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Local Features

Keep up-to-date with the latest information about current events in the Durham VA Health Care System. From central to eastern North Carolina, Durham VA Staff members are doing innovative work on behalf of Veterans. Catch stories on the latest research, technology, and human interest stories that concern you, the Veteran. Also, read interesting features on some of the incredible stories of Veterans.

  • Some people are born lucky. Maybe they’re in the right place at the right time. Maybe they have a guardian angel, or perhaps it’s fate that smiles on them. But, as far as Joseph Balogh, a 104-year-old WW2 Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, that’s a question for philosophers, not him.

    World War II Veteran Mr. Joseph Balogh poses next to snapshot of a C-46 Commando at his Louisburg, North Carolina home.

  • Continuing its legacy of innovation, the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS) once again stands at the forefront of medical advancement, as its Cardiac Cath Lab performed the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) first VARIPULSE catheter ablation procedure on June 26, 2025.

    The Durham VA Electrophysiology Team poses for a group photo with an example of the VARIPULSE catheter.

  • At 71, Army Veteran Charles “Charlie Ray” Powell proves it’s never too late to embrace new challenges.

    Army Veteran Charles “Charlie Ray” Powell National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

  • “According to my greatest ability and judgment, I will do no harm or injustice to them.” The Hippocratic Oath.

    (L to R): Martha Alexander, Jason Hinger, and Amy Mathis.

  • Durham VA is the first VA Health Care System to provide oncology treatments in a Veteran’s home.

    Durham VA Oncology Nurse, as part of the Durham VA’s new home infusion therapy program.

  • Jonathan Heinrich, a former U.S. Army combat medic, never imagined that his path would lead him to become the Durham VA's Physician Assistant of the Year.

    Left side of image man in black scrubs posing in a hospital hallway. Right a soldier in fatigues in a field conducting military operations.

  • Nestled in a quiet corner of Rockingham County, North Carolina, the town of Ruffin could be easily described as a long way from anywhere, which suits U.S. Army Veteran David Riggins just fine.

    U.S. Army Veteran David Riggins poses for a photograph in the HEAL Wagon.

  • At 105 years old, Roscoe Lee Joyner has witnessed some of history’s most pivotal moments. America’s boom years of the Roaring 20s, its bust during the Great Depression, and the intense combat of Operation Overlord during World War II.

    Left: A soldier with a young girl on a tricycle. Right: Four adults around a man in a cap.

  • Veteran Pamela Merritt is a shining example of motivated, dedicated, and determined.

    Pamela Merritt (right) with daughter Shamika White (left) before and after she lost 150 pounds since starting the MOVE!

  • The Durham VA Health Care System installed two ‘Blessing Boxes’ for Veterans in need.

    Ribbon cutting during the unveiling of the Blessing Boxes