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They were pioneers during a time their country needed them most, yet they were also America’s best kept secret until recently. The Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II paved the way for women in the military today. 100 year old WASP Veteran Nell Bright is the epitome of Upholding Valor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Utah veteran is cherishing time with his grandkids this holiday season thanks to a double lung transplant. VA Salt Lake City, in partnership with the University of Utah, saved this Navy veteran’s life as time was running out. The journey–his commitment, his fight--in this addition of Upholding Valor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spiritual healing can be just as important as physical healing. In this week’s Upholding Valor, we take a look at VA’s Equine Therapy Program and how horses help heal our Veterans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are not in the clear. Not by a long shot. In this week’s Upholding Valor, two VA providers talk about the COVID-19 Delta variant surge, their exhaustion and their fears--watching people die that don’t need to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Veterans from two wars describe their emotions surrounding the 20th anniversary of 9/11 coinciding with the end of the 20 year war in Afghanistan. Their candor and vulnerability is both heartbreaking, yet inspiring as we present on of our more powerful episodes of Upholding Valor.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System goes beyond traditional healthcare to improve the lives of veterans. In this episode of Upholding Valor a Veteran talks about his weight loss transformation and his journey to peace of mind, body and soul. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VA always needs good volunteers to better serve our veterans. We need you!  Want to serve your country’s heroes?  Find out how in this episode of Upholding Valor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is something roughly 20% of veterans deal with after service or a long combat deployment. VA understands, and has the experts to make a difference in veterans' lives. Don’t suffer in silence! PTSD is treatable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VA takes great “Pride” in caring for everyone that served. The LGBTQ community is no exception. Our mission is to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment every day, not just during Pride Month. Please listen to one transfeminine Veteran’s story.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One homeless veteran is one too many--that’s why VA has teams committed to finding and improving their lives.  Hear from one of those teams and the lengths they go to, to reach a veteran on the street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VA nurses are the backbone of VA healthcare. They have been tried and tested over the last year, but their resilience and commitment to our veterans is unparalleled. The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System salutes our VA nurses – through COVID-19 and a year of turmoil they stand strong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is life after experiencing sexual trauma in the military. VA can take veterans from victim to survivor with dedicated resources and providers committed to healing those suffering from MST. Don’t suffer in silence. No matter what stage of recovery you're in, there's support and hope for a better future.  We believe in you!  In this week’s Upholding Valor podcast we hear about one MST survivor’s long journey back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for all of us to do our part against this paralyzing virus.  VA is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all veterans 50 and older and those with severe medical conditions regardless of age. Veterans must also be enrolled in the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.  Call and book your appointment today.  Please listen to this podcast as it has important information regarding process, but more importantly, the safety and efficacy of this critical vaccine. (NOTE) The nurses discuss 65 and older as eligible but since this recording we have dropped the eligible age to 50 and older. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System has resources for veterans in every stage of life.  Most importantly, we never want them to be too proud to ask for help.  In this week’s Upholding Valor we listen to one veteran’s story of desperation to triumph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever spoken to a survivor of COVID-19? Someone on the brink of death who lives to tell about it?  Meet Clare Neff--a Navy veteran who spent a total of 40 days in the hospital with the coronavirus.  When he went on the ventilator he was fairly certain he would never come off.  And then came the miracles.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to make sure you stay connected during these challenging times. VA Video Connect allows you to talk to your provider from the comfort of your couch.  It’s convenient and easy and all your fellow Veterans are doing it. Have a listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day, 17 Veterans die by suicide.  That’s 6,205 service members a year.   Casualties of a private war, many of these men and women survive the horrors of the battlefield only to struggle with a hidden enemy within. But, as one Veteran reminds us…. there is always hope.  We will hear her story and talk with Dr. Michael Tragakis, a psychologist, and Suicide Prevention Clinical Director with the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System on the warning signs and treatments of suicide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day, 20 Veterans die by suicide. That’s 7,300 service members a year – more than were killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Combined. Casualties of a private war, many of these men and women survived the horrors of the battlefield only to succumb to the hidden enemy locked within their minds. On this episode of the Upholding Valor podcast, we’ll journey into the world of darkness that drove Iraq War Veteran Tammy Joy Lane and Vietnam Era Veteran Alan Morris to try and take their own lives. And we’ll hear of how they survived the ordeal and learned that even amongst the bleakest times, there’s always a glimmer of hope. We’ll also hear from Dr. Michael Tragakis, a psychologist, and Suicide Prevention Clinical Director with the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System on the warning signs and treatments of suicide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VA’s LGBT program is robust in it’s outreach and impact on Veterans.  We are honored to give you a perspective you don’t often hear at a time in our history when many would argue we need a lot more listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VA sees all color, race and sexual orientation.  We stand together during these challenging times to serve those all who have served. We are a stronger VA together.  Please talk to your provider about resources available to you, and remember, we encourage virtual healthcare appointments at this time. Thank you for your service! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.