Memorial Day 2022

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Today we are observing Memorial Day here in the states. Throughout the long weekend there are parades, services, celebrations and all sorts of events to remember those who died in service to our nation. We all know too well that it is not always easy to be a surviving vet and receive the help and services needed to thrive in our society. In honor of Memorial Day and our living vets, we wanted to take a look at the VA blogs and podcasts reporting some of the good that is happening as it pertains to innovations, technology, mental health and healthcare.

VA and IBM are collaborating to build pathways for Veteran success.

On May 10, VA and IBM announced a collaboration at IBM’s THINK on Tour 2022 event in Boston, to connect Veterans to training and networking programs that lead to gainful employment in technology fields. Representing VA on one of its expert panels, I participated in a discussion which explored the importance of credentialing in today’s workforce.

VA websites get ongoing enhancements

The VA.gov website allows Veterans to apply for, track, and manage their VA health care and benefits. Veterans can apply for health care, disability compensation, VA-backed Veteran home loans, Veteran ID cards, education benefits, and other benefits online; track some applications through their life cycle; and manage existing benefits and personal information all from the website. Learn more.

National Memorial Day Concert to feature Gold Star Families tribute

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert returns for a live presentation hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to Veterans causes and supporting our troops in active service. Featuring all-star musical performances and tributes, the 90-minute broadcast of the 33rd annual National Memorial Day Concert will air and stream on Sunday, May 29, 2022, honoring our men and women in uniform, Veterans, their families and all those who have given their lives for our country.

VA biomedical engineer a pioneer in prosthetics technology

Dr. Dudley Childress, a pioneer in prosthetic, orthotic, and assistive device technology, was one of the world’s leading biomedical engineers. He was a senior VA researcher at the VA Chicago Health Care System, now known as the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and he served in the U.S. Army.

Childress helped pioneer the myoelectric control system – a technology that applies electrical signals from muscles to activate prosthetic limbs. In the 1970s, he and his team became the first to design and commercially introduce the “sip and puff” wheelchair. Users can send electrical signals to a device by sipping or puffing into a straw, tube or wand. The assistive technology is mainly used by people who are paralyzed and are unable to use their hands.

VA is transitioning to a new electronic health record (EHR) system — the software that stores health information and tracks all aspects of patient care — over a 10-year period scheduled to end in 2028. The new system connects VA medical facilities with the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard and participating community care providers, allowing clinicians to easily access a Veteran’s full medical history in one location. The VA EHRM Integration Office manages deployment of the new system.

Latest News Headlines:

• VA brings new electronic health record system to Columbus, Ohio, medical facilities
• VA continues implementation of new electronic health record system at second site in Washington State
• New electronic health record system saves hours a day for VA lab staff in Walla Walla, Washington
• VA behavioral health leaders help staff embrace new electronic health record system in Washington state
• Women’s History Month: Recognizing front-line workers

Check out the VA Podcast Network

Learning new things while staying entertained has never been easier for America’s Veterans. The VA Podcasts Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on. Just click on the podcasts to the right and listen to the wealth of knowledge that awaits to be heard.

1. Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honouring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
2. Memorial Day was not an official federal holiday in 1971 on the last Monday of May.
3. Each year, Americans are called to pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in wars both at home and abroad.
4. Through all the fanfare and the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day itself continues to be among the most important national observances in big cities and small towns across the country.
5. Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff then full-staff.
6. In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.

Happy Memorial Day!