Two Atlanta Veterans Took a Major Step During the Great American Smokeout
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
A couple of Atlanta-area Veterans receiving care through the Atlanta VA Health Care System made a meaningful change on November 20, 2025.
That was the date of the Great American Smokeout and both Veterans used the national event as a turning point in their efforts to quit smoking and improve their long-term health.
Army Veteran Joseph McGee had been thinking about quitting for years. After multiple attempts, he said he finally felt equipped with the encouragement of friends and family. “The Great American Smokeout felt like the perfect day to finally commit,” McGee said. "This is more than giving up cigarettes; it’s reclaiming my health and setting an example for my fellow Veterans."
Mary Lewis, a Marine Corps Veteran, echoed similar sentiments about the importance of having a support group. “I’ve smoked since I was 19. It’s part of my routine, but it’s also part of what’s been holding me back from feeling my best,” Lewis shared. “Knowing other Veterans were quitting with me made it feel possible.”
Lewis noted how she worked closely with her peer support group to explore nicotine-replacement options and used the Smokeout as a milestone in her progress.
The Great American Smokeout, organized nationally by the American Cancer Society, encouraged smokers across the country to quit for a day and build momentum for a healthier future. Both McGee and Lewis hoped their participation would inspire other Veterans to take that first step.
If you're ready to continue your tobacco-free journey, the Atlanta VA Health Care System’s Whole Health Programs offers a range of resources to support you: https://www.va.gov/atlanta-health-care/programs/whole-health/
Want to learn more about Whole Health at the Atlanta VA and schedule a class? You can contact us directly at