I recently had the chance to visit the VA Pacific Islands Health Care clinics in Guam and Saipan. It was inspiring to meet the dedicated teams who are working hard for our Veterans, alongside our military and community partners. The commitment to improving healthcare access for Veterans in the Pacific is clear, and I’m excited to build strong relationships in these communities.
This week also saw the opening of The Wall That Heals—a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—at the University of Hawaii in West Oahu. Our VAPIHCS team will be there from 10 AM to 4 PM over the weekend for healthcare enrollment and PACT Act registration. If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by and say hello, or ask any questions you may have.
As we welcome January, many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, which can feel overwhelming. Instead of the usual resolutions, why not set a SMART goal? SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-based. This approach aligns your goals with what truly matters to you. The goal is to live your life fully after military service, embracing a holistic approach through VA Whole Health.
According to recent surveys, many Veterans benefit from holistic healthcare models that combine traditional and complementary treatments. This approach can enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Chaplain Richie Charles shares a simple but profound lesson through the metaphor of a seed. Just like a seed must grow downward to develop a robust root system before it can rise high, we too must acknowledge our weaknesses and grow from them. This humility is where true growth begins.
A seed doesn’t fear being covered with dirt; it understands that this dirt holds the nutrients necessary for its development. Similarly, life’s challenges can feel burdensome, but they often contain valuable lessons that can lead us to personal growth.
Finally, remember that the potential to grow is already within you. Just as a seed carries the blueprint of a tree, each of us has the ability to realize our full potential by overcoming our limitations and embracing our unique journeys.
For more on achieving your wellness goals, check out the VA’s Whole Health page here.
Let’s make this year a time for growth and connection!
