Veteran's Voice -- Orlando Area VA Virtual/Telehealth Expands

The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is now providing 24/7 virtual care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Veterans who receive care in the network can call 1-877741-3400 around the clock to get their health questions or concerns answered from the comfort and convenience of their home, or wherever they may be. Services include general administrative support, nurse advice, triage, and virtual visits with a doctor or nurse practitioner via telephone, VA Video Connect, or VA Health Chat. For more information see https://bit.ly/3xKupvL

McCormick Derby Day If fast horses, mint juleps, and big poofy hats are your thing this time of year, canter on out to the McCormick Institute in St. Cloud on Saturday, May 4 to watch the Kentucky Derby with some like-minded individuals and help raise money for a great veteran cause. You’ll even get some horse barn Derby Day aromatherapy thrown in for free! https://bit.ly/3U6rRQk

Wreaths Across America Radio

Our local veterans organizations have been strong participants in what Wreaths Across America has to offer, and now there’s more. Wreaths Across America Radio is a 24/7 internet radio station that airs podcasts and radio shows aimed at educating and entertaining Veterans. Much of the lineup is podcasts, hosted by veterans and military spouses, interspersed with music tracks, mostly Country. In addition to the internet, there is also an app available. Give it a listen at https://bit.ly/3xOdkRP

VA Healthy Kitchen

The Orlando VA Healthcare System wants you to be able to start eating healthy, so you feel better, and you don’t cost Uncle Sam so much money for your healthcare. The Healthy Teaching Kitchen is a program that provides Veteran patients not only with nutrition information but also guidance and skills to learn how to cook. So put down that burger, burrito, or buffet plate and call 407-2568760 to sign up for classes. In the meantime, you can start by checking out the program’s YouTube channel at https://bit ly/3xTfwHu, but if you’re like me, you might want to have a fire extinguisher standing by in the kitchen.

You’re in the Army now, again!

For some of us retired military, a recall back to the active-duty military would be among our worst nightmares, and many of us probably wouldn’t last five minutes. But for the gung-ho types and those that would answer the county’s call at any time, both the U.S. Army and Air Force began accepting retired volunteers in December 2023 for return to active duty. For the Army, the voluntary program seems general in nature, and more information can be found at https://bit.ly/3xTCCO9. For the Air Force, only officers with aeronautical ratings, such as pilot, weapons systems operator, and navigator, are being accepted. For more information see https://bit.ly/3xDpzjR. I have not seen anything yet regarding a similar program for the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.