HonoringVets

Lucy Coffey’s dream of visiting Washington, D.C. came true this […]

Writer, VHA's Office of Communications

Not too many homeless Veterans have masters’ degrees in theology and public administration. But then again, 53-year-old James Mobley isn’t your average guy.

Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts was surrounded by fellow […]

When I left the Army, it felt like I was leaving behind a part of myself. It’s a feeling that many Veterans experience as they transition from military to civilian life. Thankfully, VA was there to point me in the right direction and keep me on track with GI Bill benefits and health care at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center.

The transition can be tough for anyone, but even more so for those who have suffered a traumatic injury, life-changing illness or disease. Let me start by saying this: there is no single roadmap for recovery. Your best recovery may come from various angles and various methods. The sooner you embrace that idea, the quicker you may recover.

Thanking a Veteran means something different to everyone. Some express […]

The first cemetery for federal soldiers and the first burial […]

With the help of the Missing in America Project, the […]

John is competing in swimming, air rifle, precision walking, javelin, shot put, discus, cycling and powerwalking. His goal in this year’s National Veterans Golden Age Games is to medal in each event he competes in. So far, he has been awarded eight medals out of ten events.

An impressive feat considering that this time last year John was still walking with a cane. Now, he is completely free of all pain medication and able to work out a few hours a day. He spends a lot of his time coaching other Veterans and encourages them to stay active.

Sophomore at Barat Academy, Life Scout

Bryan Ritchey worked to create a memorial honoring Veterans in his hometown for his Eagle Scout project.

Today's Veteran of the Day is shared by a father and son who are competing together at the 2014 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Joseph Ribeiro served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1945. He drove a Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP) also known as a Higgins boat during World War II and made landings during the Battle of Guam and in the Philippines. “I always hit the beaches good and hard so my boys didn’t have to wade through the water much,” he said.

Carmen was a B-17 crewman serving at different times as an aerial engineer, gunner and bombardier. Due to a shortage of crewmen, the U.S. Army Air Corps changed the mission quota to 30. Carmen flew his 29th mission on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day. Soon after returning from the flight, Carmen realized he could not sleep due to the anticipation of his 30th mission. He volunteered to go back out on an afternoon mission and completed his final mission that same day. Carmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during World War II.

740 Veterans from 40 states gathered in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the National Veteran Golden Age Game's opening ceremony on June 29, 2014.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games provide a multi-event sports and therapeutic recreation program for Veterans 55 years of age and older. The games' primary objectives are wellness, health promotion and disease prevention. It is a national showcase for the preventive and therapeutic value of sports, fitness and recreation for all older Americans.