Terrence Hayes, VA’s Press Secretary and an Army Veteran of 20 years, knows his calling is to help other Veterans. We recently sat down with him to learn about how this calling led him to join the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort to improve health for Veterans.
Why did you join MVP?
“MVP can have a huge impact on folks who may have been impacted by military exposure. I served in Iraq. I was in areas where burn pits were. I need to be part of MVP because it could possibly impact others who have been there, as well.”
What was your military experience like?
“I deployed to Iraq in December of 2006 to March of 2008, a 15-month deployment. And we were there during what’s called the surge. It was one of the most challenging, difficult times of that period in Iraq.”
What was it like when you came home from deployment?
“I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder. I had no idea I had my first anxiety attack when I was in Iraq. I didn’t know what it was. I had no clue then. I couldn’t describe it to anyone. Fortunately, one day, I experienced one of those episodes in front of my wife and she knew what it was.”
Why is it important Veterans like you join MVP?
“I believe in Veterans helping other Veterans. I believe that’s my calling. I’ve served in the military for 20 years, fighting alongside my battle buddies and I want to do that in this field as well. I want to be able to raise my hand, be a part of some research that can be groundbreaking for men and women just like myself, who have served.
“I’m encouraging every Veteran, no matter where they’re from, no matter what demographic. If you are thinking about helping other folks, if you want to continue your service, sign up for MVP. This will help us really make some groundbreaking efforts for our health.”
Veterans helping Veterans
Over 900,000 Veterans like Terrence Hayes have joined MVP. To become part of this groundbreaking effort, visit mvp.va.gov or call 866-441-6075. You do not need to receive VA health care to join VA’s Million Veteran Program. To get the latest in VA news, you can follow Terrence Hayes on Twitter at @VAPressSec.
Topics in this story
More Stories
For the Great American Smokeout, explore VA resources and learn why every attempt to stop smoking is a step toward success.
If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide, resources and support are available to help you cope during your grieving and healing.
Army Veteran Denis Velez donated a painting of his VA hospital as a way of giving back for his treatment there.
I haven’t done this yet, as a veteran. I will definitely be taking part in the near future.
I am a volunteer at the Lansing, Michigan VA clinic to give back some of what I have received from from the VA. It me gives more than I give.
I listen to the Broadcast about two weeks ago conducted b y MVP. It was very informative. I wanted to follow up with a few questions and asked the MVP representatives at the Long Beach, CA Tibor Rubin VA but they were not aware of the broad cast and could not provide me with the information I was seeking.