U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CWV – News Update

Life unfolds in this present moment. It does not exist in the future or the past, nor does it live in our minds. It lives and unfolds in the here and now. This grounding exercise practice will help you connect with it. [From VAntage Point]

VA and Together We Served (TWS) will be hosting a free, virtual Veterans forum on June 23, 2022, from 1-2 p.m. ET on the following topics: VA benefits and health care; Mental health and PTSD; Your military stories and VA experiences. [From VAntage Point]

In December 2021, VA began including gender identifiers and preferred names in its national medical record system. The gender identity field in the medical record now includes transgender male, transgender female, non-binary, other or does not wish to disclose options. It is a welcome change for transgender and gender diverse Veterans. [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Laurel Clark, who served as an undersea medical officer and a NASA astronaut. Born in Iowa in 1961, Laurel Blair Salton Clark grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, where she attended William Horlick High School. After graduating in 1979, she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1983 and a doctorate in medicine in 1987. [From VAntage Point]

We honor her service.

Kimberly Stuart used the challenges she faced during her service to help other Veterans so they can have pride for all aspects of their identity. Stuart’s time in the Air Force inspired her current work as the CEO of Veterans for Diversity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Milwaukee that focuses on “honoring LGBTQ+ service.” Stuart joined the Air Force in 1988 after high school. [From VAntage Point]

This week’s America250 salute is Marine Corps Veteran Margaret A. Brewer, the first woman Marine to reach general officer rank. Marine Corps Veteran Margaret A. Brewer was the first woman in the United States Marines Corps to reach general officer rank. She aslo served as director of Women Marines. [From VAntage Point]

Women Veterans Recognition Day is not a separate Veterans Day for women. The day, celebrated yearly on June 12, recognizes, honors and remembers the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (pub.L. 80–625, 62 Stat. 356), allowing women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces. [From VAntage Point]

When you show up for an appointment with your health care specialist – face-to-face or virtually – time is critical. You want to talk about what’s on your mind, not spend valuable minutes answering a bunch of basic questions. That’s where the award-winning eScreening tool comes in. [From VAntage Point]

Read how a small group of women Soldiers spoke up to have policies changed and the U.S. Army listened. Changes are being made for Army Parents. Go Army! And an update on hair rules in uniform. [From Military.com]