As the Stryker rumbled around a corner, I began to drift out of consciousness. Having rolled into Baqubah only a few hours earlier—and still unsure of our surroundings—we were confident our armored vehicles would intimidate the enemy here as they …
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
As former employees in the private sector, both Secretary Shinseki and I have been in the shoes of small business owners – trying to navigate the ins and outs of the General Services Administration (GSA), and figure out how to secure federal government contracts.
Many of you have posted comments about how the private school tuition cap might affect you. So I wanted to give a quick update on some legislation winding its way through the halls of Congress. The House passed legislation (H.R. …
Director of Communications and Congressional Liaison at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Today, at the age of 100, Jack is standing with his fellow Veterans in Hawaii at the 25th annual Golden Age Games. Over 950 Veterans will be competing in events like horseshoes, air rifle, bowling, and swimming throughout the next six days.
My grandfather was a Veteran of World War II and Korea. He died in 1998, six years before the completion of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. As I was getting ready to leave my apartment on …
Principal at OpenSource and West Point Graduate
The National Veteran Small Business Conference is a great place for you to meet many subject matter experts and understand what it takes to be competitive in the government contract landscape.
Last Thursday, Dr. Patricia Hayes, Chief Consultant for Women Veterans Health, and Stacy Garrett-Ray, Deputy Director for Patient Care Services, held the first of what will be monthly roundtables on women Veterans healthcare. You can check out VA’s live tweeting …
Scientific Advisor to the Under Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs
Today, as Endeavour circles the Earth with two VA Research studies aboard, it seems like an especially good time to talk about the numerous benefits gained from the VA-NASA partnership.
As my plane touched down in Albany last weekend, I arrived with a message for my dad: Osama Bin Laden was dead. Shot in the face by Navy SEALs. Revenge was ours. I could finally tell him our family’s sacrifice …
It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long since First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden launched their new initiative, Joining Forces, with the hope that it: Inspires, educates, and sparks action from all sectors of our society–citizens, communities, businesses, …
VA Decreasing GI Bill Processing Time with New Automation Tools
14 Feb 2013
Communications specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration
Roger W. Baker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology testified today before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Love Your Heart
14 Feb 2013
Registered Dietitian at the Dayton, OH VA Medical Center
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This February, in honor of American Heart Month, join the fight against heart disease and love your heart.
The Benefits of a Paperless Claim
13 Feb 2013
Supervisory Veterans Service Representative; Team Lead for VBMS Transformation at the Salt Lake City Regional Office
While standing outside the audiology clinic at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, a Veteran explained to me that he was deaf in one ear, had significant hearing loss in his other ear, and that he was in need of hearing aids. He could not afford them and was hoping VA could help. Staff at VA’s audiology clinic recommended the Vet file a VA disability compensation claim for his hearing loss.
Valor Games coming to more cities in 2013
11 Feb 2013
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Public Affairs Officer, Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
This year, Veterans with physical disabilities will have more opportunities to get active and involved in sports. The Valor Games are coming to more cities across the country this year.
VBA Twitter Town Hall Series: Disability Compensation
8 Feb 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last Thursday, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continued our monthly Twitter town hall series with an event focused on VA disability compensation exams.
Blue Button for America
5 Feb 2013
Presidential innovation fellows working on Blue Button for America at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August 2010, President Obama announced the Blue Button. Today, it has been downloaded 2.7 million times and the program has been adopted by both the Department of Defense and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
VA Disability Compensation Increases in 2013
4 Feb 2013
Communications specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment.
Building Renovation to Help Homeless Veterans
1 Feb 2013
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Sixty-five homeless Veterans will have a chance to transition back into society when the renovation of a building is completed at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
