VA and VetTix team up, VA Researchers help Spinal cord injury Veterans, Important information about cervical cancer - Aug. 2, 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: Every year the US Air Force Thunderbirds descend upon Cheyenne, Wyoming, for the 10-day long Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. The Thunderbirds always visit our Veterans the day before their air show. VA would like to thank the Thunderbirds for taking time to visit with the Veterans at the Community Living Center and Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center. TOP STORIES                                             VA, VetTix team up in official partnership VetTix provides free tickets to Veterans and service members with the aim of reducing stress, strengthening family bonds, building life-long memories and encouraging connections with local communities. VA noticed the incredible work VetTix is doing for Veterans and signed a partnership agreement with the organization. READ MORE Spinal cord injury Veterans can now effectively cough It's the first method in the world that can activate muscles – using minimally invasive techniques – to produce an effective cough. This helps reduce the risk of choking and the development of respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia.  READ MORE For Two Vietnam Veterans battling cancer in Houston, Fisher House is a blessing For two Army Vietnam Veterans fighting cancer, living at the Houston VA Fisher House has taken the worry out of everyday living and getting better. READ MORE Women Veterans: Talk to your provider about cervical cancer The number of cervical cancer deaths in the US dropped by more than 50% since the 1970s. Get important information about the cancer, the Pap test, and a vaccination.  READ MORE Borne the Battle  This week's Borne The Battle episode interview is with Marine Veteran Daniel Sharp, the Chief Executive Officer of PopSmoke Media and podcast host of The Smokepit.  Sharp talks about his transition from the Marine Corps after 11 years of service as an infantryman to starting his own media company, to developing his podcast. We also go into his personal relationship with his local VA Medical Center. Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #156 VANTAGE POINT Robert Lynn Cox: Faces of service Executives needed to lead Veteran care in 11 cities Uniting for Suicide Postvention: Supporting survivors of suicide loss Dog tags of fallen WWII soldier found and returned to family VA employee, Army Veteran discovers healing in thousand-year-old metal craft Veterans highlight the importance of VA adaptive sports Treating the cause of Insomnia: Behavioral Treatment works best VA NEWS RELEASES VA announces upcoming awards of more than $400M in grants to help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness  VA, DeepMind develop machine learning system to predict life-threatening disease before it appears  VA achieves critical milestone in its Electronic Health Record Modernization Program Joel, a U.S. Marine Veteran, tried to hide his emotions after his deployment to Iraq. His parents noticed and encouraged him to get help. Receiving treatment for PTSD at a VA medical center helped Joel get back to the activities he loved, like riding his motorcycle with fellow Veterans. WATCH HIS STORY 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.