Amputee motocross pioneer takes to the slopes to conquer a new challenge

Spencer McGinnis, who deployed during the initial invasion of Iraq, found his health deteriorating dramatically after a 2005 motorcycle accident turned his ankle and heel to “gravel.” After five surgeries in three weeks, McGinnis’ surgeon broke the news that he would never walk without a limp, and he certainly would never run again.

Speaking up, moving forward: VA supports survivors of military sexual trauma

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual effort each April to raise public awareness about sexual assault.  Throughout the month, VA focuses on sexual assault and sexual harassment occurring during military service – also known as military sexual trauma, or MST. This year’s theme across VA is“Speaking up, moving forward: VA supports survivors of military sexual trauma”.

Former POW recalls more than 1,300 days in captivity, beginning just days after Pearl Harbor

Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. For retired Commander Jack Schwartz, that seems to be the case. The 22-year Navy veteran spent 1,367 days in captivity as a prisoner of war during World War II. And he’s about to turn 103 years old April 28.

 VETERAN OF THE WEEK

This week we honor Army Veteran Ray J. Avila.

Ray served from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. Ray was a member of the 38th Infantry Regiment in the 2nd Infantry Division. On June 8, 1944, two days after D-Day, he landed on Omaha Beach.