VAPIHCS Veterans

Closing Out Summer and Setting Goals As summer winds down across the Pacific Islands, we are reminded of how unique this season is in our region. For many of us, the end of summer means family gatherings, community events, and...

Veteran’s Outdoor Challenge Have you heard of the Veterans Outdoor Challenge? This is an inspiring initiative inviting Veterans across the nation to embrace the great outdoors for improved physical health, mental well-being, and camaraderie. This challenge is presented through a...

Expanding Access to Care in the Community At VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), our mission is to ensure you receive timely, high-quality care—no matter where you live. We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our VA providers...

One Team, One Ohana This week I found myself reflecting on this this quote: “Individually we are one drop, but together we’re an ocean”. This saying is often attributed to Ryunosuke Satoro, a Japanese writer known for his thoughts on...

Honoring VA’s 95th Birthday This week, we recognize an important milestone in our history. On July 21, 1930, President Herbert Hoover signed an executive order that created what we now know as the Department of Veterans Affairs. For 95 years, VA...

Embracing Change On June 30th, I attended Tripler Army Medical Center’s (TAMC) change of command ceremony. TAMC bid farewell to the former commander, COL Michael Ronn, and aloha to the incoming commander, COL William Bimson. The change of command is part...

Embracing the Joys of Summer As summer officially begins on June 20th, we embrace the longer days, higher temperatures, and the joy of family vacations and travel. With kids out of school and more time spent outdoors, it is important...

Living with Diabetes in the Pacific Islands In the past, many Veterans in the Pacific Islands remember loved ones being diagnosed with diabetes, and then beginning a slow descent from health. Treatment was not as available or advanced in the...

As we head into summer, I’m thinking about safety. With children out of school and hurricane season upon us, there is the potential for danger on many fronts. Please review all safety information that we put out, and be mindful of...

InnovationThis week I am thinking about innovation, and how much it matters to bring the best care possible to Veterans across the Pacific Islands. Innovation isn’t just about new technology – it’s about new ways of thinking, serving, and delivering...