Happy 4th of July!
Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom
We would like to wish all of our Veterans, their families, and caregivers a Happy 4th of July!
This July 4th marks 250 years since America declared independence! We, at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice. Thank you to all our Veterans, that we proudly serve, for the freedoms we get to enjoy because of you.
Have a question for your VA healthcare Team?
Have a question for your health care team? Learn how to send a secure message through My HealtheVet on VA.gov to stay connected to your health care team.
Sending a message on My HealtheVet is a secure and convenient way to communicate important information with your VA health care team.
To learn more check out the My HealtheVet article Make the most of your secure messages.
Veterans may be eligible for TSA Precheck at no cost
Veterans with severe service connected disabilities can now get TSA PreCheck for free — making airport travel faster, easier, and way less stressful. To learn more, check out the VA News article Veterans may be eligible for TSA PreCheck at no cost.
Fraud alert: Beware the “Veterans Savings Program” postcard scam
 There is a new scam targeting Veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating. Don’t fall for it. To learn more read the VA News article Fraud alert: Beware of the "Veteran Savings Program" postcard scam.
Local Creative Arts Festival
Registration is now open for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System creative arts competition
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System will be hosting a local Creative Arts Competition, which will take place on August 27–28, 2026.
To take part, Veterans must submit the entry form no later than August 1, 2026.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Creative Arts Competition Entry Form
Please submit your completed form to Creative Arts Therapist Miranda Blakeslee Miranda.Blakeslee@va.gov or in-person at the Tucson VA Medical Center for Development and Civic Engagement(CDCE) office located in Building 58. Once the form is received, the Creative Arts Therapy Department will follow up with additional instructions.
- Any Veteran may enter
- Categories include art, music, drama, dance, and creative writing
- Local showcase will take place August 27–28 at the Tucson VA Medical Center
- An information session will be offered on VA Video Connect on Monday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Veterans can contact Miranda Blakeslee at (520) 792‑1450, ext. 1‑3747, or Miranda.Blakeslee@va.gov for an informational session link or questions.
We hope you'll consider sharing your creativity with us this year!
Each year, VA hosts the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, and you can find more information about the national program at the official National Veterans Creative Arts Festival website.
Mosquito Control
Tips to prevent the West Nile Virus in Arizona
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause mild to severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.
In Arizona, especially in Maricopa and Pima counties, Culex mosquitoes carry the virus and are most active from dusk to dawn. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat WNV in people, so the best defense is mosquito bite prevention.
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Eliminate Standing Water Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty, drain, or cover containers like flowerpots, bird baths, buckets, tires, and plant saucers. Change outdoor pet water daily and inspect your yard for hidden water sources.
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Use EPA-Approved Insect Repellent Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
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Wear Protective Clothing When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to reduce exposure.
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Stay Indoors During Peak Hours Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Try to stay indoors during these times, especially in high-risk areas.
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Consider Larvicide In small areas with permanent standing water, apply mosquito dunks or other EPA-approved larvicides.
- Protect Your Home
- Use intact screens on windows and doors.
- Repair any tears or gaps.
- Keep doors closed without screens.
High-Risk Groups
Older adults (over 60) and people with certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, weakened immune systems) are at higher risk for severe illness.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop fever, headache, body aches, or neurological symptoms like neck stiffness, disorientation, or paralysis after being outdoors in mosquito season.
For additional information on Mosquito control visit the CDC Website Mosquito Control at Home for additional information on controlling mosquitos.
Douglas Arizona Claims Clinic and Veteran Resource Fair
You can pre-register
Join us July 14–15, 2026 for a Veteran Claims Clinic and Resource Fair at the Balar Entertainment Center located at 1703 9th Street, Douglas, Arizona. This is your opportunity to file a new claim, check the status of an existing one, and connect with valuable resources—all in one place.
You can pre-register at Pre‑Registration Questionnaire link or scan on the QR code below.
You don't need to pre-register to attend the event to get claims assistance or start a new claim.
Need help getting there or want more details?
Contact Norma Galindo at 520-439-3596 or Maria Valles at 520-439-3599. You can also visit the Arizona@Work office on East 7th Street in Douglas for additional information.
Click on the QR Code to register!
Sierra Vista Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair
Join us on Friday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 52 for a Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair at American Legion Post 52 located at 12 East Theater Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
There will VA and community resources on hand providing information and resource to Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
For more information, please contact the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Public Affairs at 520-629-1819.
Casa Grande Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair
Join us on Friday, July 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair at VFW Post 1677 located at 111 East 2nd Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.
For more information, please contact the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Public Affairs at 520-629-1819.
DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.
VBA Appointment Scheduler
Need to speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)? Check out the Veteran Engagement Reporting Application to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
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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