Office of Rural Engagement Newsletter August 2026
 August is Purple Heart month and is dedicated to paying our respects to all the brave men and women wounded or killed in combat. The official Purple Heart Day is observed on the 7th day of August each year, commemorating the historic day in 1782 that General George Washington, Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal, originally called the Badge of Military Merit.
In Navajo Nation, VA trainees close the distance to care
For rural Veterans living on or near the Navajo Nation reservation, seeking care has often meant hours on the road. Such distances pose a serious barrier, particularly for elderly or disabled Veterans. In rural New Mexico, VA trainees are working to close that gap, bringing accessible, high-quality medical care to underserved Veterans while training the next generation of medical providers. The effort is part of a pilot program VA launched this year in five locations across the United States.
To read more about hot the VA is expanding rural access to care, click HERE
Care without limits: How VA telehealth is reaching Veterans where they are
Every Veteran has unique care needs, and VA strives to meet those needs with the highest quality of care possible. Telehealth is an important part of that mission, as VA is committed to expanding access to care and helping ensure that where a Veteran lives does not limit the services they can receive. Since the start of fiscal year 2026, 92.5% of Veterans who have received telehealth services reported being satisfied with their experience, a figure on track to increase for the sixth consecutive year.
To read more about expanding access to telehealth, click HERE.
USDA resources that help Veterans build a future in agriculture
Across the country, many Veterans are turning to agriculture as their next mission. The discipline, resilience and purpose they gained in service often translate naturally to the realities of farming and ranching. With so many farmers nearing retirement, Veterans are stepping in as the next generation of agricultural leaders who can feed their communities and build family businesses.
In the latest episode of “At the Table,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., talks with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about how Veterans can find career opportunities in agriculture. Listen to the conversation HERE
 Level up your transition with a free VA Benefits and Services course
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant milestone for service members and their families. It’s a time filled with opportunity, but also challenges, as you navigate the range of available resources, benefits and decisions that come with starting a new chapter. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is an essential step in this process, providing informational sessions to ensure service members are prepared for the move to civilian life
You can enroll for the VA Benefits and Services Version 6.0 course HERE
New features arrive to the VA mobile app
More than 4.6 million Veterans already use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app to manage their care and benefits, and now, Veterans can view lab results and manage VA benefit overpayment debts directly in the app. These new features give you faster access to important information and make it easier to manage your health care and benefits from your phone.
To read about the new features, click HERE
 Ever heard of VA’s Energy Efficient Mortgages?
VA Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) are a valuable and often overlooked benefit of the VA Home Loan program. As utility costs rise and many Veterans purchase homes that need updates, EEMs provide a practical way to lower monthly utility bills, improve comfort and reduce long-term expenses. Increasing awareness of this benefit helps ensure Veterans don’t miss out on a tool that can make homeownership more affordable.
Get more information on EEMs by clicking HERE
 National Cemetery Administration - National Day of Service 2026 Saturday, September 12, 2026
Carry The Load organizes volunteer events at national cemeteries to provide Americans with active ways to honor those who have served our country. The event includes a brief ceremony and instructions to volunteers on headstone cleaning and beautification. This is a great service opportunity for employee engagement, youth groups, and individuals. Participants are encouraged to post on a Veteran's memorial page at VA's Veterans Legacy Memorial.
To get more information and register for the Day of Service, click the button below:
Social Security Benefits & Online Services Made Simple
Join the VA Office of Tribal Government Relations on Wednesday, August 12 at 1:00pm EST for an informative webinar with Trisha Mentzer, Social Insurance Specialist at the Social Security Administration. Trisha will provide a clear overview of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and family benefits- while guiding you through eligibility requirements and the application process. You’ll also discover how to access and manage your My Social Security account and receive valuable tips on scam prevention. This session will provide valuable information to help you make confident decisions about your Social Security benefits. Register at the link below:
From VA's YouTube Channel:
You don’t have to be a data expert to help save lives. Learn how VA’s data-driven approach supports Veterans in crisis and why understanding the numbers is key to building a path to support.
|
