VA Photos of the Week: February 21, 2020

One of Philly’s favorites–the Phillie Phanatic–visited the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center as part of National Salute to Veterans week. The beloved mascot brought many smiles to Veteran patients, staff, volunteers, and guests. Photo via Philadelphia VA staff.

At the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Veterans were treated to a special visit by the animal ambassadors from Tanganyika Wild Animal Park. Veterans were given the opportunity to see the animals up close and learn about each unique animal. They learned a lot about Smokey the Ferret, Bubba the Spotted Eagle Owl, and Agnes the Tortoise. Photo via Dole VA.

Many of the Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Clinical Recreation Therapy programs who participated in iFLY, a simulated skydiving experience, expressed that they felt a rush after their time in the wind tunnel. Among the smiles and high-fives, Veterans said that they felt free, exhilarated, in control of their body and reconnected to their love of adventure! Recreation Therapy provides services to restore, remediate and/or rehabilitate functional capabilities for Veterans with injuries, chronic illnesses and disabling conditions. Photo via Minneapolis VA staff.

University of Alabama sorority members from Alpha Omicron Pi and Kappa Delta brought smiles to the faces of Tuscaloosa VA Veterans as they handed out Valentines cards last week. Photo via Tuscaloosa VA staff.

For National Salute to Veteran Patient Week, the Shelton State Cheerleaders visited Veterans at the Tuscaloosa VA to share some cheer! Photo via Tuscaloosa VA staff.

Army Veteran Floyd Ward stands in front of his entry of a woodcarving piece to the local Veterans Creative Arts Competition and Display show held at Dallas VA Medical Center. Ward started work on the woodcarving about two years ago and said this is his first time entering into the competition. Select winners will be invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Photo via Jennifer Roy, public affairs specialist at the VA North Texas Health Care System.