BIG NEWS: Yearlong Community Care Authorizations, Veterans at Sturgis, VFW Livestream

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 08/06/2025 10:13 PM EDT

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors.
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VA Expands Yearlong Authorizations for Community Care

VA is extending the length of new community care authorizations to one year for various specialty services. Veterans referred by VA for these types of care will receive 12 months of uninterrupted treatment at VA expense before having to obtain a VA reauthorization. Read the press release.

GET THE DETAILS

Back of the vest of a motorcyclist with Veteran and military patches.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Brings Veterans Together

Veteran motorcycle clubs and associations offer a space where shared stories and support help navigate civilian life. Thousands of Veterans from across the country were among the more than half a million riders who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally recently.

JOIN THE RIDE

Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha conducting a perimeter patrol in Afghanistan.

Don’t Keep that Near-miss or Repeated Blast Off Your Medical Record

Medal of Honor recipient and former Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha writes about the importance of Veterans documenting or discussing with their doctor their exposure to blasts they may have experienced during service.

READ MORE

Man looking out along a street in the nighttime.

Five Tips on How to Help Homeless Veterans

Check out these practical resources to help homeless Veterans in your community.

HOW TO HELP

Marine Corps Veteran Says VA Saved His Life

Learn how one Veteran recounts not thinking he was eligible for VA health care after getting out of the Marine Corps. Now he says VA saved his life and is staying on top of his care using the VA Mobile Health and Benefits app.

HEAR HIS STORY

DOWNLOAD THE APP

National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7

Purple Heart Day is August 7 and honors the brave men and women who were wounded or gave their life, while serving our country. First observed in 2014, the day is a chance to reflect and honor the bravery of those who fought and risked their lives for the United States.

EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE PURPLE HEART

Be vigilant of scammers targeting Special Monthly Compensation benefits, Purple Heart recipients

Livestream the VFW National Convention, Aug. 9 and 10

Experience the action, stories and voices from the 126th VFW National Convention, including more than 40 speakers and a Veteran cornhole tournament. Livestream begins Aug. 9 at 9:00 a.m. ET and runs through Aug. 10.

WATCH

VCS Celebrating 79 years of Service

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is celebrating its 79th birthday with daily specials in VCS retail stores, cafés, and coffee shops. The PatriotCafé will feature a different food item priced at 79 cents through Aug. 8. In the VCS PatriotBrew, customers can enjoy a tall coffee and a blueberry muffin, each priced at $1.79.

On Aug. 7, VCS online shopping, PatriotStoreDirect, will offer 10 percent off the following categories: Military, Jewelry & Watches, Fashion, Home & Kitchen, Gifts, and Outdoor. This sale excludes Pandora and Delmar jewelry.

SHOP ONLINE

People with schizophrenia can have a variety of symptoms, though not everyone will experience the same ones. For Veterans with schizophrenia, even severe symptoms can be controlled with good treatment. Learn about available support.

Upcoming Events

There are hundreds of free events for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. Check out the weekly outreach events calendar for all upcoming events, including:

Online: Understanding Your VA Rating - On Watch with Blue Star Families and AARP, Aug. 7 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET

Online: Receiving YOUR Benefits Through the PACT Act, Aug. 20 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the Week

Employers are looking to hire Veterans across the country. We're now posting all jobs in "Hiring Veterans" on VA News. Check out this week's list of over 74 jobs and eight career fairs and one small business event, including:

Online: Get Your Civilian Cyber Job with Your MOS + Cyber Certs + Scholarships – Aug. 7, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. CT

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB

Check on Your Veteran Buddy!

The Compassionate Contact Corps is a virtual social prescription program where trained volunteers are matched with Veterans that are experiencing loneliness or are socially isolated. The volunteer typically calls the Veteran weekly for 15—60 minutes to provide socialization and companionship via phone or video calls.

BE A BUDDY, JOIN TODAY

Discounts and Deals for Veterans

Armed Forces Vacation Club BOGO Bliss Is Back Aug 6 - 31 only! Score a 7-night resort stay and get another at half the price. Just book your first by August 17 to receive your promo code via email and lock in your second by August 31.

Not a member yet? Join today and unlock this exclusive BOGO offer and start saving on your next escape.

GET THE OFFER

SAVE MONEY, FIND MORE DISCOUNTS

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For any questions or requests, 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number.
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