Teachers, are you ready to celebrate Veterans Day?

Veterans Day history, teachers guide, gallery and other resources

November 2, 2015--Check out the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Web page, which is full of resources for observing this special day, whether through learning about its background, or planning community or school-related events. Teachers looking for materials to help educate their students on the history and traditions of this observance can download and use our annually updated teacher’s resource guide.

The teacher’s guide includes tips on planning a school assembly, suggestions for classroom activities, information on available scholarships, and opportunities to learn through the Veterans History Project. 

Additionally, the Veterans Day poster gallery provides the option to download and print the latest Veterans Day themed poster for the classroom or other facility.

The VA’s Veterans Day page can help everyone learn more about the legacy of Veterans Day. 

Organizations can find out about membership in the Veterans Day National Committee, which oversees the national planning and coordination of the Veterans Day observance. 

And those who feel inspired to volunteer their skills with VA can connect with the VA Voluntary Service.  Volunteers are a priceless asset to the nation’s Veterans and to VA.

Lastly, travelers with plans to visit the Washington, D.C., area during this time can find out more about the Veterans Day National Ceremony held each year at Arlington National Cemetery.

Finding inspiration in sports – injured Veteran hopes to compete in 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio

VA allowance helps ease financial burden of competition

Tom Giannettino was in a dark place. And he knew it.

“I hit rock bottom and it was horrible,” says the Air Force Veteran, describing his recovery from a traumatic injury he suffered in 2010 while working undercover for the New York state police.

During the next few years, he lost his job, his identity and his purpose, and no matter how hard he tried he just couldn’t shake the burdens of guilt and anger that consumed him. 

Then one day he stumbled upon an image of a young woman, an Army Veteran, who was a world-class athlete competing in triathlons. She was an amputee. 

“That was the moment,” says Giannettino. “It just inspired me to see her and I thought if she can do a triathlon with one leg, then why can’t I do it with one arm.”

Dare2tri co-founder Melissa Stockwell

In 2013, he attended a triathlon camp hosted by Dare2tri, a non-profit paratriathlon club based in Chicago that helps and encourages athletes of all ability levels from beginner to elite. 

Although he didn’t realize it at the time, one of the co-founders of Dare2tri was Melissa Stockwell, the young Army Veteran whose image inspired his recovery.

And so began his journey; not necessarily through the doors of a hospital or through prescription pills; but through the grueling process of swimming 750 meters, biking 20 kilometers, and running 5 kilometers. 

“I soon learned that this was the mechanism that was helping me manage my daily life and gave me my inspiration to get up every day and set new goals and aspirations,” Giannettino wrote in an essay chronicling his journey titled Rock Bottom to Red, White and Blue.

As he became more and more involved with the sport, Giannettino contacted USA Triathlon and learned about the high performance development program and the monthly assistance allowance VA pays to military Veterans who meet performance standards in their particular sport.

Beginning in 2010, Congress authorized VA to pay a monthly allowance to Veterans training for or selected to compete on the U.S. Paralympic Team. The payment rates are based on VA’s vocational rehabilitation rates: roughly $600 a month for a single Veteran plus extra for dependents. 

That first year, about 50 Veterans qualified for allowance payments in a handful of sports.

For Giannettino, the VA benefit served two purposes: it helped with the financial burdens of preparing for competition, like travel and coaching, and it gave him additional inspiration to reach for the highest level of competition.

 Paratriathlon was only recently sanctioned for Paralympic competition and will debut at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

Giannettino is not guaranteed a spot on Team USA, and he knows he still has a long way to go. But looking back on his journey, he recognizes just how far he’s come. And that’s reason enough to celebrate.

He recently e-mailed VA to express his gratitude for the monthly allowance. 

“Every single dollar helps to fulfill the obligations of constant traveling and training. I can’t thank you enough for the continued commitment of helping us Veterans reach for new goals and aspirations. Most importantly representing our country, the United States of America,” he wrote.

Today, paratriathlon is one of about 30 sports recognized for international Paralympic competition and VA pays allowances to some 150 Veterans each month who are hoping to represent their country in international competition.

A full list of sport governing bodies and points of contact is available for review athttp://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/docs/Paralympic_Sport_POCs.pdf

If you are a military Veteran and interested in learning more about VA’s monthly allowance for elite athletes, visit http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/ and click on the “Training Allowance” tab.

Homeless Alabama Veteran Home at Last

Army Veteran April Rencher is building a new life for herself with a little help from her friends at the Tuscaloosa VA. 

Photo by April Jones, Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

By Tom Cramer

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Thirty-eight-year-old April Rencher, who spent eight years in the Army, didn’t plan on becoming homeless. She didn’t plan on ending up in rehab, either.

“I lost my employment late last year,” she said in a tired voice. 

“I’ve been working since I was 14, so it was frustrating, losing my job. On top of that I had a crisis in my family, so everything sort of snowballed from there. Things got unmanageable for me. I guess I just got tired. My whole world came screeching to a halt, and I ended up homeless.

“I had become a very dark person,” she continued. 

“But then I finally got to a point where I could ask for help. It’s hard for us Veterans to ask for help, but I went to the VA here in Tuscaloosa and got into their residential rehab program. I knew I was going to get the care I needed. They’re helping me get well. They’re very supportive of me.”

Rencher paused for a moment, then added: “They saved my life, to be honest with you. They turned me around and helped me walk in the right direction. I still have good days and bad days, but I know I’m better today than I was yesterday.”

“I’m working on building a new me.”

Rencher said learning about herself is playing a big role in her fight to recover her health, and her life.

“When I first got here my mindset was scattered,” she said. “But I’m working with the health care professionals here. They’re helping me answer the ‘why’ of things. They’re helping me clarify why I’m having some of the problems I’m having, why I was doing what I was doing. That was the main thing for me. That’s what made a big difference, understanding the ‘why.’

“I learned that I’d been neglecting myself. I was always focused on other things, this person or that person, and I never once looked at myself. But now I can actually look in the mirror and see the transformation that’s happening.

“For me to wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and like who I see, that’s very big for me,” she continued. 

“I can look at the sunshine now and appreciate it. I can look out the window and see the cats playing out there in the yard and that makes me laugh. It’s cool seeing them playing and not having a care in the world.”

The Army Veteran said one of the most beneficial aspects of residential rehab is the comradery she discovered there. “The Veterans here support each other, pretty much the way we did when we were on active duty,” she explained. 

“Going through this transition with other Veterans makes it easier for me. They understand what I’m going through. They get it. I’ve met some really wonderful people here that I want to stay in contact with them.”

Rencher said the next step in her journey is finding a place to live after she leaves rehab.

“They have apartments right here on the grounds at VA!” she beamed. “I’ve filled out an application for one. I’m waiting to see if I get it. The place is called Valor Grove. If I could live there, that would be good, because it would be easier to keep my appointments here at the hospital, easier to keep my treatment going.”

“We’re hopeful she’ll be able to get in there because it’s right here on our campus,” said Dave Gay Jr., Tuscaloosa’s homeless program coordinator. 

“We hope it works out for her, because all the support she needs is right here. This is what we’re here for, to help people put their lives back together. That’s why we come to work every day.”

“I still need some fine tuning, but so far so good,” Rencher said with a smile. “I’m working on building a new me.”

- See more at: http://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2015/October/Homeless-Alabama-Veteran-Home-at-Last.asp#sthash.knznHKJL.dpuf 

Free Flu Shots at Walgreens for Veterans

No-cost flu shot options for Veterans

Free at Walgreens – Bring your VA ID And use the code in this story

Flu season is here, and getting your flu shot has never been easier. Remember that getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself, as well as your loved ones, against the flu virus.
This year, enrolled Veterans of the VA health care system have several options to get a seasonal flu shot. VA offers more options, easy access, and seamless records – the choice is yours.

So what are your options?

You may opt to get a free flu shot at your local VA health care facility.
Or you may choose to go to your neighborhood Walgreens.
As an enrolled VA patient, you can get a no-cost flu shot at Walgreens from August 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016.

 VA health care facilities

You may receive a no-cost flu shot during any scheduled appointment, if you are admitted to one of our VA health care facilities, or at one of the convenient walk-in flu stations.
For more information on locations and hours contact your local VA health care facility.

Walgreens nationwide

If you are a Veteran patient in the VA system, you may choose to get a no-cost flu shot at a local Walgreens between now and March 31, 2016.
No appointment is required; simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility and show your Veterans Identification Card and another form of photo ID. Use Group Code # 5933XBAYV.
Your immunization record will be updated electronically in your local VA electronic health record.

Non-VA Providers and Pharmacies

Many local retail pharmacies offer flu shots that may be covered by private insurance or programs such as Medicare. If you do not have insurance, there will usually be a charge.
View this video for more information about VA’s national immunization initiative to provide Veterans more options, easier access, and seamless records when it comes to getting their seasonal flu shot.

77-year-old Veteran quits smoking... Smoked for 55 Years

October 2, 2015,--A smoker for 55 years, John Crawford didn’t start feeling the effects of the habit until age 77– about six months ago. With an increase in shortness of breath and a nagging cough, Crawford remembered his primary care physician telling him about a smoking cessation class at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, S.C.

“I couldn’t even go to the mailbox and back without stopping to catch my breath. It was that bad,” said Crawford. “The severe ‘smoker’s cough’ and shortness of breath scared me. I had never tried to quit. I thought I was immune to smoking problems.”

Crawford began attending the smoking cessation class at the medical center each Tuesday. He is proud to say that he is now six months smoke-free and that he found support through the education

.

The classes are led by Kathy McCormick, Substance Abuse Coordinator. She offers reminders on the hazards of smoking as well as information on various medical aids that are available to assist in kicking the habit.

“Mr. Crawford came to smoking cessation with the belief that he was giving up his best friend,” said McCormick.  

“As he shared and listened to others in the group, he came to believe that this was something he could do and wanted to do.   The smoking cessation group was designed to decrease barriers for Veterans wanting to quit smoking.   

"The group is an open door group where Veterans are provided with education, motivation and rewards for their progress.”

After just two weeks in the program Crawford was already realizing the positive effects of being smoke free. 

A family trip to the Brookgreen Gardens required a substantial amount of walking to get around and view the art, history and zoo. 

Crawford was surprised to find that his breathing and cough were already improving and he was able to enjoy that time with his family.

“I have found the whole experience of quitting to be much easier than I anticipated,” said Crawford. “I am getting support from my family and classmates and my health has already improved significantly.”

Click here for additional resources available to Veterans who want to quit smoking.

by Erin Curran, Public Affairs Specialist                                                                                                         
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

VA Awards $8 Million in Adaptive Sport Grants to Aid Disabled Veterans

Grants promote rehabilitation, health and wellness and community reintegration

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2015 – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald today announced the awarding of up to $8 million in grants to eligible recipients with experience managing large scale adaptive sports programs for disabled Veterans and disabled Service members of the Armed Forces.

The grant recipients may use these funds for planning, developing, managing and implementing adaptive sports programs.

The VA is awarding the Grants to national governing bodies, which prepare high-level athletes for Paralympic competition; Veterans service organizations; city and regional municipalities; and other community groups to provide a wide range of adaptive sports opportunities for eligible Veterans and Service members.

The Grants will support sports ranging from rowing, cycling and skiing to golf, fly fishing and equestrian sports.

“Adaptive sports help Veterans heal both physically and emotionally,” said Secretary McDonald. “We are proud to partner with organizations nationwide to provide these rehabilitative opportunities for America’s Veterans.”

VA will distribute the grants to 89 national, regional and community programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Approximately 10,000 Veterans and Service members are expected to benefit.

Information about the awardees and details of the program may be found at www.va.gov/adaptivesports . 

For Veterans with Gulf War Illness, an Explanation for the Unexplainable Symptoms

Newswise , September 14, 2015)—One in four Gulf War veterans suffers from Gulf War Illness (GWI). New preliminary research to be presented at Physiological Bionergetics: From Bench to Bedside shows for the first time direct evidence of greater mitochondrial damage in Gulf War veterans.

The condition is characterized by unexplainable chronic fatigue, muscle pain and cognitive dysfunction and may be associated with exposure to chemicals, many identified as genotoxins, during deployment.

Previous studies suggest that the symptoms of GWI are due to dysfunction of the mitochondria, the site in cells where molecules that power the body’s processes are produced. Not producing enough energy slows down the body and leaves the individual feeling tired.

The mitochondrion has its own DNA, separate from the cell’s, that encodes the proteins needed to produce the molecules that power the body’s processes.

Damage to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) directly affects the mitochondria’s ability to function and produce energy. Increases in the amount of mtDNA have been associated with disease.

In this study, researchers measured the mtDNA amount and degree of mtDNA damage in blood cells from blood samples from veterans with GWI. Compared with healthy non-deployed controls, Gulf War veterans had more mtDNA content and greater mtDNA damage.

According to the researchers, these findings further support that mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in GWI. “Future studies are necessary to confirm these findings and determine their association with mitochondrial function. Work in this area may guide new diagnostic testing and treatments for veterans suffering from GWI,” the researchers wrote.

Yang Chen, MS, doctoral researcher at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, will present “Mitochondrial DNA is damaged in military veterans with fatiguing conditions” as part of the symposium “Translational Bioenergetics” on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5:05 PM EDT in the Harbour Island Ballroom of the Westin Tampa Harbour Island.

This work was conducted with funding from Veteran Affairs (VA) Clinical Science Research & Development Service awarded to Michael J. Falvo, PhD, at the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center at VA-New Jersey Health Care System in East Orange, N.J.

About the American Physiological Society
Physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease. Established in 1887, the American Physiological Society (APS) was the first U.S. society in the biomedical sciences field. The Society represents more than 11,000 members and publishes 14 peer-reviewed journals with a worldwide readership.