Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

11/10/2025

Harmony for Heroes!

Patients and staff at our Savannah VA Clinic were treated to a remarkable performance by the Korean American United Methodist Church’s Children’s Orchestra. The young violinists performed a selection of classical pieces as their way of thanking Veterans for their service to our country.

The music filled the clinic, drifting up the stairs and through the hallways, reminding everyone of the harmony that comes from community and gratitude.

11/10/2025

250 Years of Honor, Courage, and Commitment

For 250 years, United States Marines have stood as defenders of our nation, on land, at sea, and in the air. From 1775 to 2025, their valor, sacrifice, and unwavering brotherhood have defined excellence.

Happy 250th Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis.

11/09/2025

What a time to be alive!

Inside the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, cutting-edge 3D printing is reshaping the way surgeons plan complex procedures. Using high-resolution CT and MRI scans, the 3D Innovation Center transforms digital imaging into lifelike anatomical models, helping surgeons operate with greater precision and giving Veterans a clearer understanding of their care.

“Because of the model, we switched to a posterior approach. It gave us outstanding exposure and allowed for a successful resection,” said Dr. Paul Womble, surgeon at Charleston VA.

More than 30 models have already been created, each one helping improve outcomes, shorten operating times, and train the next generation of VA surgeons.

Innovation in action, right here at Charleston VA. Read more here!
https://www.va.gov/charleston-health-care/stories/from-scan-to-scalpel-3d-printing-revolutionizes-surgery-at-charleston

11/08/2025

Charleston VA Hosts Prosthetics Retreat During National Prosthetics Week!

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System hosted a Prosthetics Service Retreat on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in recognition of National Prosthetics Week. The event included participation from the VISN 7 Prosthetics Representative, who will highlight Charleston’s retreat model as an example for other facilities across the network. The retreat emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the shared commitment to improving access and outcomes for Veterans who rely on prosthetic and sensory aid services.

11/07/2025

Walk-ins welcome, crawl-ins, not so much. Normally we never turn anyone away from our clinics; however, this very persistent guest had 60 teeth and no appointment at our North Charleston clinic. Our 3-foot ‘patient’ was safely relocated by wildlife pros. Veterans, 1. Gators, 0. 🐊

11/06/2025

AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE

At the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, the cornerstone of our mission is to deliver exceptional care to those who have selflessly served our nation. In this month's installment of our "Ambassadors of Excellence" series, we are proud to feature Christina Allen and Melissa Davis, a dynamic Advanced Medical Support Assistant team at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care Medical Center. This series celebrates healthcare providers who have earned remarkable praise from our Veteran patients for their dedication, compassion, and service. Show them some love!

11/04/2025

What an inspiring morning at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

Our Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System team showed up strong again this year, with 20 registered participants walking in support of Veterans, caregivers, and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Thanks to our partnership with the Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research (LCVR), we were also proud to host a sponsor table and share information about ongoing Alzheimer’s research and VA resources available to Veterans and their families.

A big thank you to everyone who registered, walked, or supported our team behind the scenes, including those who made sure our VA walkers had their purple shirts ready to go!

11/03/2025

What a day to remember!

This weekend, our community came together in the heart of downtown Charleston to celebrate our Nation’s Heroes at the 25th annual Veterans Day Parade. The energy, the pride, and the gratitude lining those streets said it all, our love for our Veterans runs deep!

Even with talk of a government shutdown, our community showed what truly matters. We stood united, side by side, honoring those who have served with courage, sacrifice, and heart. The smiles, the salutes, and the cheers reminded us that the strength of Charleston, and of our nation, comes from people who never stop showing up for one another.

To every Veteran who marched, waved, or simply watched from the crowd, thank you. You are the reason we serve, and the reason we celebrate.

11/02/2025

11/02/2025

“Nature does the healing. We just help make it possible.”
Veterans from across the Lowcountry are finding strength, community, and purpose on the water through the , a free 12-week kayaking program supported by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System’s Whole Health initiative.
Army Veteran John “Shu” Shuman said it best:
“Every time I show up, it’s a happy place. We check in, lift each other up, and make sure no one gets left behind.”
This is what Whole Health looks like, Veterans rediscovering balance, teamwork, and connection, one paddle stroke at a time.

Read their story: https://www.va.gov/charleston-health-care/stories/veterans-paddle-toward-healing-in-charlestons-coastal-waters

11/01/2025

PARADE TIME, Y'ALL!

Join us Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. for the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, a celebration honoring America’s heroes who served with courage and pride.

Route: Concord St. → Market St. → East Bay St. → Broad St. → ending at Colonial Lake
12:30 p.m. Speaker & National Anthem
1:00 p.m. Flyover & Parade start

Come out and cheer on our Veterans, military families, and community groups as they march in honor of service and sacrifice.

Tune in! The Grand Marshal will be featured on The Kelly Golden Show — catch the podcast here: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/394-the-kelly-golden-show-27490169?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true

11/01/2025

As we turn the page on October, we want to give one more shoutout to our October Ambassador of Excellence, Keith Antoine.
Keith serves in Inpatient Mental Health at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, where his compassion, calm presence and dedication make a lasting impact on the Veterans he serves.

Veterans who know Keith describe him as “friendly, kind and always professional.” One shared that “Keith makes everyone feel seen and brought joy to the floor every time he was there,” while another said his “attitude, spirit and calming vibes were contagious for all Veterans.”

Read Keith’s full story and see how he’s making a difference every day for those who served:
https://www.va.gov/charleston-health-care/stories/ambassadors-of-excellence-keith-antoine

Join us in celebrating Keith for his outstanding commitment to our mission of caring for Veterans with excellence and heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBFWS3pdntQ