Houston VA News Update: Army birthday, Houston VA helps Blind Veteran, Juneteenth, Women's expo & more!

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 06/10/2022 05:00 PM EDT

Houston VA Medical Center Update
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Houston VA
Medical Center Update

  
 
 
 
   

Houston VA News Update
 
 

U.S. Army birthday graphic

On June 14th, the U.S. Army celebrates its 247th Birthday. We want to wish our Army Veterans a happy birthday! Thank you for your service.

Blind Veteran grateful to Houston VA Low Vision Clinic

VA provider and Veteran

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Alexander Brown (right) was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was medically retired after serving nine years.

As a civilian, his condition gradually got worse and significantly affected his vision and quality of life.

“Simple things like putting toothpaste on a toothbrush became a difficult task for me,” said Brown. “I soon lost my ability to drive and lost interest in activities that otherwise brought me joy.”

At the Houston VA, the Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation helped improve his quality of life which allowed him to cook, leave his house and enjoy hobbies.

“I owe all of this to the excellence and quality care of this team,” he said. “I would highly encourage all Veterans with visual impairment issues and blindness to visit VISOR to discover this life changing experience.”

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Country artist delivers guitars to Fisher Houses

Country artist with Veteran

Country music artist Thom Shepherd recently delivered three red guitars to our Houston VA Fisher Houses last week, and even played an impromptu concert for Veterans and guests!

After visiting a VA Fisher House in Honolulu in 2017, Shepherd made it his mission to ensure every Fisher House gets a guitar.

Marine Veteran Chuck Johnston (right in photo) was the first to play one of the Taylor 214ce guitars.

“This is really going to be great,” he said. “Learning to play the guitar will keep my mind off all these medical treatments I’m going through.”

Thanks so much to Shepherd and all the donors who made this wonderful gift of music possible! 

Juneteenth graphic

The Houston VA African-American Employee Program will hold a Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration on June 17 at noon.

The program will include a special screening of KHOU 11's "Juneteenth: 1865-2021". Guest speaker is Mia Gradney, KHOU 11 News Anchor. More Details

National PTSD Screening Day

PTSD Screening Day graphic

On June 27, 2022, the National Center for PTSD is launching National PTSD Screening Day, encouraging Veterans and others who experienced trauma to start the conversation about recovery.

Learning whether you have symptoms that might be PTSD is an important step to getting the treatment you deserve. Learn more 

Free Legal Services: June 11

Houston Volunteer Lawyers will provide free legal services for Veterans & their family members on Saturday, June 11 at the Houston VA Medical Center. Stop by Building 108A near the main entrance from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more

2022 Women Veterans Empowerment Expo: June 12
VA graphic

The Houston VA is partnering with local veterans service organizations to sponsor the 6th Annual Women Veterans Day Empowerment Expo, Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Houston. The Expo is free and welcomes all female veterans.

Register here

On June 12, VA also dedicates Women Veteran Recognition Day to recognizing, honoring, and remembering the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. 

This law allowed women to permanently serve in the regular armed forces. Now, more than 2 million women Veterans live in the United States, and we are honored to provide them the best care anywhere. Visit the Houston VA Women Veteran care page to view our local coordinators.

Virtual Wellness Workshop for Women Veterans: June 17

The Houston VA Supportive Outreach and Reintegration (SOAR) program is holding a virtual Wellness Workshop for Women Veterans on Friday, June 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The workshop will provide skills is to help women Veterans adjust to civilian life.

Registration is required. Interested woman Veterans should contact Alicia Mark at 559-640-7644 for more information. View flyer.  

Houston VA Blood Drive: June 23

Thursday, June 23, 2022
7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Houston VA 4th Floor Auditorium
Schedule Donation Here

Donate blood & receive a beach towel as a thank you! 

Life Skills Couples Workshop: June 25

Couple at a lake

Veterans and their partner are invited to attend a virtual life skills workshop on June 25 to build relationships with vitality and engagement. The workshop, hosted by the Houston VA, will focus on skills to improve communication and enhance connection. Learn more.

Walk with VA in the 2022 Houston Pride Parade: June 25

The Houston VA will participate in the 2022 Houston Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25th. If you would like to participate, please sign-up here! Spots are limited.