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Stories

Read about what's happening in our VA Western Colorado health care community.

Veteran ski instructor personifies adaptability, promotes mental wellness at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

U.S. Army Veteran Anthony “Tony” Drees was first invited to the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (Winter Sports Clinic) in 1992, when he skied on two legs.

Smiling man with one leg sits with his arm around his dog.

My pain is a two-out-of-10 thanks to Whole Health

Explore Chuck Ackerman's journey to managing pain and regaining an active lifestyle with help from VA Western Colorado Health Care System's Whole Health Program.

A cheerful man in a vibrant yellow shirt stands beside a wall adorned with a delightful mix of red and white balloons.

I didn't expect VA providers to get in a van and drive to my house

When U.S. Army Veteran James Eaton couldn’t make it to his appointment, VA Western Colorado Health Care System’s orthotics and prosthetics team drove to his home, helping him overcome distance and travel hurdles.

A man in a black t-shirt and gray shorts standing in front a vehicle with the hood open

Whole Health principles guide Veteran toward a more centered life

“I kind of missed out on a lot of life for a 30-year period,” said U.S. Navy Veteran Daniel Collins. “Drinking affected my life, and I’m picking up the pieces now.”

Man featured in two images: one smiling, one lifting weights.

Reclaiming Life After MST: A Journey of Healing and Support

Through a new and creative approach to Veterans' health care, the Sexual Health and Intimacy Group at Grand Junction VA Medical Center is helping Veterans affected by military sexual trauma.

Profile view of woman's face. Hair and neck are covered with flowers.

From Afghanistan to Aspen, USMC Veteran continues to push boundaries

A fourth tour in Afghanistan would change his life forever. The unthinkable happened fast for 25-year-old Marine Corps Veteran Ryan Garza. In 2011, an IED blast rocked the seven-ton truck he was riding in badly injuring his leg.

Veteran and amputee Ryan Garza snowboarding at Winter Sports Clinic

Upholding Valor podcast: Nell Bright, World War II WASP pilot

They were pioneers during a time their country needed them most, yet they were also America’s best kept secret until recently. The Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II paved the way for women in the military today. 100 year old WASP Veteran Nell Bright is the epitome of Upholding Valor.

Nell Bright

Video - Learning from the Past - Positioning for the Future

Throughout the VA Western Colorado Healthcare System, everyone worked tirelessly to care for our Veteran population as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States.

A Veteran receives a vaccine from a health care worker

USS Arizona survivor recalls the “date which will live in infamy”

Eighty years later he can still hear the sirens wailing from Battleship Row. The sounds are what he remembers most from that day. That, and the fires.

Ken Potts, in Navy in 1941 and in 2021

Coronavirus vaccination update

As of Friday, Oct. 22, the CDC has approved a booster for Moderna and the J&J vaccine. VA Western Colorado Health Care System is working through the details and creating the plan to administer this safely to our Veterans that would like to receive it.

A woman receiving a vaccine from a health care worker