Cleveland VA Medical Center

02/28/2026

“And that’s when I realized, ‘Hey, I’m not the only one going through this, man.’ The road to recovery is extremely hard, but it’s very worthwhile. We all have to find our own paths.”

— Ray, U.S. Army Veteran

Real stories. Real Veterans. Explore more inspiring Veteran stories like Ray’s.

Follow Make the Connection for more Veteran stories.

02/28/2026

Black Veterans have served and fought bravely throughout our nation's history. We proudly remember and honor the service of these courageous Americans during Black History Month.

02/27/2026

It was an honor to welcome Dr. Lee Payne, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Health, to the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System's Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Dr. Payne met with our dedicated team members, shook hands, shared conversations, and discussed the future of Veteran health care. We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening every day in service to those who served.

02/27/2026

02/27/2026

Losing a loved one while serving can bring up feelings of anger, guilt, and helplessness. The experience can feel isolating, making the transition to civilian life challenging. Watch Veterans discuss how the mental health treatment they received taught them that they don’t have to grieve alone.

Follow Make the Connection for more Veteran stories.

02/27/2026

: Herbert R. Metoyer Jr.:
Herbert R. Metoyer Jr. earned his Army commission in April 1956. Metoyer served two years in Libya, assisting with a survey of the Sahara Desert and the search for the missing crewmen of the World War II bomber, the Lady Be Good.
While serving as a pilot in the 60s, Metoyer took an interest in jazz, and often played guitar at the officer’s club. He began writing folk songs and sent samples to Folkways Records. Herbert Metoyer Jr. retired from the army as a major in 1985.
For his service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal. Metoyer died in July 2015. He was 79.

02/26/2026

As a Veteran, your military service may have exposed you to unique factors that can increase your risk of heart disease.
In addition to traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, mental health concerns such as PTSD and depression can contribute to your risk.
The Million Veteran Program is studying ways to improve treatments for heart disease.
You can make a difference by joining MVP today. www.mvp.va.gov

02/26/2026

During the Battle of Huế, then-Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley, who was already wounded, repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. After his commanding officer was severely wounded, Canley took command and led the company into the city of Huế.

Sergeant Major Canley retired in 1981, but for his undaunted courage, selfless sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 17, 2018.

02/26/2026

The VetChange app can help you adopt a healthier approach to drinking. Get insights on daily and weekly drink recommendations and information on ways to improve drinking habits. https://mobile.va.gov/app/vetchange

02/25/2026

Celebrating Excellence in Clinical Education 🎖️

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Clinical Education Award recipients, Natalie Fiorini and Tammy Spirko, recognized at our Annual Meeting on Feb. 24.

This award honors excellence in clinical teaching, mentorship, and evidence-based practice. Natalie and Tammy exemplify a student-centered approach that fosters professional growth, ethical care, and patient safety. They directly shape the next generation of rehabilitation professionals.

Their dedication to education advances the VA mission to provide compassionate, high-quality rehabilitation care to our Veterans and to strengthen the future of clinical practice.

Congratulations, Natalie and Tammy! Thank you for your outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence. 👏

02/25/2026

: Richard Toliver: While growing up in America during World War II, Richard Toliver was enchanted by aircraft soaring the skies. He resolved to fly a plane of his own one day. People scoffed at Toliver becoming an Air Force pilot because he was a Black man in the South. His daily encounters with racial segregation intensified his personal doubts about becoming a pilot.
His hopes of flying became reality when he was admitted to the Tuskegee Institute. During orientation, Toliver met members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black aviators in the Air Force. This inspired him to join the school’s Air Force ROTC program. After completing school and with guidance from Tuskegee Airmen, Toliver joined the Air Force.
During his 26 years of service in the Air Force, Toliver flew over 4,000 hours across the world. He served in Vietnam and flew the skies of Europe, North Africa and the Persian Gulf. He qualified for TOPGUN school, a multi-week training program which accepts only the best aviation pilots in the U.S. Toliver was also among the first pilots to test the F-15 at Luke Air Force Base in 1974. Toliver defied the odds against him, serving his nation as a fighter pilot.
We honor his service.

02/25/2026