Communication Is Veteran Health Care: VA TVHS Graduates Two New Public Affairs Specialists

Abigail Woodruff and Bailey Breving spent the past two years training in the public affairs program, gaining experience that directly supports Veterans’ access to information and services. 

The TCF program is a highly competitive, two-year career-ladder initiative designed to build a pipeline of skilled professionals for roles across VA. Participants are selected to receive structured training, mentorship, and assignments within their career department. Unlike an internship or fellowship, TCF participants are placed into a permanent position within their field upon the successful completion of the program meaning graduates are prepared to step into roles where they can immediately contribute to VA’s mission. 

Woodruff brought a strong academic background to the program, graduating from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in news media and political science and a master’s degree in journalism and media studies - both completed within four years. During her time in the TCF program, she led and supported multiple media campaigns and products, including the All Employee Survey and stem cell transplant coverage that amplified TVHS initiatives and strengthened Veteran outreach. 

“The program has been an incredible journey of growth and learning. Throughout the program, I gained invaluable skills and knowledge that have significantly enhanced my professional capabilities,” she said. “I encourage everyone aspiring for a technical career to apply.” 

Breving entered the program with a unique perspective as both a Veteran and a professional communicator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in digital communications from Oregon State University after serving in the U.S. Army as a public affairs broadcast specialist, where she completed a six-month broadcasting training course at the Defense Information School. Through her unique lens as a Veteran, she contributed to several communication campaigns, most notably a breast cancer awareness initiative that highlighted the services offered by VA’s Women’s Health program. She is currently pursuing an Accredited in Public Relations + Military Communication credential to further strengthen her expertise and to amplify the voices of Veterans and service members. 

“As a Veteran, it’s important to me to give back to the Veteran community,” she said. “The TCF program offered an in-depth look at how VA TVHS operates and how effective communication can improve the care Veterans receive. For me, success means fewer Veterans saying, ‘I didn’t know the VA could do that for me.’” 

Both graduates also took advantage of the TCF program’s dedicated training funds to earn nationally recognized certifications in marketing. They earned dual credentials: the Certified Digital Marketing Professional from the Digital Marketing Institute and the Professional Certified Marketer from the American Marketing Association, strengthening VA’s ability to engage audiences, measure impact, and communicate effectively with Veterans, their caregivers, and their families. 

“Having Abby and Bailey on our team has been a game-changer for TVHS and the Veterans we are charged with serving,” Hannah McDuffie, chief of public affairs and TCF graduate, said. “They both hit the ground running on day one, bringing a plethora of innovative ideas and have set the bar quite high in what good, strategic communications looks like for a health care organization.” 

Public affairs plays a vital role in how VA communicates with the Veterans it serves. Specialists in this field are responsible for telling VA’s story through media relations, digital marketing, social media, community engagement, legislative affairs, and internal communications to ensure Veterans and their families understand the care and resources available to them. They also amplify the voices of Veterans to highlight their unique experiences, making sure their stories shape and guide VA’s work. 

Public affairs is just one of nearly 20 TCF programs across VA that prepares professionals in areas ranging from engineering and finance to logistics and human resources. Together, these programs build a skilled workforce of professionals needed to deliver care and services to Veterans. The graduation of these two specialists from the TCF program underscores VA’s dual commitment of delivering high-quality health care to Veterans today while investing in the workforce that will carry the mission forward tomorrow.