VA Secretary talks claims, homelessness and COVID vaccinations

VA Secretary Denis McDonough discussed today that more than 3,800 claims have been approved from toxic exposure for Gulf War Veterans, the first time Veterans from that era received presumptive status. He also spoke about hiring to help with the claims backlog, efforts to place Veterans into homes by the holidays and that VA has given out more than 228k vaccines to help protect Veterans.

Virtual Events this Week

Oct. 21 Town Hall Discussion with General Joseph Dunford
Oct. 21 Armed Forces Stress-Management Workshop
Oct. 22 A Red Cross Resiliency Workshop
Oct. 22 Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
Oct. 23 A Red Cross Resiliency Workshop
Oct. 25 Eighth Annual Warrior Community Integration Symposium
Oct. 26 Veterans & Military Families How to Welcome Our Afghan Allies
Oct. 27 G.I. Jobs Virtual Career Expo

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Veterans Can Apply to Become Wildland Firefighters

Squads work on fire mitigation and fuels reduction projects on public lands, giving back to the surrounding communities. Veterans must be flexible, adaptable and able to work in a fluid, changing work environment.

The program is open to Veterans ages 18-35 who can meet a host of qualifications. Veterans must also pass a three-mile hike with 45 pounds in 45 minutes. Training locations are in Georgia and Tennessee. Applications are open thru December or until positions are filled.

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A Veteran’s journey: Fired, PTSD, suicide attempt, jail, homeless, rescued

Free Professional Caregiving Respite Hours and Job Fair for Caregivers, Veterans, and their Families

Join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and VA for the 6th Annual National Virtual Convening on October 29th. Senator Elizabeth Dole and VA Secretary Denis McDonough will both make remarks. Learn more about the free 35 respite hours available to Veteran families and sign up for the Veteran and caregiver career fair with more than 20 national employers already participating. You are also invited to the Heroes & History Makers Virtual Gala with Tom Hanks and Savannah Guthrie on October 28th.

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VA COVID-19: Updates | Chat | App | Weekly Report | Vaccine

Behind the Mission Podcast with PsychArmor: VA Caregiver Support

Listen as Leah Christensen discusses enhancing Caregiver Support Services across VA through education, coaching, support, skills training, outreach and connection to resources.

These events are intended for military & Veteran caregivers to learn together, discover new resources, change the narrative of their own experiences and build resilience.

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From big to small, urban to rural, there’s a VA career & location for everyone

Team RWB Runners carry Old Glory through Virginia

Team RWB's Old Glory Relay, is an epic 62-day journey running, walking, and hiking the American flag from New York City, NY to Atlanta, GA. Today, the flag is moving through Asheville, NC, and will complete 1643 total miles moved. It's not too late to join the effort virtually or in person along the route.

"As we were running Old Glory past an elementary school, the floodgates opened and 100 kids ran to the fence shouting "USA, USA, USA" to cheer us on. It may have been up a steep hill but it was the easiest part of the run." -Tim H., Marine Corps Veteran.

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Hear from Veterans who went back to school after their time in the military

Borne the Battle Podcast: VA Mobile Mental Health Apps

This week is a benefits breakdown featuring VA Mobile Mental Health Apps, which provide free tools in mindfulness practice and suicide reduction for Veterans managing PTSD-related symptoms and stress.