U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CMV - News Update

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Tu Lam, a Special Forces soldier who inspired the character Ronin in the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.” Tu Lam was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in December 1974, shortly before the city came under the control of communist North Vietnam. Lam’s grandfather attempted to flee Vietnam and take his family on a boat to America but had to be rescued by a Russian supply boat. [From VAntage Point]

We honor your service, Lam!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Lauren Hocking gives her top 10 tips on getting in those non-starchy colorful vegetables. In this episode of Fresh Focus, Hocking encourages you to fill up your plate! So often when we think about eating healthier or getting to a healthier weight or lowering blood sugars, much of what we hear is “cut back on this” or “eat less of that.” [From VAntage Point]

What is gratitude practice? Facing adversity is a natural part of the human experience. When situations arise and we find ourselves feeling fear, worry or anxiety, we often focus on those thoughts, losing sight of the people, places and things we are grateful for. Often we find ourselves thinking about what is not going well, or harbor negative thoughts throughout the day. [From VAntage Point]

VA this month announced its commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by COVID-19 to the end of 2020 by suspending certain debt collection actions. The department recognizes Veterans and beneficiaries are still being greatly impacted by the coronavirus prompting the extension of financial relief. [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Marvin D. Kellem IV, who served for more than 30 years as both enlisted and officer. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Marvin D. Kellem IV earned an undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and a graduate degree from Kansas State University. [From VAntage Point]

We honor his service.

Navy WWII Veteran Adolfo Celaya was one of the few survivors of the USS Indianapolis. He later returned to high school and played for his school’s basketball team. The 1975 American film thriller Jaws led to many viewers fearing the ocean. In the film, a giant man-eating great white shark attacks beachgoers at a New England summer resort town. [From VAntage Point]

In some cultures, not having to work and having leisure time is a sign of success. As Americans, we are often more impressed with people who are always working and “getting things done.” We often brag when we say we’re not able to rest because there’s too much on our plate. Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ll sleep when I die?” [From VAntage Point]