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Whole Health Theme for September Emphasizes Integrative Approaches

The focus of VA’s Whole Health content throughout September is both conventional and Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) treatments—and how the two approaches converge. The tools that VA has made available can help BVA members and their families learn how CIH, along with conventional treatments, result in better outcomes for veteran health and well-being. One CIH treatment that continues to increase in popularity while also remaining somewhat controversial in some circles is acupuncture. VA’s Whole […]

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PACT Act Deadlines Fast Approaching

Passage and implementation of The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act) has made it possible for many veterans to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. For some, however, the time to apply is running out. There are two related groups with different deadlines.  The PACT Act deadlines are as follows: First, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, […]

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Air Force Veterans to Celebrate this Monday, September 18

World War II demonstrated how valuable air power was and the need to change the organization of the nation’s military forces. This resulted in the creation of a single Department of Defense with a strong Joint Chiefs of Staff with Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs. The National Security Act, signed by President Truman on July 26, 1947, established this new defense organization and the United States Air Force as an independent service, equal to […]

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VetTech Team to Examine, Discuss Next Week’s Apple iOS 17 Update Release

Join BVA’s VetTech Team this Wednesday, September 20, at 2:00pm Eastern Time as the Weekly Wednesday Webinar focuses on the newly available and much anticipated Apple iOS 17, compatible with iPhones purchased after 2017. The official release date for the iOS update is this Monday, September 18. Apple leaders initially intended iOS 17 as a “tune-up release” but several major features, worthy of discussion via VetTech, were added later in the development cycle.  Updates important […]

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Remembering Today Service Members Taken Prisoner and Still Missing

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter after Congress passed a resolution making the recognition day official. The actions responded to the push for full accountability on the part of the families of the more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs at the time. In addition to a national-level ceremony held earlier today at the Pentagon, observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day were held across the country on […]

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Following Brief Hiatus, Virtual Dog Handler Sessions to Reconvene

All past, present, and future dog handlers among BVA’s blind and low vision veterans are encouraged to join this Tuesday’s (September 19) session via Zoom at 4:00pm Eastern Time. The session’s agenda includes a post-convention report, an announcement of new group members, and the administering of Narcan to dogs and cats.  The meeting is open to all veterans with sight loss who are interested in topics and issues associated with guide dogs.  Attendance at previous […]

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HVAC Chairman Mike Bost Extends Congratulations and Welcome to Paul Mimms

House Committee on Veterans Affairs (HVAC) Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12) officially recognized Paul Mimms on his election as Blinded Veterans Association National President in a letter addressed to him dated September 12, 2023. Chairman Bost thanked Paul for his service on active duty and his continued advocacy on behalf of fellow blind and low vision veterans who have also answered the call to serve.   “This is no small task, but I know that because […]

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Kansas City BROS Returns Appreciation 

Samantha Hance, Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist at the Kansas City, Missouri, VA Medical Center, recently expressed gratitude in return to BVA and veterans with sight loss for the Certificate of Appreciation presented to her at the 78th National Convention.  “It is with sincere gratitude I offer my appreciation of recognition at the BVA Conference this past week. I have worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center for nearly 13 years as an Intern and […]

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Whole Health Theme for September Emphasizes Integrative Approaches

VA’s Whole Health content focuses in September on both conventional and Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) treatments—and how the two approaches converge. The tools provided will help BVA members and their families share how CIH, along with conventional treatments, results in better outcomes for veteran health and well-being.  More than 40 years ago, U.S. Army Veteran Dr. Norman Gallimore suffered a stroke that affected his appearance. He credits a Whole Health CIH treatment known as […]

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Dog Handler Sessions to Reconvene September 19

All past, present, and future dog handlers among BVA’s blind and low vision veterans are encouraged to join the September 19 meeting via Zoom at 4:00pm Eastern Time. The meeting is open to all veterans with sight loss who are interested in topics and issues associated with guide dogs.  Attendance at previous meetings is not required to join and participate. Although interested dog handlers met in person at the 78th National Convention last month, the […]