Scroll Down to see the News update
Veterans AFFAIRS
VA YouTube
10/23/2024 04:20 PM EDT
Welcome to our special tribute to the VA Chaplains who serve Veterans, their caregivers, and their families across the nation. In honor of Spiritual Care Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the diverse roles chaplains play within the VA system – roles that extend far beyond the traditional image of religious service. Chaplains at the VA are much more than spiritual advisors. They are compassionate guides, supporting Veterans and their families through some of the most challenging moments in life. From crisis intervention and mental health support to assisting caregivers and providing grief care, our chaplains walk beside Veterans every step of the way. They offer help in unexpected ways – whether it’s a listening ear, connecting Veterans with essential services, or simply being a comforting presence in times of need. In this video, you’ll hear from VA leadership and chaplains as they share their personal experiences, showcasing how they integrate spiritual care into whole-person health. They support not only Veterans, but also VA employees, offering emotional and spiritual well-being in both times of crisis and everyday life. Who is this for? If you’re a Veteran, caregiver, survivor, or part of the VA team, this video is for you. Whether you’ve worked with a VA chaplain before or are learning about their roles for the first time, we hope this video inspires you to see how spiritual care plays a vital role in your journey of healing and support. Chaplains featured in this video include: Deb O’Neill Lewis: Offering holistic support, from helping Veterans navigate VA facilities to providing emotional and practical care. Mohammed M. Hossain: Serving Veterans of all faiths and backgrounds, embodying service to humanity beyond religious lines. Carol Ramsey Lucas: Guiding Veterans through spiritual recovery, addressing grief, moral injury, and supporting PTSD groups. Dallas Jones: Drawing from personal health experiences to offer empathy and understanding to Veterans and their families. Cindy Wallace: Integrating mind, body, and spirit to help Veterans find meaning and hope in their lives. Jonathan Morse: Promoting spiritual growth, helping Veterans navigate life’s challenges across all faiths. Kyle Gildner: Using creative expression like music to help Veterans rediscover their purpose and heal from trauma. Lacyndra Purdy: Supporting caregivers and staff through compassion and education. Kimberly Willis, Executive Director, VA National Chaplain Service: Leading the VA’s spiritual care efforts, especially in critical moments of grief, crisis, and moral injury. Special Messages from: Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health Join us in celebrating our VA Chaplains who provide “Service Beyond Religious Roles” and are truly at the heart of whole-person care within the VA. Watch now to learn more about the invaluable work of VA Chaplains and their service to Veterans, families, and caregivers. #VAChaplains #SpiritualCareWeek #ServiceBeyondReligiousRoles #VeteranSupport #Caregivers #VAEmployees #WholeHealth #HealingJourney