February is Black History Month and VA is proud to join our country in celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Black Americans. There are more than two million Black Veterans in the United States who have made incredible sacrifices for our country.
VA is seeking your input on how its mission statement may evolve to be more inclusive and representative of the changing needs of all Veterans. Click below to learn more and share your voice.
My grandmother, Sylvia Benton, and the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Read the story of Sylvia Benton, written by her grandson, Marine Corps Veteran Dennis Miller honoring her legacy. Sylvia served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II as a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In honor of Ms. Benton –and the Black women from the 6888th— TheSixTripleEight documentary will air on the Veterans News Network each night at 8 p.m. thru March 3.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough recently met with Veterans, active-duty military and students receiving VA benefits at South Carolina State University and Benedict College, two historically black colleges and universities in South Carolina.
Hines VA Nurse Led Professional and Racial Change at VA
When Vernice Ferguson became the first African American to lead the VA Nursing Service in 1980, she inherited the largest nursing service in the nation, overseeing 60,000 professionals.
Go to MakeTheConnection.net, an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives from challenging life events or experiences to mental health issues or challenges.
Black Veteran Paves Way Before Rosa Parks
Read the story of Sarah Keys, a young, Black Soldier serving at Fort Dix, New Jersey, who in August 1952 while traveling home to North Carolina, refused to give up her bus seat.
VA and Rallypoint hosted VetXL: Minority Veterans Together on February 24. Subject matter experts were available to engage in dialogue on minority Veterans, benefits, health equity, and LGBTQ+. Visit Rallypoint to see responses and learn more.
In his younger years Marine Corps Veteran Christopher Young played football, soccer, ran track and was a boxer; until injuries and migraines nearly immobilized him. Read about his journey back to health and wellness here.
In Honor of Black History Month: Food for Your Body and Soul
Common foods of African heritage are based heavily on whole plant foods. Choose rich, colorful foods like beans, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables that are rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats, and don’t forget colorful spices like paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
Borne the Battle: Benefits Breakdown, VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) actively protects and advocates for Veteran-owned businesses. Tune in to learn more about OSDBU services and the advantages that Veteran-owned businesses receive from being certified by the federal government.
Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at VA.gov/contact-us/.
You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Affairs. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Affairs. Having questions or problems? Please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com for assistance.
