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TOP PHOTO: 2019 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic - VA, in collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans Canteen Service and dozens of other partners, hosts nearly 130 Veterans from across the nation at the 12th annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, Sept. 15-20 in San Diego, California.

The week-long rehabilitation sports and recreation clinic for Veterans with disabilities features instruction in adaptive CrossFit, cycling, kayaking, sailing and surfing. VA photo by Reynaldo Leal.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

TOP STORIES

Unveiling shows VA’s simulation work to provide better Veteran care

As a crowd of people gathered around Jonathan Nguyen, he spoke to a mannequin lying in a hospital bed. This one talked back. As its eyes blinked and chest cavity moved from breathing in and out, it told Nguyen about its pain. This interaction displayed the latest simulation center for improving Veteran care, unveiled Sept. 17 at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. READ MORE

102-year-old WWII Woman Veteran Served in WAVES 102-year-old Melva Dolan Simon was among the first to raise her hand and take the oath to serve with the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. READ MORE

VA recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Month In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, VA encourages Veterans, community leaders, co-workers, families and friends to #BeThere for Veterans. READ MORE

Vittles for Vets: Bill McCann Vietnam Veteran Bill McCann started the Vittles for Vets charity to combat hunger among Veterans by providing them the means to buy groceries. READ MORE

Borne the Battle 

On this week’s episode, Borne the Battle features guest Nathan Goncalves, an Army Veteran and UCLA Law School graduate who shares his story of struggle and perseverance.

After a bitter divorce, during which his PTSD was used against him, Nathan realized that there was no advocacy for situations like his own. He decided to sacrifice a potentially lucrative corporate law career and switched to family law to offer services to homeless and low-income Veterans.

Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #163

VANTAGE POINT

• Blind Chuck inspires as Summer Sports ambassador
• Wide-Awake Hand Surgery allows several appointments in one morning
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Veterans Curation Program now hiring
• Chance encounters at the American Legion Annual Convention
• Find free local events with Team RWB’s new app
• Fargo VA National Cemetery now open
• VA Suicide Prevention: You are not alone
• Surfing San Diego provides healing at Summer Sports

VA NEWS RELEASES

• VA receives highest accolades for service from J.D. Power
• VA Takes Action to Restore Trust at Atlanta VAMC’s Eagles’ Nest Community Living Center
• VA launches groundbreaking training program to fully leverage new electronic health record solution
• VA-distributed video tablets deliver telehealth to Veterans

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.