Stories
Madison VA Hospital and Clinics stories and highlights for the Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Brent Hass conquers abuse, prison time and addictions to serve other Veterans
Army Veteran Brent Hass has a story that makes the best Hollywood thriller seem like a snoozer.
Whole Health EMPOWERS Marine Veteran to Overcome Chronic Pain
Marine Corps Veteran Connie Wilson has a similar story to others experiencing chronic pain. But, she has truly lived up to the VA program named EMPOWER by partnering with Whole Health to live life to the fullest.
Air Force Veteran Dedicates Retirement to Volunteering
Air Force Veteran Byron Degenhardt has spent much of his retirement a bit different than most, accumulating over 5357 volunteer hours at the Madison VA hospital.
Marine Veteran Served in Prison, Now Devotes Life to Other Veterans
Madison resident Shar-Ron Buie served 25 years in prison, was homeless and lost his daughter prior to VA helping turn his life around. Now the U.S. Marine Corps Veteran dedicates his life to helping other Veterans thanks to VA's HUD-VASH program.
Army Vet Takes It All in STRIDE
Army Veteran Ed Vitell has been seeking his routine medical care through the Rockford VA clinic until a few years ago when a series of health issues resulted in several hospitalizations.
Vietnam Veteran Escapes Near Death, Wonders "why me?"
After being shot twice, contracting malaria, seeing “the light" after his heart stopped and other near death situations, Marine Veteran James Foseid still questions why he survived Vietnam while so many others didn’t.
Navy Vet Becomes Voice for Early Detection after Scare
Early detection can make all the difference in the world when it comes to colorectal cancer. There may not be a better champion of this than Larry Riedl.
Chronic Illness Can't Stop Army Vet with VA Support
For U.S. Army Veteran Ken Bond, life took an unexpected turn in 1977 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the beginning of his military service.
Navy Vet an Inspiration to other Females
Not many people can claim to have their own day, but in 1985, September 28th was declared ‘Patricia Markor Day’ in the state of Illinois to recognize a Navy Veteran and VA employee who saved a life from an oncoming train.
Army Vet Takes Advantage of Second Chance after 20 Year Prison Sentence
Everyone has a story. But Richard Harris has one that stands out among most.
