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TOP PHOTO: Social worker Donna McCollum leads a self-defense demonstration at the Veterans Recovery Center (VRC) during a whole health workshop at the Dallas VA Medical Center. McCollum is a 3rd-degree blackbelt and taught a 16-week self-defense class to Veterans at the VRC. The workshop had guest speakers to education Veterans on whole health and pain management. It also offered breakout sessions for both Veterans and their friends and family members.

Photo by Jennifer Roy

Click here to see how VA helps Veterans reach their Whole Health goals.

TOP STORIES

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Thomas H. Begay recently shared his story about the Navajo Code Talker program and his experiences during the Battle of Iwo Jima. READ MORE

It’s our responsibility to end harassment One in four women Veterans report experiencing harassment from other Veterans when they visit VA health care facilities. It’s our responsibility to end it. READ MORE

Johnny come home: a Purple Heart returned The story of John Efstis' Purple Heart started when the medal was found outside Overton Brooks VA, and was handed over to a volunteer at the information desk. READ MORE

Borne the Battle 

This week’s Borne the Battle interview is with Army Iraq War Veteran, David Gowel, a West Point and Ranger School graduate who later became an assistant professor at MIT’s ROTC program. David is currently the CEO of RallyPoint, a military-themed social media network.

Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #158

Doris “Dorie” Miller: The Hero of Pearl Harbor Doris “Dorie” Miller's actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor helped save many lives and served as an inspiration to countless others. READ MORE

VANTAGE POINT

• North Texas Veterans color their stress and anxiety away
• VA and SAMHSA host safe messaging and social media conference to prevent Veteran suicide
• VA Colorado Life Skills Center helps Veteran come full circle
• Adaptive Skating USA offers adaptive ice skating program in NYC
• Robot-guided water jet helps Veterans’ prostate treatment
• Army Vet proves doctor wrong, says wheelchair sports made her better and stronger
• Houston VA makes it easier for Veterans to get psychology services

VA NEWS RELEASES

• VA updates the disability rating schedule for infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies
• VA and Hiring our Heroes partner on military spouse hiring initiative
•  VA and DOD partner to modernize department’s health care supply chain
• VA releases Launchpad app to streamline health care access for Veterans and caregivers 

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.