VA Top Stories - May 10, 2019

"This Week at VA" is a digital newsletter with top news and stories from across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. TOP PHOTO: VA nurse manager Virginia Warren stands with fellow nurses on VA North Texas Health Care System's ward 7C-200. In 1975, with the Vietnam War still fresh in the minds of the American public, most high school senior graduation plans did not include joining the U.S. Army. But for eighteen-year-old Virginia "Ginny" Warren, the North Texas daughter of a cotton farmer, the Army looked like an ideal path. (Photo by Michael Cole for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) Click here to learn more about Ginny's and her 44-year journey from soldier to VA Nurse.  TOP STORIES VA building trust with Veterans through customer experience improvements VA's Veterans Experience Office has implemented several initiatives over the last two year's to improve the customer experience. READ MORE Ted Williams: an American hero Beyond his heroic contributions to America's pastime, Williams was a U.S. Veteran who enlisted in the military in 1942, after the U.S. entered World War II. READ MORE Are you a fan of podcasts? Borne the Battle is our weekly #podcast where we interview Veterans and share their stories with you. This week's guest is Joseph Pennington, a former Navy Seabee and the current Director of Military Programs for Allstate. Joseph talks about how his grandfather, a WWII Veteran, inspired him to raise his right hand. He also talks about his transition, his experience in building military programs for various companies, and how that experience led him to his current role at Allstate. LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE EPISODE HERE Board attorney Libby Jamison named Military Spouse Changemaker of the Year Libby Jamison, an attorney at the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board), has been named the 2019 Military.com Military Spouse Changemaker of the Year. READ MORE VA to Celebrate Women's Health Week May 12-18 In celebration of National Women's Health Week, May 12-18, VA Medical Centers across the country will host events to support women Veterans and connect them with VA's health care services. READ MORE SHARE THIS This Mental Health Month, hear Veterans share the moment that sparked their recovery — and changed their lives. Now, they encourage fellow Veterans to reach out for support when they need it. Visit https://maketheconnection.net/mhm for more. Click on the image above to watch and share with family and friends on Facebook. VANTAGE POINT New Orleans VA employee gives back after receiving the gift of life Study points to best treatment for Vets with PTSD and alcohol problems VA nurse gives a family the chance to say goodbye TAPS seeks 'Good Grief Camp' mentors A new take on mental health – Post traumatic growth VA NEWS RELEASES Five VA employees named as finalists for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals VA celebrates 'Science of Hope' during National Research Week VA joins local officials in celebrating effective end of Veteran homelessness in Lexington, Kentucky VA launches digital campaign encouraging mental health conversations Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.