National Veterans Golden Age Games, MISSION Act, Borne The Battle 149, and other top VA Stories - June 14, 2019

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

TOP PHOTO:  Veteran athlete Douglas Goodfellow takes an early lead in the men's 1,500-meter race during the National Veterans Golden Age Games in Anchorage, Alaska. The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Click here for more photos from VA's National Veterans Golden Age Games TOP STORIES ICYMI: #ExploreVA Facebook Live Event on the MISSION Act Representatives from VA and the Veteran Community went LIVE to discuss this month's changes to Veteran's health care. READ MORE From Afghanistan to Athlete – Kirstie Ennis conquers adversity and extreme sports Kirstie Ennis is an inspiration for all Veterans. From physical battles in combat to personal battles after her accident, she serves as a constant reminder to never hold back and always live life to the fullest. 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. On this episode of "Borne the Battle," we focus on two survivors of Pearl Harbor.  Richard "Dick" Schimmel was one of the first soldiers to ever work with radar. He enlisted in 1940 and was shipped out to Hawaii to join the newly formed Signal Aircraft Warning unit as a plotter and switchboard operator.  William Bonelli was an enlisted B-17 and B-29 mechanic at Hickam Field when the attacks occurred. In 1944, he got his opportunity to fly the "Flying Fortress". LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE EPISODE HERE It's personal: Afghanistan Veteran reflects on purpose of service Working for NCA gives Ed Lyons the opportunity to memorialize his fellow brothers and sisters every day. READ MORE Once `broken,' former pro football player feels rejuvenated competing in Golden Age Games More than 700 Veterans age 55 and older were at this year's Golden Age Games. Casey Chamberlain was one of them. READ MORE SHARE THIS Strike! All bowling pins knocked down by the 101-year-old Veteran, Ms. Wilma Gregory! As seen in the video, it is pretty clear why she won the gold medal! We wish Ms. Gregory and the rest of the 700+ Veterans the best as they return to their communities after the National Veterans Golden Age Games. WATCH AND SHARE VIDEO WITH FRIENDS HERE READ MORE ABOUT WILMA HERE VANTAGE POINT VA North Texas maximizing patient health, independence, through intense rehabilitation program Collaboration and human-centered design are keys to new digital Disability Compensation Claim Tool VA mental health therapy in your living room VA researchers find promising results for safer pain medication VHA and Cigna: Keep Veterans opioid safe and aware VA NEWS RELEASES VA health care facilities to go smoke-free  VA receives awards for innovation in health IT VA's Vet Centers to host open houses to celebrate initiative's 40th anniversary 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.