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Stories

Sharing Moments That Inspire: Every day at VA Providence, Veterans, staff, and community partners make a difference. Here, we spotlight their stories — from personal triumphs and innovative research to compassionate care and meaningful outreach. These moments reflect the dedication and heart behind our mission to serve those who served.

  • VA Providence’s Women Veterans Program hosted an inspiring evening on Oct. 15 at Downey Weaver American Legion Post 34 in Charlestown, bringing together Women Veterans from across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

    VA Providence's Joanne Barrett speaks to a fellow Veteran at her table while Women Veterans converse during the event.

  • Rhode Island FC’s Clay Holstad, Amos Shapiro Thompson, and Rio Hope-Gund visited VA Providence for a transformative event centered on listening and connection.

    Rhode Island FC players Amos Shapiro Thompson (Left), Clay Holtstad (Middle), and Rio Hope-Gund pose for photos VA Providence Veterans and Staff.

  • As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, the VA Providence Suicide Prevention Team hosted a Suicide Prevention Walk and Resource Fair.

    VA Providence staff and Veterans march down Chalkstone Avenue to support Veteran Suicide Prevention.

  • VA Providence hosted its first New Patient Orientation, designed to help Veterans new to the VA system understand the resources and services available to them.

    VA Providence Patient Advocates Michael Norde (Right) and Ellen Fitzgerald-Mccallum (Left) speak about their roles.

  • VA Providence leadership participated in the Center Expert and Shareholder Forum (CESF) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, reinforcing the Medical Center’s strong support for Veteran-focused research.

    VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell speaks about the importance of THRIVE during the Center Expert and Shareholder Forum (CESF).

  • On August 26, Veterans gathered in the Nutrition Department’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen for Smart Shopping: Cost-Friendly Grocery Tips for Veterans.

    VA Providence's Lynn Leclair speaks to Veterans about Smart shopping.

  • VA Providence honored Women’s Equality Day 2025 on Tuesday, August 26, in the Main Lobby, recognizing the ongoing contributions and sacrifices of Women Veterans.

    VA Providence's Jessica Madison (Left) and Joanne Barrett (Right) prepare to meet Women Veterans during the Women's Equality Day event.

  • The Varnum Armory Museum in East Greenwich hosted the Veterans Café, a social dining event designed to bring Veterans together for camaraderie, conversation, and resource sharing.

    VA Providence's Michelle Henderson speaks to a Veteran about enrolling in VA Healthcare.

  • VA Providence’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen program hosted “Healthy Eating Without Breaking the Bank,” a class focused on cost-effective ways to prepare nutritious meals.

    VA Providence Dietitian Lynn Leclair instructs Veterans on how to plan healthy meals without spending too much money!

  • Seabee Museum Memorial Park in North Kingstown was the site of the “Calling All Veterans” event, presented by RI Elder Info and sponsored by Atria Senior Living.

    VA Providence's Joanne Barrett and Justyn Charon speak to Veterans about enrolling in VA healthcare.