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Stories

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

Thriving after trauma: Veteran’s 40-year battle to heal, overcome and live again

“I couldn’t walk 40 years ago,” said U.S. Navy Veteran Michael Diggs. “It took a while to walk again. It was fear.”

Two shots of same man in scrubs, using wipes and changing trash can liner.

New pill-cam technology provides safer, more comprehensive GI probes without sedation

“I’m a scientific skeptic but also an early adopter. I like medical technology that takes us to the next level,” said Dr. R. Matthew Reveille, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center section chief of gastroenterology and hepatology.

Woman lying on gurney, large device beside the bed with cylindrical component extending over her abdomen.

Multiple rounds of cancer haven’t diminished Veteran’s positive outlook, gratefulness

Richard Smith, a U.S. Navy Veteran, has lived with cancer since 2012. “My first round was kidney cancer,” he said. “VA operated and removed half my kidney.”

Smiling man sitting, dog in lap, with IVs in arms; his arms raised at the elbows.

Inspiring Veterans pay it forward through quilting

When M. Scott Beaver was 14, his grandmother instilled in him a love of quilting. “She tried to show me crocheting,” he said, “but I lost my temper.”

Man and woman hold large quilt with image of an angel.

VA and community partners combat food insecurity in Colorado

In honor of Veterans Day and to combat the growing challenge of food insecurity, VA and community partners joined forces for a Feed the Children giveaway on Nov. 4.

Food Final

Patient advocates: A look at their roles and responsibilities

When people consider the role of a VA patient advocate, discussion often centers around what these individuals can and cannot do to assist Veterans.

Eastern Colorado patient advocates Beatrice Harris (left) and Jackie Klee.

Shelf-building workshops provide gun safety awareness

Veteran suicide continues to elicit nationwide concern. According to VA’s 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 71% of Veterans who commit suicide use a firearm.

Three perspectives of safe gun storage project, one revealing hidden storage.

Veteran shares unique connection with Vietnam Women’s Memorial

Ask Air Force Veteran David Chung his nationality, he’ll likely respond, “I’m a biker.” Born in Chicago in 1950, Chung, like many Americans, embodies a unique racial mix. His includes Chinese, Japanese, Irish and Native American.

U.S. Air Force Veteran David Chung at Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Veteran overcomes homelessness, becomes inspiration for others

Spend just two minutes with Air Force Veteran, E.J. Walton, and it becomes clear why a former coworker dubbed him “The Director of Happiness.”

E.J. Walton shows a hat denoting

Veteran overcomes devastating illness to reach athletic goals decades later

When Amos Murray enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager, he never imagined he’d be medically discharged just two years later for sudden kidney failure. Before his devastating medical crisis, this airborne infantryman was extremely active and an avid rock climber.

Man hanging from snowy mountain with climbing tool in mouth