UVS Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Barrel Oak Winery

United Veterans Services ( UVS) held their second fundraiser at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, VA on September 14, 2019. Since 1941, UVS has been raising funds to support veterans receiving care at VA Medical Centers throughout the country. Including activities such as pet therapy, farmer's markets, cardiac rehabilitation and many more.

The fundraiser was held at a local winery in Delaplane, VA, about 45 miles from our Nation's Capital, a scenic venue. The local representatives had chair massages and wheel of fortune prizes.

Many thanks to the people who took part in the event and for the volunteers who worked before and during the event. Great Job!

Erma Harris at the Memorial Flag Display

Erma Harris, National UVS Deputy VAVS Representative and National UVS Board of Directors Member is shown with the Memorial Flag Display at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

UVS at a Veterans Free Farmer's Market

The Manchester VAMC recently held a Veteran’s Free Farmer’s Market. United Veterans Services provided over $1000 in sponsorship for the event. Despite limited cooperation from Mother Nature, UVS volunteers Linda Gaetano and Joe dooley insured fresh nectarines, bananas, native corn and other healthy produce items were provided for New Hampshire’s Vererans!

Children Donate to UVS

Kimley, Gavin and Danny wanted to help veterans. They ran a lemonade stand on the 4th of July and made $68. They donated everything they made to United Veterans Services to help the organization provide services and support to hospitalized veterans.

We appreciate their dedication to helping America’s Heroes!

Pictured: Gavin, Kimley, Mary Lee (UVS Representative) and Danny.

The MISSION Act

The MISSION Act went into effect starting June 6th, 2019 and expands the options available to VA enrollees. Please read the following information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and find out how to get an educational booklet about the MISSION Act:

The VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act (MISSION Act) strengthens VA’s ability to deliver trusted, easy to access, high quality care whether at VA facilities, virtually through telehealth, or in the community. 

VA has developed specific education for Veterans about receiving VA care, healthcare benefits and other related updates as the MISSION Act goes into effect on June 6, 2019. This educational booklet is titled “Health Care Options Through VA.”

Veterans can receive this educational booklet in three ways:

1. Download the electronic version of “Health Care Options Through VA” booklet at https://www.missionact.va.gov/library/files/MISSION_Act_Community_Care_Booklet.pdf 

2. Contact a Public Affairs Officer at their nearest VA Medical Center for a printed copy of the booklet

3. Request  a printed copy of the booklet at no cost by filling out a print form available online www.missionact.va.gov and at the medical centers

VA Palo Alto Health Care System Director's Suicide Prevention Message

In this video, VA Palo Alto Health Care System Director Thomas J. Fitzgerald III sends a reminder that Suicide Prevention is a top priority at VA. Learn the warning signs and how to help save lives. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255

Army Vet With PTSD Finds Relief With Service Dog

A touching story about how Army veteran Russell Smith found relief through the unconditional love of his service dog. Watch the video below and find the full story here at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Hillsborough Antiques + Art + Design Show / Spring 2019

PSA: Veteran's Crisis Line

Approximately 22 military veterans choose to end their lives each day. Veterans in crisis and their loved ones can call, text, chat to connect with caring VA responders at the free and confidential Veterans Crisis Line.

If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder:

Phone: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
Text: 838255
Chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net

In addition to the Veterans Crisis Line, VA offers a network of support and mental health resources for all Veterans and their families and friends. Every day, more than 400 VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect Veterans with care and educate the community about suicide prevention programs and resources.

To learn more about the issue of Veteran suicide as well as VA mental health resources, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov, where you’ll find the latest national and state-level research.

Veterans and their loved ones also can visit MakeTheConnection.net to explore information on mental health issues and hear stories from Veterans who have faced challenges like theirs, including posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use problems, transitioning from service, and more.

No matter what you are experiencing, there is support for getting your life back on track.

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UVS at the 22nd NE Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans

United Veterans Services participated in the 22nd New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans. Here are a few photos taken by Ralph Marche, UVS volunteer at White River Junction, Vermont.

Navy veteran Kenny and his father are able to be back on slopes together with lessons provided by volunteer Ralph Marche. UVS donations to adaptive sports makes these activities possible.

Giving freedom back to Army Veteran John through snowboarding. John has an above knee left leg amputation and utilizes a knee with air pressure shock absorbers. Advances in prosthetic devices has increased the activity levels of our recently injured veterans.

Thank you to Ralph and all the other volunteers and organizations involved in the NE Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans. Adaptive sports restore connections to community, nature and heathy lifestyles.