VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

05/08/2026

In 1983, Mark Lowry enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17, uncertain of what came next but ready to serve. He entered through the Sea Air Mariner (SAM) program, trained at Great Lakes, Illinois and served in the reserves while finishing school.

In 1986, he went active duty and reported aboard USS Standley (CG-32) in San Diego, California. He served in Deck Department, working ship maintenance, watches, drills, and daily operations that kept the ship at sea and mission ready.

During a shipboard evolution, he suffered a serious head injury that required evacuation and long-term treatment at Naval Hospital Balboa. He later continued limited service, including assignments with VRC-30 and aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), but ongoing symptoms affected his ability to remain on active duty.

He was eventually medically separated with an honorable discharge. His Navy career ended earlier than planned.

Mark’s service included time on both a cruiser and an aircraft carrier, with firsthand experience of life at sea and the demands of the fleet. He carries forward the memory of shipmates, duty, and service.

Thank you for your service, Mark 🇺🇸

05/08/2026

Feeling on edge? Drinking more than you want? Feeling disconnected from loved ones?

You are not alone.

This Mental Health Month, hear Veterans describe the signs that helped them realize it was time to reach out for mental health care. https://www.maketheconnection.net/mental-health-month/

05/07/2026

Healer’s Touch statue dedication for Nurses Week. The audio starts about a minute into the video.

05/07/2026

You don’t have to figure it out alone. The Veterans Crisis Line is here to listen and help.
Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

05/06/2026

The signs of crisis don’t always look the way you expect. Knowing them can help you act when it matters most: VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.

05/05/2026

You can change a life by encouraging a Veteran to get the mental health care they need.

This Mental Health Month, show your support by sharing this image with your community. Learn more about Veterans' mental health. https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM/

05/04/2026

05/01/2026

🌟 VA supports young people and apprenticeships as a pathway to career success. These programs help students and young adults gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and earn while they learn.

Looking for resources for career development lessons, soft skills activities, and a remote learning guide? Learn more here:
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/educators/apprenticeship-for-young-people

05/01/2026

Meet Jeremy Sigler 🇺🇸

Originally from Blencoe, Iowa, Jeremy served nearly eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009–2016 as a diesel mechanic with the 11th Marines, including a rotation with the 31st MEU in Okinawa. His role was centered around keeping vehicles and equipment mission-ready, solving problems under pressure and making sure the job got done no matter the conditions.

Like many Veterans, Jeremy faced a difficult transition after a medical discharge. The structure and routine of military life suddenly changed, and adapting to civilian life came with its own challenges. But through it all, he carried forward the mindset the Marines helped build in him: resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.

“Things are hard. And no matter what, they get harder. But you can get past all of it, you just need that extra backing sometimes.”

Today, Jeremy works in agriculture in rural Iowa, spending long days operating tractors, hauling seed, maintaining equipment, and doing whatever the day calls for. It’s demanding work that reflects the same grit and work ethic he carried during his years of service.

Jeremy is also a proud father of four. His oldest son has dreamed of becoming a Marine since childhood, and Jeremy now finds himself guiding the next generation, encouraging his son to think ahead, do his research, and build a strong future for himself.

From Marine Corps motor pools to Iowa farm fields, Jeremy’s story is one of quiet strength, hard work, and dedication to family and community.

Thank you, Jeremy, for your service, your resilience, and the example you continue to set every day. 🇺🇸

04/30/2026

This week, VA celebrates Patient Experience Week, recognizing the dedicated staff who Own the Experience. Owning the Experience is a call to action that empowers every VA employee to deliver an excellent experience by showing empathy, understanding, responding to needs, and helping guide you through your VA and health care journey — that’s our commitment to you. Join us in celebrating VA employees who and

Improving access to VA’s resources starts with listening to the voice of the Veteran community. The over 16 million digital surveys returned by Veterans are enabling enhancements to the way VA provides care, benefits, and services.