VA Photos of the Week: October 18, 2019

VA Warriors Dragon Boat Team won their heat on Oct. 12. Their 20-person team worked together to raise awareness for women and men seeking breast care health needs in Southern Nevada. Photo via Las Vegas VA staff.

The VA Caribbean Health Care System employees participated in an island-wide earthquake exercise on Oct. 17. While earthquake hazard varies from region to region, most of Puerto Rico is prone to earthquakes. You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation. “In order to maintain the continuity of care to our Veteran population, as well as the safety or our staff, we will always strive toward improving our emergency readiness. These drills are important to engage our employees and help us think about these types of disasters that can take us by surprise”, said Cosme Torres-Sabater, VHA Area Emergency Manager. Photo via VA Puerto Rico staff.

Under the watchful eye of Travon Robinson, physical therapist with VA North Texas Health Care System, U.S. Army Veteran Wesley Coleman works through physical therapy following an auto accident that left both his lower legs broken in multiple places. “No one thought I would be back up and on my feet so quickly,” said Coleman. Coleman’s lower legs were fractured when he was pinned between the bumpers of two cars in July and is committed to working through the pain and regaining full use of his legs. “I have to get back to where I was so I can go visit my grandson in Virginia,” says Coleman. Photo via Michael Cole, public affairs specialist at VA North Texas.

Calling all Women Veterans using wheelchairs, walkers and canes: You are wanted! The Orlando VA is introducing the Service Women Adaptive Group (SWAG) to support women Veterans using wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Women Veterans gather together to share stories and make new ones by trying a new journey of @sports4vets! Army Veteran Octavia Mitchell was given 24 hours to live and now 15 years later is here to make a difference for women just like her. “It was hard for me to understand how I was going to live with limitations. I got involved with Adaptive Sports and that is when I found my second chance. Adaptive Sports saved my life.” Photo via Orlando VA staff.

National Pharmacy Technicians Day occurs annually in October. This October, VA wants to celebrate all the pharmacy techs that help improve the lives of our Veterans. Pharmacy technicians help make sure that Veterans receive their prescriptions quickly and accurately and is often one of the busiest departments! To honor all National Pharmacy Technicians, thank you for your skills and dedication! Photo via Las Vegas VA staff.