GovernmentCIO (Audio), July 21: Listen: VHA Harnesses New Techniques to Enhance Veterans Care
The COVID-19 pandemic presented the Veterans Health Administration with new challenges, such as communication tactics and health care delivery. Leaders across VHA rapidly scaled up technology development and delivery, as well as created new programs, to stay connected with veterans. The heads of the offices of Patient Advocacy and Healthcare Technology Management break down focus areas throughout the pandemic and priorities moving forward.
Military.com, July 21: How Veterans Can Get Free Training if They Lost a Job to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Some veterans and family members may feel like the Department of Veterans Affairs has nothing to offer if they’ve used all of their GI Bill benefits or aren’t eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) or the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). But that’s not the case.
Military Times, July 20: This business accelerator is designed to help women veterans succeed
The Department of Veterans Affairs has partnered with PenFed Foundation — the charitable arm of PenFed Credit Union — to announce its Military “Women Veteran Bootcamp Accelerator” On July 13, VA and the PenFed Foundation brought 80 women veteran entrepreneurs from 29 different states to participate in a six-month accelerator program to help guide and prepare them in federal and commercial marketplaces, according to a statement from the VA.
KMOV (CBS-4, Video) (Saint Louis, Mo.), July 20: 'Like night and day' | Local veteran shares weight loss journey, guided by 'new' VA
Local veteran Michael Clay Smith is still on his incredible weight loss journey, but has already lost hundreds of pounds, giving him a brand new lease on life thanks to the unique treatment he received at a local VA hospital. “In 2000, my back started getting in trouble again and I actually went completely out on it,” he said. “I couldn't even barely get out of bed and I became totally disabled.”
WBAL (NBC-11, Video) (Baltimore, Md.), July 20: VA Maryland Health Care System offers help to veterans struggling through pandemic
Some 43 years later, a local woman still dealing with the trauma of rape says the pandemic added to her struggles. A new program through the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System is helping her and others cope. "I was 19 when I enlisted. It was 1979. I did my basic training in Orlando, Florida, while I was in basic training. I was a survivor of military sexual trauma," Margaret Hill-Grigson said.
WBTW (CBS-13, Video) (Myrtle Beach, S.C.), July 20: Veterans Affairs brings foster home program to Horry County
A Veterans Affairs (VA) program that offers veterans home-based care is now in Horry County. The program was already offered in Columbia and Charleston before making its way to Conway, according to VA officials. The Medical Foster Home Program places veterans in the homes of qualified caregivers who can provide around-the-clock and personalized care. Erica Gerring, program coordinator, said the foster home program offers veterans a family feel.
WFLX (FOX-29) (West Palm Beach, Fla.), July 20: 101-year-old World War II nurse surprised with birthday parade
Perhaps one of the best parts of coming out of the pandemic is visiting with elderly friends and family members. Many missed so many milestone celebrations last year, including birthday parties. To make up for it, a surprise birthday parade was held for 101-year-old World War II veteran Naomi Larmin. […] The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center helped coordinate the big surprise.
WTLV (NBC-12) (Jacksonville, Fla.), July 19: Services to help veterans you may not know about
Alan Marnick is beginning a new job in Jacksonville, and he's pumped up. "I wouldn't have had this job if not for the VA," Marnick said. He said his training at ACI Learning Cyber Security and IT in Jacksonville was totally paid for by the VA. In the military, he worked as a construction mechanic, however, when he heard about how the VA would pay for his tuition, he hopped on the chance
Fatherhood Channel, July 19: Cops Helping Veterans Get Benefits, Housing, And Off The Streets
A run-in with a local cop may be a homeless veteran’s best hope for a better future if police follow the example of one Broward County, Florida officer. Cops are helping homeless veterans get benefits, housing and off the streets. For veterans who are homeless and among the nearly 50 percent who aren’t currently enrolled in VA services, that can be the beginning of a better life.
KAMR (NBC-4) (Amarillo, Texas), July 16: Amarillo VA provides veterans with a chance to compete in their own, local version of the Olympic Trials
Lisa Miller, a Community Living Center Manager with Amarillo VA, stated, “We’ve been trying to think of some things that are relevant, and something that would improve their quality of life. Since it’s the Olympics, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity for the guys to participate in our own Olympics.”