Retiree News

Celebrating Four Years of VAPIHCS Adopt-A-Highway Program

Last Saturday I participated in the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) Adopt-A-Highway event that was coordinated by our Develop, Inspire, Connect, and Engage (DICE) committee. This was my second time participating – my first was back in May 2021, when we began the program. It was truly inspiring to see so many of our VAPIHCS staff volunteering their time and energy on their day off, to take care of a small portion of our beautiful island. It was also amazing to see that the program is still going strong, four years later. 

Thank you very much to our VAPIHCS staff for sponsoring this wonderful event and providing the opportunity to give back. 

Telehealth Works at VA

Telehealth services are breaking down barriers in healthcare. Across the Pacific Islands, I am proud that we can connect Veterans to Primary Care and Specialty providers such as Rehabilitative Services, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Gastroenterology, which are all accessible via Telehealth.

VA is leading the way in telehealth innovation to ensure you can access care when and where you need it. If you haven’t been to the Office of Connected Care (OCC) website recently, check it out here: Home | Connected Care (va.gov).

At VAPIHCS, providing safe, compassionate, and high-quality care has always been a priority. But I know it’s also important to deliver that care as close as possible to where you live. Telehealth makes it easy to attend appointments, check in with your care team, and access many VA services, especially if traveling to a clinic is difficult. Our teams are ready to help you make the most of these convenient options. For more information call us at 1-800-214 -1306.

Switch to VA’s new secure sign-in by September 30, 2025

After September 30, 2025, Veterans will have two secure options to sign in to VA.gov and VA mobile apps―a Login.gov account or ID.me account.

Most Veterans have already made the switch. If you’re still using a DS Logon username and password, we want to make sure you’re prepared when this option is discontinued by the end of September.  

Visit VA Secure Sign-In Changes for more information and assistance. If you’re ready to create your new account, follow our step-by-step guidance. Visit Creating an account for VA.gov for detailed instructions on setting up your Login.gov or ID.me account. 

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

Considered one of the greatest and most influential composers of music, Beethoven produced hundreds of works during his lifetime. However, by the age of 28, he began to suffer from a worsening case of deafness and tinnitus. By his mid-40’s, he would become totally deaf.

Beethoven grieved the loss of his hearing, especially since his ability to hear music was central to his life’s work and passion. In fact, when Beethoven premiered his well-known 9th Symphony to an audience in 1824, he had to be physically turned around to see the audience cheering, because he couldn’t hear the applause. Nevertheless, Beethoven did not give up on his passion.

He was deeply driven to fulfill his life purpose and to compose the music he felt he had the gift to create. He had a talent that he wanted to maximize. It has even been said that after losing his hearing, Beethoven used techniques to physically feel music and notes in his body instead. This included holding a pencil in his mouth and resting it against the piano’s soundboard so he could feel the vibrations of the notes against his lips. Some of his most celebrated works today were composed during periods when he couldn’t hear his own music.

Beethoven leaves us with an inspiring example. While we can’t always control the circumstances thrown our way, we can choose to make the best of what we have. Beethoven persisted despite his rocky experiences to elevate his artistry to even greater heights. His legacy teaches us that our greatest challenges can become the foundation for our most profound achievements.

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