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Columbia VA employees step out in support of homeless Veterans during annual VA2K

Columbia VA Health Care System employees participate in the annual VA2K Walk and Roll event on May 20, 2026.
Columbia VA Health Care System employees participate in the annual VA2K Walk and Roll event on May 20, 2026, to promote healthy lifestyles and support homeless Veterans through voluntary food and clothing donations.

By Scott Perez, Visual Information Specialist

Temperatures reached nearly 90 degrees, but the heat did not stop Columbia VA Health Care System employees from showing up in support of homeless Veterans during the annual VA2K Walk and Roll event on May 20, 2026, at the Dorn VA Medical Center Wellness Path.

The VA2K is a free, nationwide event held at VA medical centers across the country. The event encourages Veterans, employees, and community partners to live active lifestyles while also supporting homeless Veterans through voluntary donations of food and clothing items. The walk traditionally includes a short two-kilometer route, approximately 1.24 miles, making it accessible to participants of varying fitness levels.


At Columbia VA, nearly 90 participants braved the warm weather to take part in the event and support a cause tied directly to VA’s mission of serving those who served. The local event was sponsored by Employee Whole Health and HUD-VASH.


“Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s VA2K,” said Sandra Walker-Halliman, Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program Manager and Employee Whole Health Coordinator. “With nearly 90 participants, the event was a great success. We appreciate your support in helping homeless Veterans in need while promoting healthy physical activity for employees and Veterans alike.”


The VA2K Walk and Roll promotes healthier lifestyles while encouraging staff to help reduce preventable injuries and illnesses. Worksite health promotion activities such as VA2K can also enhance employee engagement, improve morale, and contribute to overall health and productivity.


For VA employees, the message was simple: When staff take care of themselves, they are better able to care for Veterans.


Despite the heat, the strong turnout reflected the commitment of Columbia VA employees to both personal wellness and the well-being of Veterans experiencing homelessness. Through every step taken and every donation made, participants helped strengthen a culture of compassion, service, and whole health across the Columbia VA Health Care System.