VA Benefits and Services Courses for Newly Separated Services Members
About 200,000 Service members transition to civilian life each year. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life.
Any Veteran, family member, or caregiver can check out VA TAP catalogue to learn about VA resources and services available. You can also share this valuable resource guide with any newly separated service member.
Click on the VA Your Transition Assistance Program link to learn more.
New Veteran Virtual Orientation Class at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Are you new to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System or would like to explore the services that we offer?
You can join us on the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a Virtual Veteran Orientation Class. If you would like to join, you can email or call Mary Jakoby at mary.jakoby@va.gov or call 520-792-1450 ext. 1-6663 to request a link.
Women Veteran Whole Health Virtual Focus Group
 The Virtual Women Veteran Whole Health Virtual Focus Group will be held on Friday, May 22, 2025 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
The group is open to all women Veterans currently receiving care at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Participants must be comfortable being on camera, and no compensation is provided. The group is limited to 10 participants who have not previously participated in previous focus groups. This is not a support group.
To participate, please contact Gloria.TorresSantiago@va.gov by Wednesday, May 18, to be added to the participant roster.
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a great opportunity to remember that regular movement is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity supports heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, improves mood, and helps manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Moving your body can also reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mental well-being, no matter your age or fitness level.
Even small changes can make a big difference. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, which can be broken into shorter sessions like 10-30 minutes a day. The key is consistency and finding activities you enjoy. When exercise feels fun, it’s easier to stick with it over time!
Everyday Ways to Get Moving
You don’t need a gym to be active. Simple changes at home or in your community can add up:
- Take the stairs more often
- Park farther from the entrances
- Walk after meals to help with digestion and blood sugar control
- Do chores like vacuuming, yard work, or washing the car by hand
- Stretch or move during TV breaks
Adding family or friends to your activities can make movement more enjoyable. Walk with a friend, join a local exercise group, or participate in community sports or events.
Children also benefit from seeing adults model active lifestyles, so encourage family games and activities together.
Fuel Your Body for Activity
Eating balanced meals can give your body the energy it needs to stay active. Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats at every meal to support muscle repair, stabilize blood sugar, and keep you full between activities. Hydration matters too; make sure to drink water throughout the day!
Remember, every step counts. Even short sessions of activity throughout your day help improve your health. This May, focus on finding small, enjoyable ways to move more. By pairing regular activity with balanced meals, you can support your body, mind, and overall well-being, making every day healthier, happier, and more active.
Southwest Bean & Veggie Wrap (Serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 2 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (or any greens of your choosing)
- ½ cup shredded low-fat cheese
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, tomatoes, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Warm the tortillas. Spread the mixture evenly on each tortilla.
- Layer with avocado slices, leafy greens, cooked brown rice, and cheese.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, then wrap tightly and serve.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fiber: 20g
- Fat: 15g
Why this is a great meal: This Southwest Bean & Veggie Wrap is a complete, satisfying meal that keeps you fueled and focused. The beans, Greek yogurt, and cheese provide protein to support muscle strength and energy, while the brown rice and whole-wheat tortillas offer complex carbohydrates to help maintain steady energy throughout the day. Avocado and cheese supply heart-healthy fats that help keep you full, and the colorful vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. Beyond its nutrients, this wrap is flavorful, easy to prepare, and versatile, making it simple to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal anytime you need a boost.
Smile Stones
You are invited to create Smile Stones at a special rock painting event for Veterans in the Auditorium located in Building 4 at the Tucson VA Medical Center on Thursday, May 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided—just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled break with your fellow Veterans.
Veteran Health Fair
Join us in the Rose Garden Courtyard at the Tucson VA Medical Center on Monday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to explore the many healthcare services SAVAHCS offers — all designed to help Veterans live stronger, healthier lives.
Quarterly Mental Health Open House
You’re invited to our Quarterly Mental Health Open House on Thursday, May 28, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Come explore the range of mental health services available at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.
Reserve your spot today by calling 520-629-4810.
5th Annual Benson Veteran Community Connect
The Veteran Community Connect will take place on Friday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Barney-Figueroa VFW Post located at 233 East 5th Street Benson, AZ 85602.
There will be several Veteran-focused resources on hand to provide information and services to Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.
VA Resource Navigator
Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?
Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
VA is here for you
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number.
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