You need as many effective tools in the toolbox as you can get.” The post Battlefield acupuncture an emerging and promising alternative to risky pain medications appeared first on VAntage Point. Afghanistan response: How you can help 09/08/2021 01:00 PM EDT Would you like to support the resettlement of our Afghan allies and other vulnerable Afghan national refugees? Here is how you can help with the Afghanistan response.  The post Afghanistan response: How you can help appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Leonard Nimoy 09/08/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the 55th anniversary of the premiere of Star Trek, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock in the series. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Leonard Nimoy appeared first on VAntage Point. VA works to complete compensation & pension exams postponed due to the pandemic 09/08/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA encourages Veterans who had to put their compensation & pension exams on hold due to the pandemic to come in for appointments. The post VA works to complete compensation & pension exams postponed due to the pandemic appeared first on VAntage Point. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here for families of the fallen 09/07/2021 06:00 PM EDT TAPS will always provide a safe space and supportive community for all those grieving a military loss– to walk alongside the families of our nation’s fallen heroes on each step of their grief journey. Each step of the way, TAPS will always provide comfort, support, and, most importantly, hope. The post Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here for families of the fallen appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 7, 2021September 7, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Operation Gratitude 9/11 digital letter writing campaign 09/07/2021 04:00 PM EDT In honor of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and National Day of Service, Operation Gratitude welcomes grateful Americans to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of first responders, service members, and Veterans through our digital letter writing campaign. The post Operation Gratitude 9/11 digital letter writing campaign appeared first on VAntage Point. Level up! Navigate the General Schedule (GS) system and find a VA career 09/07/2021 02:00 PM EDT If you’re a Veteran looking for your first civilian career at VA, you might have seen the term General Schedule (GS) in our job ads. What is it, and what does it mean for you? The post Level up! Navigate the General Schedule (GS) system and find a VA career appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Roland “Rollie” Fingers 09/07/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the eve of the Baseball Hall of Fame induction, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Rollie Fingers, who was inducted into the hall in 1992. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Roland “Rollie” Fingers appeared first on VAntage Point. Report links substance use and suicide among Veterans, offers support 09/07/2021 09:50 AM EDT While the public is aware of some key risk factors for suicide among Veterans, they are often unaware of the devastating relationship between substance use and suicide. The post Report links substance use and suicide among Veterans, offers support appeared first on VAntage Point. MVP study shows effectiveness of genetic screening tool for breast cancer risk 09/07/2021 09:00 AM EDT Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for American women. Although mammogram screenings have lowered the number of deaths from breast cancer, better screening methods could help determine risk and help prevent the cancer before it develops, according to the study researchers. The post MVP study shows effectiveness of genetic screening tool for breast cancer risk appeared first on VAntage Point. How to make Veterans Day more meaningful for Vietnam Vets 09/06/2021 06:00 PM EDT Veterans Day is just over two months away, and any organization who wants a simple, free way to make Veterans Day more meaningful for Vietnam Veterans can become commemorative partners. The post How to make Veterans Day more meaningful for Vietnam Vets appeared first on VAntage Point. Live Whole Health #87: Sun salutations 09/06/2021 04:00 PM EDT Sun salutations are a beautiful way to “salute” the sun and show gratitude for the blessings it offers to our earth. The post Live Whole Health #87: Sun salutations appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 6, 2021September 6, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Farmers Markets celebrate the season 09/06/2021 02:00 PM EDT Farmers’ markets are a great way for Veterans to support small businesses and engage with your community. Some are at VA locations. The post Farmers Markets celebrate the season appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Ted Darr 09/06/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Ted Darr, who served five years as a door gunner and avionics technician. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Ted Darr appeared first on VAntage Point. Why I get my health care at VA: Air Force Veteran Leon 09/06/2021 10:00 AM EDT After serving in Vietnam, Leon came to VA and gets all his health care at VA, including treatment for conditions linked to Agent Orange. The post Why I get my health care at VA: Air Force Veteran Leon appeared first on VAntage Point. VA researcher exploring meditation as a therapy for PTSD 09/06/2021 09:00 AM EDT Today, Lang is the director of the Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. She’s also a professor at the University of California, San Diego. Her research and clinical work are focused on trauma-related disorders, including the use of complementary and alternative techniques, such as meditation, for treating PTSD. The post VA researcher exploring meditation as a therapy for PTSD appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #255: Benefits Breakdown – HUD-VASH: Assistance for Veterans and their Families facing homelessness 09/06/2021 08:00 AM EDT This episode of Borne the Battle, a benefits breakdown, features HUD-VASH, a collaborative program between HUD and VA that provides support to help homeless Veterans and their families – and those at risk of becoming homeless – to find and sustain permanent housing. The post Borne the Battle #255: Benefits Breakdown – HUD-VASH: Assistance for Veterans and their Families facing homelessness appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veterans get resources, support, community through America’s Warrior Partnership 09/05/2021 04:00 PM EDT America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) is dedicated to ensuring community service providers are empowered to provide support and Veterans understand where and how they can access resources locally. The post Veterans get resources, support, community through America’s Warrior Partnership appeared first on VAntage Point. Shreveport VA supports displaced Veterans after Hurricane Ida 09/05/2021 02:00 PM EDT Hurricane Ida response and recovery: Shreveport VA is supporting displaced Veterans with health care needs, cots, counseling and clothing. The post Shreveport VA supports displaced Veterans after Hurricane Ida appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Robin Harder 09/05/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Robin Harder, who served as a linguist in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Robin Harder appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 4, 2021September 4, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   #VeteranOfTheDay Navy and Air Force Veteran Herman Ortiz 09/04/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy and Air Force Veteran Herman Ortiz, who joined the service in 1978 and retired in 2015, serving in multiple roles. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy and Air Force Veteran Herman Ortiz appeared first on VAntage Point. Disabled American Veterans take White Ribbon VA pledge 09/04/2021 10:00 AM EDT Veterans at the Disabled American Veterans’ Women Veterans Seminar took White Ribbon pledge to end harassment and sexual assault. The post Disabled American Veterans take White Ribbon VA pledge appeared first on VAntage Point. The National Endowment for the Arts, partners, rally to support military, Veterans, families and caregivers 09/04/2021 09:00 AM EDT The National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Mid-America Arts Alliance, is launching a new, national community arts grant program to expand support for military service members, Veterans, and their families and caregivers who have been exposed to trauma.   This national rally serves as a collective message from artists and community organizations across the country to our military brothers and sisters: “You’ve been there for us.  We’ll be here for you. Thank you for your service.  It’s our turn now.”    The post The National Endowment for the Arts, partners, rally to support military, Veterans, families and caregivers appeared first on VAntage Point. Volunteers can clean national cemeteries on National Day of Service 09/04/2021 07:00 AM EDT Volunteers interested in cleaning headstones in national cemeteries can sign up for a National Day of Service to be held in 65 locations Sept. 10. All volunteers interested in participating in the “National Day of Service” should sign up at Carry the Load register. The post Volunteers can clean national cemeteries on National Day of Service appeared first on VAntage Point. Discover a rewarding nursing career with VA 09/03/2021 06:00 PM EDT Looking for a nursing career? VA’s 12-month RNTTP program is designed to help new graduate RNs transition from the classroom to practice. The post Discover a rewarding nursing career with VA appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 3, 2021September 3, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Martinsburg VAMC takes its residents on virtual vacations 09/03/2021 04:00 PM EDT Martinsburg VA’s Serenity House – one of five community living centers – hosted the first in a series of “virtual” vacations for residents. The post Martinsburg VAMC takes its residents on virtual vacations appeared first on VAntage Point. Painting helps breast cancer survivor express her fears and feelings 09/03/2021 02:00 PM EDT Painting gave Air Force Veteran and breast cancer survivor Doreen Patrick an outlet to express her fears, feelings and anxiety. The post Painting helps breast cancer survivor express her fears and feelings appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Jonathan Benumof 09/03/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Jonathan Benumof, who served as a doctor with a MASH unit during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Jonathan Benumof appeared first on VAntage Point. Golden Age Game Veterans participate in 1,200-mile race 09/03/2021 10:00 AM EDT Golden Age Veterans setting off on 1200-mile cycling race. Part of the virtual National Veterans Golden Age Games. Goal: “Fitness for Life” The post Golden Age Game Veterans participate in 1,200-mile race appeared first on VAntage Point. Hep C positive organs safe and effective for most transplant recipients 09/03/2021 09:00 AM EDT A recent VA Houston study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that hepatitis C positive organs are a safe and effective option for most transplant candidates. Newer antiviral drugs have made it possible for patients to be successfully treated for hepatitis C infections transmitted via organ transplant. The post Hep C positive organs safe and effective for most transplant recipients appeared first on VAntage Point. Medical instrument technicians offer important expertise in Veteran care 09/03/2021 08:00 AM EDT Information is critical to diagnosing an illness. While advancements in science and technology offer many ways to get that data, it takes medical instrument technicians to manage the machines that provide this information. Without their expertise, the fight to heal Veterans would be much more complicated. This month, to celebrate VHA’s 75th  anniversary, we’re turning […] The post Medical instrument technicians offer important expertise in Veteran care appeared first on VAntage Point. Orlando VA deploys Mobile Intensive Care Unit for COVID inpatient requirements 09/02/2021 06:00 PM EDT Orlando VA Medical Center and VA Office of Emergency Management deploys a Mobile ICU for non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 inpatient requirements. The post Orlando VA deploys Mobile Intensive Care Unit for COVID inpatient requirements appeared first on VAntage Point. Food insecurity screenings connect Veterans, resources 09/02/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA’s food insecurity component in homelessness screener ensures all Veterans seen at VA are screened for food insecurity and homelessness. The post Food insecurity screenings connect Veterans, resources appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 2, 2021September 2, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Louis Conter: Survivor 09/02/2021 02:00 PM EDT WWII Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Louis Conter, who was aboard USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, is one of the last two living Veterans of the ship. The post Louis Conter: Survivor appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Robert Kerns 09/02/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Robert Kerns, who served in the Navy for 20 years, including a year in Iraq. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Robert Kerns appeared first on VAntage Point. Cardiology team uses robotic intervention for heart blockages 09/02/2021 10:00 AM EDT Cardiology team at New Orleans VA performed percutaneous catheter intervention using robotic technology to open Vet’s blocked blood vessels. The post Cardiology team uses robotic intervention for heart blockages appeared first on VAntage Point. Emotion-based psychotherapy a promising treatment for women with PTSD, eating disorders 09/02/2021 09:00 AM EDT The Renfrew Center created the Unified Treatment Model. It’s a modified version of the Unified Protocol, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy for people diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, and emotional problems. The post Emotion-based psychotherapy a promising treatment for women with PTSD, eating disorders appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans, VA is here for you: SecVA 09/01/2021 04:00 PM EDT As the nation watches the military mission end in Afghanistan, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said VA is here for all Veterans who need help. Speaking Aug. 31 at the American Legion National Convention in Phoenix, the secretary specifically addressed Afghanistan Veterans. The post Veterans, VA is here for you: SecVA appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on September 1, 2021September 1, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   U.S. pullout from Afghanistan: VA psychologist, post-9/11 combat Veteran on impact to Vets, service members 09/01/2021 02:00 PM EDT “We as post-9/11 Veterans are very resilient and can make significant and positive contributions to society. But at the same time, our military service and the difficulties we face reintegrating to civilian life make us one of the highest-risk Veteran populations.” The post U.S. pullout from Afghanistan: VA psychologist, post-9/11 combat Veteran on impact to Vets, service members appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Kenneth Ziemer 09/01/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Kenneth Ziemer, who served as a pharmacy specialist during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Kenneth Ziemer appeared first on VAntage Point. Listen to your body – MSK conditions in women Veterans 09/01/2021 10:00 AM EDT Two years after injuries in Iraq, Elizabeth Jackson sought care at VA. Here is her story of treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. The post Listen to your body – MSK conditions in women Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. Record pace for Board of Veterans Appeals hearings; reschedule options available 09/01/2021 09:00 AM EDT With 20,000 hearings completed by August 2021, the Board of Veterans Appeals is on pace to best its previous record, smashing its historical average of 16,000 annually. The post Record pace for Board of Veterans Appeals hearings; reschedule options available appeared first on VAntage Point. How to get your COVID-19 vaccine records online 09/01/2021 08:00 AM EDT Find out how to get a copy of your VA COVID-19 vaccine records online. The post How to get your COVID-19 vaccine records online appeared first on VAntage Point. This Suicide Prevention Month, Reach Out for support 09/01/2021 07:00 AM EDT You don’t have to go through anything alone. It’s Suicide Prevention Month. Take a moment, Reach Out for support. Here are some ways you can. The post This Suicide Prevention Month, Reach Out for support appeared first on VAntage Point. VA family and caregiver resources 08/31/2021 08:00 PM EDT Family members of Veterans are currently facing two challenges – supporting the Veteran they love with all they are thinking and feeling and coping with their own thoughts and feelings. VA has resources and information for both of these challenges. The post VA family and caregiver resources appeared first on VAntage Point. VETS helps Vets reach full potential in workplace 08/31/2021 06:00 PM EDT On Labor Day, we honor America’s workers and all they have achieved. At the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), it is our honor to serve and support you as you transition to the next stages of your working life. The post VETS helps Vets reach full potential in workplace appeared first on VAntage Point. WWII Army Veteran reflects on V-J day, offers advice on remembering 08/31/2021 04:00 PM EDT When then-Army 1st Lt. Jim Riffe was preparing for the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945, he kept a small, black book. In it were the names of the 29 men he commanded. Seven would be dead within weeks. Fourteen wounded. When the now 100-year-old retired colonel prepares to celebrate the 76th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day Sept. 2, he said the names in that small, black book are what he will remember. He said remembering those names is what honors those heroes, something he advised Afghanistan Veterans to do as they deal with the news of the pullout. “Remember the individuals you served with,” Riffe said. The post WWII Army Veteran reflects on V-J day, offers advice on remembering appeared first on VAntage Point.