Memorial Day 2023 Message from the VA National Cemetery Administration,

Honoring our fallen heroes is an obligation we must always fulfill, especially on Memorial Day weekend. This is a very important time for us at the National Cemetery Administration, and we could not do what we do without your support.   I invite you to attend one of the Memorial Day ceremonies we are holding at more than 130 of our national cemeteries throughout this weekend. These solemn events include wreath-laying, speeches of remembrance, the playing of Taps, and tributes to the fallen.    Please take a moment to watch my Memorial Day video ...

Read More

Southern VA Health Care System May 2023 Report – Tucson

Hot Topics include: Pact Act Beneficiary Travel Over 30 Day Filing Claim Rule will expire on June 9, 2023. VA waives copayments for eligible Native American/Alaskan Native Veterans. SAVAHCS Inspections & Surveys by Date. March Community Engagements and Partnerships Construction Updates and more (more…)

Read More

VA Monthly Update

Pact Act: Attached are approved PACT Act QR code fliers. Please feel free to use them during any hosted event or for other outreach efforts.  Hiring: Currently we have 793 FTE on station.  We currently have 298 vacancies.  Upcoming: HYBRID Career Fair:  VR&E in Partnership with Hire G.I.  The Phoenix VA Regional Benefits Office Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) presents the Phoenix Career Fair! This is a hybrid (In-person and virtual) event allowing Veterans, Service Members, ...

Read More

Invite your caregiver to your next video visit

Many Veterans feel comfortable when their family member or caregiver is present at their VA appointment. They may offer support in a time of need or provide helpful insight for your VA provider. Now, you can have the same assistance at your video telehealth appointments by inviting up to five family members or caregivers to join you. Just ask about the Caregiver Connect option when scheduling your video visit. See more information below. (more…)

Read More

Veteran Of The Day Air Force Veteran Lori J. Robinson

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Air Force Veteran Lori J. Robinson, who was the commander of USNORTHCOM and NORAD and set many milestones for women in the Air Force. Lori J. Robinson was born in 1959 in Big Spring, Texas. She attended the University of New Hampshire, where she joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. This led her to enter the Air Force in 1982. Robinson served as an instructor and commander of the Command and Control Operations Division at the United States Air Force Weapons School and as the chief of Tactics in the 965th ...

Read More

Practice Gratitude!

Those of us who make being thankful a routine part of our lives tend to be happier, have stronger relationships, and enjoy better overall health. Sometimes when we are feeling down, it may be hard to think of a pleasant memory or thing for which we are grateful. During times of negative, anxiety-producing thoughts or increased stress, a “gratitude practice” may help connect you to the present and become more aware and appreciative of what is going well in your life. (more…)

Read More

Center for Women Vets Book Corner, December, Dr. Antoinette Allen

Bras, Bootstraps, and the Bible: Stories of Resilience Each month, VA’s Center for Women Veterans profiles a different woman Veteran author as part of its Women Veteran Authors Book Corner. This month’s author is Air Force and Air National Guard Veteran, Dr. Antoinette Allen, who served from 1993-1997 on Active Duty and 1997-2014 in the Air National Guard. Allen wrote “Bras, Bootstraps, and the Bible: Stories of Resilience,” which is focused on sharing how to grow your resilience. Allen writes from the perspective as a woman of color, noting how ...

Read More

A Holiday Survival Guide for Women Veterans!

You can manage holiday stress…and VA can help The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. Seeing family, spending time with friends, baking and cooking, decorating… But sometimes they are not so wonderful. The holidays can bring happy times and memories but can also cause a great deal of stress and pressure for women Veterans to make this season meet expectations. In addition to the joy of the holidays, you may feel sadness or loneliness if you are unable to spend the holidays with those you love. Likewise, you may feel overwhelmed by the thought of ...

Read More

Construction in Training(CIT) Program for Veterans, Including Women Veterans!

What is the CIT program? The CIT program an intense 9–12-week pre-apprenticeship training designed to lay a foundation of skills that will translate to either immediate employment in the construction field, lead to a construction apprenticeship program, or the first step in attending a trade school. The program consists of both classroom and field experience. The classroom section will consist of the coursework to attain your NCCER,OSHA10 certifications and Green Environment certificate. The field training will cover just about every aspect of building a home. You will ...

Read More

VA Secretary’s Statement on the Signing of the PACT Act

"The PACT Act is a historic new law that will help VA deliver for millions of Veterans — and their survivors — by empowering us to presumptively provide care and benefits to Vets suffering from more than 20 toxic exposure-related conditions. It will also bring generations of Veterans into VA health care, which will improve Veteran health outcomes across the board. We at VA are ready to implement the PACT Act and deliver for toxic-exposed Veterans and their survivors. If you think you might be eligible for PACT Act benefits, here’s what you need to ...

Read More