Tomah VA Nutrition Program: Healing, Hope, and Honor

Morning light settled over the Tomah VA Medical Center as Veterans gathered for another day of nutrition classes, MOVE! groups, and hands‑on learning. For many, like Mark, these sessions became more than appointments—they became a source of connection, support, and renewed confidence in their health journey.

In the MOVE! Orientation group, Veterans, often shared their motivations. One Veteran expressed a simple but powerful goal: “I want to be able to tie my shoes without holding my breath.” By the following November, he proudly met that goal. Another Veteran, who had jokingly said he didn’t need to be told to stop eating ice cream, learned instead how to build habits that allowed for moderation and long‑term success. After two years of support, he shared that he was maintaining weight and staying active.

The Tomah VA’s nutrition services also transformed the health of a 43‑year‑old Veteran referred for diabetes management with an A1c of 11.9. Clinical Dietitian Faye Moseley states, “Through Medical Nutrition Therapy and diabetes clinics, he eliminated a 12‑pack‑a‑day soda habit, changed his eating patterns, and brought his A1c below 7—maintaining control with only one medication”. The Veteran stated, “The skills I learned in the clinics made all the difference.”

Over time, enduring professional relationships were established. For example, a Vietnam Veteran who had collaborated with a dietitian for over fifteen years and was able to discontinue insulin treatment expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing care, noting the significance of this support to his well‑being. Such experiences have further reinforced the dietitians’ dedication to assisting individuals who have served the nation.

Although Tomah VA does not have a dedicated teaching kitchen, Registered Dietitians collaborate with Whole Health and the Women’s Clinic to offer cooking demonstrations—teaching simple recipes like heart‑healthy oatmeal or banana cookies. Events such as the Women’s Heart Health program in 2026, sparked meaningful conversations and gave participants practical tools they could use at home. Veterans also received recipes and national Healthy Teaching Kitchen resources, helping them build confidence in healthy cooking.

There are many different opportunities for Veterans to get involved, and each program meets Veterans where they are in their health journeys. MOVE! and BAM! participants frequently share that these groups help them stay accountable, prevent weight regain, and maintain levels of physical activity they might not achieve on their own. Many openly say they would likely be significantly heavier today without the ongoing support, education, and encouragement these programs provide.

Jordan Murray, Registered Dietitian, sees this impact every day. “Our MOVE groups here at the VA have benefitted the health and wellness of our Veterans in countless ways. While the general goal of the program is weight management, the progress made over 16 weeks in our MOVE program goes much further than that,” Murray said. “Hearing weekly updates from Veterans sharing their milestones is one of the highlights of my work here. That could include anything from fitting into clothes they haven’t worn in years to being able to keep up with their grandkids again. Or dance with their spouse for the first time in years.”

Murray added that the program is intentionally built for sustainable success. “The program isn’t about dramatic, short‑term changes; instead, we focus on gradually building tools and habits that Veterans can apply for the rest of their life. And in the group setting, our MOVE participants get support and feedback from their peers, which is an incredibly valuable aspect of the experience.” As a dietitian, Murray said, “I have the pleasure of seeing these Veterans gain the knowledge and confidence needed to reclaim their health and wellness.”

The numbers echo those personal stories. Participation in MOVE! has nearly doubled over the past decade, showing how many Veterans are seeking help and hope through weight management. Additionally, in FY25, almost 60 percent of participants achieved clinically meaningful weight loss, one of the program’s strongest results to date.

Beyond weight management, Veterans can access nutrition counseling, diabetes education, whole health activities, and even greenhouse planting sessions that teach hands‑on skills for growing fresh foods. Whether learning to plan meals, manage blood sugar, cook healthier dishes, or build an active lifestyle, the goal remains the same: to empower Veterans to live healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling lives.

“For me,” Lynz Jordan, Wisconsin Rapids MOVE/PACT Dietitian, reflected, “the best part is seeing Veterans reach those ‘Ah Ha’ moments. Weight loss doesn’t just add years to life—it adds life to our years. And it’s an honor to be even a tiny piece of their journey.”

The Tomah VA Nutrition Program continues to grow because Veterans continue to grow. With every class, coaching session, and shared victory—big or small—the program helps Veterans take back their health, their confidence, and their independence.

Through evidence‑based care, supportive communities, and a commitment to whole‑person wellness, the program stands as a reminder that positive change is possible at any stage of life. And as Veterans across the region keep showing, small steps taken with the right support can lead to lasting transformation.