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

What does it mean to feel grounded? For me, grounding is a sensation of being fully connected to myself, and in the present moment. When I feel grounded, I feel more sdiv in my mind and body. Grounding can come from different things. For me, being in nature and taking in the feeling of the ground beneath me, the feeling of a gentle breeze, the smell of the flowers or trees, can all be very grounding. [From VAntage Point]

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Nicole Kerkenbush, who served as a nurse for 24 years in the Army. Nicole Kerkenbush joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Texas Christian University to earn a physical fitness credit, which the university required. However, she completed the program and eventually earned an officer’s commission. [From VAntage Point]

We honor her service.

Have you wondered what women’s health care is like at VA? Women Veterans can get holistic care they can trust at women’s health clinics in VA medical centers. Enrolling in VA health care gives eligible women Veterans access to comprehensive women’s care services like primary care, including immunizations and screening; reproductive health care, including breast and gynecological care; family planning, prenatal and maternity care, menopausal management, and mental health care. [From VAntage Point]

You may have heard of Hunter Wolkonowski, or better yet Hunter Girl, for her time on American Idol 2022. Prior to reaching success on the popular singing competition, Hunter Girl, a native of Winchester, Tennessee, impacted the lives of Veterans at the Chattanooga Vet Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and various retreats as a volunteer with Freedom Sings USA. [From VAntage Point]

VA Nurse and LGBTQ activist, Margarethe Cammermeyer, who was discharged from the Army National Guard in 1992 for freely admitting she was gay. She waged a successful legal battle and was reinstated at her former rank. Her story inspired an award-winning television movie released in 1995 starring Glenn Close. [From VA History Office]

This week’s America250 salute is Air Force Veteran Margaret Witt, a flight nurse instrumental in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” She logged nearly 2,000 hours as a flight nurse and received an Air Force Commendation Meda. In 2010, the Air Force reinstated her, and Witt’s case resulted in a new rule known today as the “Witt standard.” [From VAntage Point]

Did you know that LGBTQ+ Veterans have unique health needs? Learn more and help strengthen care outcomes for LGBTQ+ Veterans by joining our next webinar entitled LGBTQ+ Veteran Health and Care Coordination on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. ET. [From VAntage Point]

The Columbia VA team of medical professionals in the Women’s Health program aim to ensure every female Veteran who receives care there feels empowered, comfordiv and treated with dignity. “I’ve taken care of women for more than 30 years. I’m a dad of two daughters and have been married for about 35 years,” said Women’s Health Medical Director Kahlil Demonbreun. [From VAntage Point]

“What is all that noise down there?!” my teenage daughter shouted from her bedroom, as I was tidying up the kitchen. I often find myself in that state of frenzy, trying to complete a task and not really thinking about anything but my agitation. [From VAntage Point]

In May 2022, VA Secretary Denis McDonough authorized and encouraged VA facilities to fly the rainbow Pride flag for the duration of the month of June. This makes a clear statement to all Veterans that VA welcomes them and is committed to facilitating an inclusive health care environment. Kansas City VA took action to secure a flag, invite the public, and schedule the occasion to raise the flag in early June 2022. Veterans and employees gathered around the center flagpole in front of the main building. [From VAntage Point]