Stories | VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care

One day, he’s this whacky guy who gets in all kinds of mischief. Next, he’s this badass Navy SEAL commander who leads his unit on a mission that makes your heart skip a beat or two.

A few months ago, Air Force Veteran Cyntrea Cotton was living in fear. After a panic attack led her to put in an end-of-lease notice on her previous apartment, she left Los Angeles to regroup in Arizona.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The consumption of wild, non-cultivated food carries inherent risk.

At West LA VA one can forage more than two dozen wild plants that are edible and offer health benefits.

At the newly opened Summit View apartment complex in Sylmar, Calif., 48 formerly homeless Veterans enjoy an expansive water view and array of amenities in a rustic, yet contemporary setting.

Four apartment buildings overlooking a body of water.

As the work leader carpenter at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Army Veteran Daniel Martin takes great pride in fixing things. “Danny,” as he prefers to be called, repairs drywall, hangs doors, and generally beautifies Building 500 for patients, staff, and visitors.

Three men standing and talking to each other.

For many Veterans returning to civilian life, knowing what benefits and services they’re eligible for can be a challenging task. The maze of options can be overwhelming for even the most connected Veterans.

Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) Lead Housing Specialist Liza Rodriguez (left) and VPAN Program Manager Anh Tran (right) discuss VPAN’s work in linking Veterans and their families to services.

At VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, a Hero’s Corner is rapidly taking shape. With newly installed outdoor exercise equipment, a renovated track and an expanding green space populated with tables, plants and pergolas, it’s becoming a respite and recreational area for Veterans in the community.

From ornate headdresses to multi-colored ceramic bowls and vibrant, paint-splashed canvases, art was on full display at the Annual Veterans Creative Arts Festival, a VA event that brought Veterans together with the exciting opportunity to earn national acclaim.

Woman explains her painting to another woman.

Veterans are learning new artistic techniques as they establish a sense of community and share what is in their hearts and on their minds during the monthly Paint & Snack workshop held at the Heroes Golf Course.

Man is instructed by a woman on painting techniques.

The electric sounds of rock music reverberated through the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus as several Veterans strummed guitars and played keyboards under the afternoon sun.