Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

TOP PHOTO: Marine Corps Veteran Harry Rivenbark cleans a headstone at Culpeper National Cemetery, Virginia, Sept. 11, 2019. Rivenbark was one of more than 2,000 volunteers from Carry The Load, who partnered with the National Cemetery Administration for a day of service at 40 national cemeteries. VA photo by Adam M. Stump.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE  ABOUT THIS DAY OF SERVICE 

TOP STORIES

Veterans go to Nashville for songwriting retreat

For three days in August, 10 Veterans found their way to Nashville, Tennessee, for an incredible songwriting journey. For each, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a storyteller, songwriter, and soul-bearer in partnership with some of the finest musicians in country music. READ MORE

The future is in sight at the New Orleans VA Dr. Jody Simon performed the first corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) procedure ever completed at a VA medical center. READ MORE

VA engineers design video game controller for Vet with limited mobility After a car accident left him with limited use of his hands, Marine Corps Veteran Lance Knadler could no longer play video games. This changed when VA engineers designed a controller adapted to his abilities. READ MORE

Borne the Battle 

On September 11, 2001, Air Force flight surgeon John Baxter showed up to work at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to a full load of patients and completing physicals–just like any other day.

Halfway through his morning while getting his next patient, he saw that a civilian airliner had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. While with the patient, Baxter said he noticed the background noise in the Pentagon changed. It seemed quieter than usual. Then, he heard shouts. He opened his door and saw people running and shouting, and smoke in the hallway.

Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #162

Suicide Prevention: A Marine Veteran’s story Jason Mosel is one of many success stories VA is sharing this September for Suicide Prevention Month. READ MORE

VANTAGE POINT

• Insomnia, Treatment, and finding a path to better sleep
• Healing Hands: Maginia Morales

• 'Trail to Zero' ride educates on Veteran suicide, equine therapy

• Activity boxes offer Veterans an escape from VA hospital routine

• Anyone Can Save a Life: Are you prepared for the call? #BeThere
• Veterans grateful at Columbia Stand Down
• Six ways to explore a civilian career working with other Veterans
• Alternative Adaptive: A look at cycling, fishing and more at the TEE Tournament
• VA volunteer harpist says “thank you and goodbye”

VA NEWS RELEASES

• VA pilots first collaborative health care innovation center in Palo Alto
• VA’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic marks 12th consecutive year
• VA Secretary Wilkie urges Speaker Pelosi to support key legislation on Veteran suicide prevention 
• VA achieves historic goal delivering more than 90,000 appeals decisions to Veterans in FY 2019 

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month gives individuals and communities across the country an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can all prevent suicide, including among Veterans.

You don’t need special training to help prevent suicide, and even simple actions of support can make a real difference to a Veteran going through a difficult time. For instance, asking how a Veteran is doing — and listening — shows you care.

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.