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.     Posted on May 31, 2021May 31, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   A Memorial Day Message from Hidden Heroes and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation 05/31/2021 04:00 PM EDT Memorial Day is a difficult time for the military caregivers Hidden Heroes supports. Many will spend this weekend honoring and remembering those who were lost, while also doing their best to support their Veteran, who may be struggling to process their grief on this day. The post A Memorial Day Message from Hidden Heroes and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation appeared first on VAntage Point. Memorial Day Poppies bring back memories 05/31/2021 02:00 PM EDT A red poppy from the American Legion Auxiliary reminds Americans to keep alive the memories of those who served, especially on Memorial Day. The post Memorial Day Poppies bring back memories appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay World War II War KIA, MIA 05/31/2021 11:30 AM EDT On this Memorial Day, today’s #VeteranoftheDay is dedicated to the Americans killed in action and missing in action during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay World War II War KIA, MIA appeared first on VAntage Point. A Veteran’s WWII battles – A Memorial Day tribute 05/31/2021 10:00 AM EDT A VA employee’s emotional tribute to “Uncle Lefty,” who fought across Europe and later pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers. “We had a job to do and we did it. I’m proud of what we did. I’d do it again.” The post A Veteran’s WWII battles – A Memorial Day tribute appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam War Veterans, and honoring all who served: Memorial Day 2021 05/31/2021 09:00 AM EDT The Vietnam War was the nation’s longest and costliest conflict of the Cold War. Over 8.7 million Americans served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era from 1964 to 1973 (1). More than 3.4 million deployed to Southeast Asia (1) and approximately 2.7 million of those served in the Republic of Vietnam (2). On this Memorial Day 2021, VA honors their service and recommits itself to supporting all Veterans of the Vietnam era, their families and their caregivers. The post Vietnam War Veterans, and honoring all who served: Memorial Day 2021 appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #244: Army Veteran Gavin McIlvenna, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 05/31/2021 08:00 AM EDT This week’s Borne the Battle features Army Veteran Gavin McIlvenna, who discusses his military career, the selection process of becoming and walking as a tomb guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his mentors, how he found the Society of the Honor Guard, crazy guard stories, and the process of disinterring a Veteran at the tomb. The post Borne the Battle #244: Army Veteran Gavin McIlvenna, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared first on VAntage Point. Happy birthday Harriet! 100 candles! 05/30/2021 04:00 PM EDT Harriet Daniel served with the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in WWII. She was a teletype operator in Italy from 1943 to 1945. For her wedding, her roommate sewed her wedding dress from a parachute. The post Happy birthday Harriet! 100 candles! appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on May 30, 2021May 30, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Korean and Vietnam War Veteran awarded belated honors 05/30/2021 02:00 PM EDT Army Veteran Eddie Pina received awards for service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was presented with ten medals for combat and distinguished service from Senator John Thune. The post Korean and Vietnam War Veteran awarded belated honors appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Herbert Miyasaki 05/30/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Herbert Miyasaki, a World War II interpreter. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Herbert Miyasaki appeared first on VAntage Point. VA’s HUD-VASH program partners with pet organizations to help Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness 05/30/2021 09:00 AM EDT During National Pet Month and beyond, VA is working with multiple pet organizations to ensure that Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability have the support that they need to keep their pets healthy, safe and well cared for. The post VA’s HUD-VASH program partners with pet organizations to help Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness appeared first on VAntage Point. Bhagat Singh Thind: An advocate for Indian Americans 05/30/2021 08:00 AM EDT Army Veteran Bhagat Singh Thind is an advocate for the citizenship of all Indian Americans. The post Bhagat Singh Thind: An advocate for Indian Americans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA mother-daughter nurse team save a life in their neighborhood 05/29/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA nurses Linda Longshaw and her daughter, Heather Longshaw, were on their way to dinner. Frantic people flagged them down to help with a person lying on the ground. Their quick actions saved his life. The post VA mother-daughter nurse team save a life in their neighborhood appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on May 29, 2021May 29, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Want to quit smoking? World No Tobacco Day encourages you to live life without tobacco 05/29/2021 02:00 PM EDT World No Tobacco Day – May 31: VA urges Veterans to learn from each attempt to stop using tobacco. Those lessons can help you stop using tobacco for good. The post Want to quit smoking? World No Tobacco Day encourages you to live life without tobacco appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Susan Ahn Cuddy 05/29/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Susan Ahn Cuddy, who served during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Susan Ahn Cuddy appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Northern Indiana celebrates Women’s Health Clinic 05/29/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA Northern Indiana Health Care System recognized our Women’s Health Clinic and expecting mothers with a baby shower. Local Elk’s Post 155 donated $10,500 to the Women’s Health Clinic. The post VA Northern Indiana celebrates Women’s Health Clinic appeared first on VAntage Point. Sharon Dunbar: Trailblazing through adversity 05/29/2021 08:00 AM EDT Veteran Sharon Dunbar served for 32 years, becoming one of the highest ranking female Asian Americans in the Air Force. The post Sharon Dunbar: Trailblazing through adversity appeared first on VAntage Point. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Memorial Day message 05/28/2021 08:00 PM EDT 21 newly bereaved survivors come to TAPS each day for resources and care. The need is great and growing. In 2020 and thus far in 2021, the families of those service members and Veterans who have died by suicide or illness, as a result of exposures to toxins while serving overseas, represent the largest population of new survivors turning to TAPS for resources and care.   The post Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Memorial Day message appeared first on VAntage Point. VIDEO: VA nursing career provides flexibility, work-life balance 05/28/2021 06:00 PM EDT Working as a VA nurse was a natural career move for Jade Moore, MS, RN, acting director of workforce and leadership in our Office of Nursing Services. As a military spouse, Moore experienced numerous disruptions early in her nursing career as her husband was relocated around the world. Tired of having to start over, she decided a VA career was a perfect fit. “One of the greatest benefits is our mobility,” Moore said. “I was able to move from the Atlanta VA to the Baltimore VA and… keep that seniority that will go toward my retirement.” Moore recently appeared on … The post VIDEO: VA nursing career provides flexibility, work-life balance appeared first on VAntage Point. Remembering fallen means honoring unfinished work: SecVA 05/28/2021 04:00 PM EDT Remembering the fallen means honoring the nation’s unfinished work, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia May 28. The post Remembering fallen means honoring unfinished work: SecVA appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Two VHA Innovation Ecosystem Innovations bring new tech to Veteran care 05/28/2021 02:00 PM EDT While innovation at VA can be as simple as a toothbrush, two award-winning innovations are using new technologies to help Veterans. The post Two VHA Innovation Ecosystem Innovations bring new tech to Veteran care appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Allen K. Hoe 05/28/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Allen K. Hoe, a combat medic during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Allen K. Hoe appeared first on VAntage Point. Combat Veteran embraces Whole Health to find healing 05/28/2021 10:00 AM EDT “Whole Health is lifting me up. Before, I just kept quitting. Whole Health gives me more resources. All you have to do is ask. You think there’s no one there to listen, but there is.” The post Combat Veteran embraces Whole Health to find healing appeared first on VAntage Point. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak 05/28/2021 09:00 AM EDT Therapy does not mean we are weak. There is nothing more powerful for healing than sharing stories. It helps Veterans find the root cause of problems while finding solutions to address those challenges. The post Asking for help doesn’t make you weak appeared first on VAntage Point. Hines VA to host PRIDE events in June, honor Special Emphasis Program’s 10th year 05/28/2021 08:00 AM EDT The Edward Hines, Jr. VA will be hosting a series of virtual and in-person PRIDE events in June to mark ten years of its LGBT/A (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies) Special Emphasis Program (SEP). The post Hines VA to host PRIDE events in June, honor Special Emphasis Program’s 10th year appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam Veteran sold on VA health care 05/27/2021 06:00 PM EDT Not sure about VA health care? Jack Rine, a Marine Corps Veteran who was injured in Vietnam, was on the fence until he talked to a doctor at a VA facility. The post Vietnam Veteran sold on VA health care appeared first on VAntage Point.