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Read about what's happening in our VA Charleston health care community.

Fly fishing has long been a passion of mine. I picked it up about five years ago because I needed to do something that would force me to slow down and breathe. Plus, I knew I needed to be outside because nature centers and grounds me. So, fly fishing seemed like the perfect solution.

Sue Kerver catches a trout in Fort Smith, Montana with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center will join VAs across the country to participate in the 9th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll event May 15.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. at the site for the new Charleston VA Outpatient Health Annex located at 6450 Rivers Ave. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is scheduled to give the ceremony’s remarks.

Clinic rendering

On January 8, 2019, U.S. Navy Veteran Tony Valencia made a commitment to himself. A commitment to change some unhealthy habits, refocus his life and get healthy, with a goal of one day riding on a roller coaster with his grandkids.

MOVE! Program Coordinator Becci Luhrs weighs Veteran Tony Valencia during his final program weigh-in on April 19 at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center strives to deliver the best care possible to every Veteran that comes in the doors each day, and most days those Veterans are met first by the smiling face of a volunteer.

Volunteers at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center wear red vests to signify themselves as NaVAgators who help Veterans find their way to appointments throughout the hospital. (Photo by James Arrowood)

An attitude can make all the difference in the world.

Team Charleston at the National Disabled Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen Colorado. (Back row from left to right: Iayne Brown, Harold Clark, Joe Cooler, Leslie Williams, Scott Isaacks; front row from left to right: David Bradbury, Joey Williams.) (Courtesy Photo)

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Community Living Center (CLC) was recently recognized as a 5-star CLC for Quality Measures and Staffing.

Congressman Joe Cunningham meets with Community Living Center residents during a tour of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Feb. 1. The CLC recently received a 5-star rating for quality measures and staffing. (Photo by James Arrowood)

When faced with challenges in life, one of the most difficult steps can be asking for help. It’s not easy to share your struggles and it can be particularly difficult if your challenge is marked with a stigma – like drug addiction.

Recently, Bernard McLeroy, a Certified Peer Support Specialist in Myrtle Beach was recognized by the Myrtle Beach City Council for a Veterans’ Awareness Series he coordinates at the Chapin Memorial Library.

Bernard McLeroy, peer support specialist with the Myrtle Beach Community Based Outpatient Clinic’s Mental Health service, poses with his award from the Myrtle Beach City Council for his service to the community and Veterans. (Courtesy photo)

Last month was designated as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. This simple act of volunteer donation can save a life – and that life could be the life of a Veteran, their family members or someone else touched by military service.

Charleston VAMC staff, Veterans and visitors donate blood at a recent Red Cross Blood drive held in the hospital’s main auditorium. Photo by James Arrowood.