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TOP PHOTO: Marine Corps Veteran Jose Valerio practices group tai chi at the New Orleans VA. 

Practiced for centuries, tai chi was first developed as a form of self-defense. It has since evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is known to improve balance and coordination skills, with a series of slow and deliberate balletic body movements. The movements combine flowing postures with breathing, meditation, and stretching. Sometimes, peaceful instrumental music is played in the background as one performs the exercise.

Check out a recent VA Research Current  article on tai chi here. Photo by Salah Ahmed

TOP STORIES                                            

Four important things to know about Appeals Modernization

Appeals Modernization improves the appeals process for Veterans by giving them choice over how VA reviews their disagreement with a claim decision. Here are FOUR important things to know about Appeals Modernization. READ MORE

Buzz Aldrin: To the Moon and back Best known as the second person to walk on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin was also a highly decorated Air Force Veteran.  READ MORE

Mom, daughter reunite for first time in 36 years at Wheelchair Games Pamela Foley always wondered what happened to the child she gave up for adoption in 1983. The two met for the first time at this year's National Veterans Wheelchair Games. READ MORE

VA North Texas group therapy uses storytelling… and dragons VA Psychologist Dr. Jared Kilmer is using Dungeons & Dragons as an alternative to traditional group therapy at the Dallas VA. READ MORE

Borne the Battle 

VA understands that sometimes, faith is the best way to reach a Veteran. Therefore, VA set up a resource that educates local clergy on Veteran concerns and benefits so they can reach out to Veterans within their congregations and communities.  

In this episode, we talk with the center's acting director and Marine Corps Veteran Conrad Washington. In addition to breaking down the center's purpose and goals, he explains how his career and his faith eventually led him to his current role. Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #154

VANTAGE POINT

• Brothers in arms, and in hearts
• Army Veteran, now Charleston VA employee shows the path to recovery
• DART Around, VA North Texas break Veteran isolation barriers
• VA clinic celebrates WWII Veteran’s 102nd birthday
• Customer service THE prime directive for all VA employees
• VA employee receives the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award
• Formerly homeless Veteran lands full-time job with help from VA

VA NEWS RELEASES

• 39th National Veterans Wheelchair Games Showcases Veteran Athletic Spirit 

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.