Columbia MO VA Medical Center

01/20/2026

Today, Jan. 20, is the 45th anniversary of the end of the Iran Hostage Crisis. On this day in 1981, 52 Americans taken hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran were released after 444 days of captivity. Of the 52 released on Jan. 20, 1981, Sgt. Rocky Sickmann (pictured following his release), U.S. Marine Corps, was the only Missourian.

01/19/2026

Today, Jan. 19, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr., one of our country’s—and the world’s—greatest leaders. Dr. King led the 20th century’s civil rights movement, advocating a nonviolent approach to achieve racial equality and justice for all.

Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" He believed that service is humanity’s highest calling, and he strove to bring people from all walks of life together. Collaborating with those of all ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, he encouraged Americans to join and strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge the dignity and value of every individual.

01/18/2026

Welcome Lydia Berry, RN, Truman VA’s newest Infection Preventionist Nurse!

Lydia has more than 12 years of experience in infection prevention. In 2023, she was recognized by the Arkansas Center for Nursing as one of the state’s 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40. She also served on the Arkansas board of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) from 2022 to 2024.

Lydia brings a wealth of expertise and passion for patient safety to our team. Welcome aboard!

01/17/2026

Truman VA's "Venison for Vets" program has been an amazing success. Donated deer meat distributed through Truman VA's food pantry provides Veterans experiencing food insecurity with high-quality, protein-rich venison. To learn more about this grassroots community initiative, click on the link below.

https://www.va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care/stories/new-program-helps-feed-those-who-served/

01/16/2026

Did you know that My HealtheVet kiosks are available at all Truman VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)? The kiosks allow Veterans to securely sign in to their VA.gov accounts and access My HealtheVet, the VA Travel Claim System (BTSSS), and My VA services. Veterans now can submit eligible travel claims before leaving the clinic, providing a faster, more direct method of reimbursement without completing paper forms. Kiosks also give Veterans convenient access to My HealtheVet and Secure Messaging while at the clinic if they do not have internet service or a compatible device at home.

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

Opening up about what you’re going through can make it easier to find support and prevent a crisis before it happens. Whenever you need to talk, the Veterans Crisis Line is here to listen.

Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

01/09/2026

It’s time to Defy Your Limits and get ready for the online registration for the 2026 National Veterans Golden Age Games!

Registration for the VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND WHEELCHAIR DIVISIONS will open at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Veterans will log in to the Registration4Vets platform to register.

Registration for the AMBULATORY DIVISION will open at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 29. Veterans will log in to the Registration4Vets platform to register.

Get registration ready at https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-golden-age-games/

01/09/2026

Congratulations to Susan McCoy, RN, MSN, one of Truman VA’s nurses on the Progressive Care Unit, for receiving the DAISY Award. Susan was nominated by the wife of one of our inpatient Veterans for her dedication to excellence. The nomination read, in part, “She was so compassionate and caring. She insisted I needed help dealing with what may be coming, gave me the biggest loving hug while I was there alone, and mentioned I had family to help. She asked me repeatedly if I was ok. I told her I do have a good church family. Thank you.” The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors extraordinary nurses for compassionate, skillful care. Nice job Susan!

01/08/2026

Congratulations to Lee Kendrick, an environmental services technician at Truman VA, for receiving the BEE Award. Lee was nominated by a patient for being a “customer service star.” The patient stated, in part, “His commitment to the Veterans shows respect and excellence! I have allergies, and I love the way he dusts down everything, like the lights, vents, and pictures. Great job!” The BEE Award (Being Extraordinary Every Day) is a health care recognition program that honors non-nursing staff for providing compassionate, excellent, and supportive care. Way to go Lee!

01/07/2026

Your story and experiences can shape Veteran health care.

Million Veteran Program (MVP) participants may complete the new Military Experiences and Toxic Exposures Survey in your online participant dashboard.

Survey responses help researchers better understand how your deployments, occupations, and exposure to toxic or hazardous substances may impact Veteran health and inform improvements in care.

Not yet part of MVP? Join today. www.mvp.va.gov.