WASHINGTON — The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative  recently joined efforts to lead and support military spouse employment at VA and throughout the federal government, and reduce the high unemployment rate for military spouses.

VA volunteers and the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley teamed up for the fourth annual "Free Produce Distribution Drive-thru" held at the VA outpatient clinic in McAllen, Texas. Overall, 279 families received more than 12,100 pounds of food.

This event is a great example of how VA is making the lives of Veterans better by partnering with local communities and organizations.

Photo by Luis H. Loza Gutierrez

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently established the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE) as part of its ongoing efforts to improve health care for Veterans. 

“VA is addressing Veterans concerns about the health effects of airborne hazards and burn pit exposure,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Establishing this program through the center is a testament to that and we will continue to collaborate with outside partners to ensure its ongoing success.”

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Jocelyn Howard has mastered time management.

As a commercial driving license (CDL) instructor, every minute Howard spends away from her classroom is money out of her pocket and less than optimal training for her students, many of whom are Veterans.

“A trip to Dallas VA Medical Center can take up an entire day, and that’s time and training I have to find a way to make up to my students,” said Howard.