Army Veteran finds inspiration and healthy lifestyle with MOVE!

For Army Veteran David Devaney, writing poetry has helped him express and reflect on his life experiences. He served from 1968 to 1971, including one year in Vietnam. 

Writing daily, he uses the places he’s been and people he knows to create his poems. Devaney has lived in Florida, Washington, Texas and Arizona. While living in Texas, he was named Poet of the Year for the village of Surfside Beach where he wrote many poems.

When he resolved to improve his health by participating in Southern Louisiana VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program, he knew he was ready. He struggled for years with weight and health challenges until a conversation with his VA health care provider introduced him to MOVE! and inspired him to try it.  

Poems describe challenges while improving his health 

From his first MOVE! group session, Devaney has chronicled his MOVE! experience by writing poetry. His poetry reflects on each session and acknowledges the many people who have supported his journey. His poems also describe the challenges and achievements he encountered while improving his health. 

He also uses his art as a unique way to express his gratitude for all those involved in his healthy living and wellness journey. In addition to the health benefits from losing weight, Devaney highlights the benefit he derives from other Veterans in his groups, the clinical team supporting him and encouragement from his community. He cheerfully reports that he is below 200 pounds for the first time in 30 years.

“The formula works if I apply it every day into my life. The program, on the emotional and intellectual aspects of my newly found commitment to a healthier me was very beneficial as it allowed me to better understand the ’Whys and Wherefores’ of my effort to succeed,” he shared.

Follow along with his MOVE! experience by reading his Poems of Progress.