James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (Mountain Home, TN)

11/05/2025

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that Martina Malek has been named the executive director of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC). Accordin…

11/04/2025

Salvation Army Celebrates Opening of New Wing for Veterans at Gordon Center of Hope

The Salvation Army of Johnson City has long been a beacon of support for Veterans experiencing homelessness, operating the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing at the Gordon Center of Hope since October 2009. This VA grant-funded program provides essential services such as safe shelter, food, and supportive services, including case management and education, to help Veterans progress toward permanent housing.

A significant milestone was reached on October 28, 2025, when Ms. Malek, Medical Center Director, and Dr. Dillon, Chief of Staff, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new addition to the facility. The new wing, which offers fully private rooms with bathrooms, aims to enhance the comfort and privacy of Veterans during their transition. Previously, Veterans were housed in shared rooms.

The new wing was made possible by a VA grant of $750,000 approved on September 30, 2021, contributing toward the project's total estimated cost of $1,100,000. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and rising construction costs, the Salvation Army persevered to complete the project and improve living conditions for Veterans.

The Mountain Home VA Medical Center Homeless Veterans Program has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Salvation Army, marked by collaboration and mutual referrals to and from other emergency and shelter services offered by the organization.

This new addition represents a significant step forward in providing Veterans with the dignity and support they deserve as they transition to permanent housing.

11/03/2025

10/30/2025

Happy 100th Birthday to Robert Lewis Luttrel! 🎉🎂

Born on in 1925, Robert has led an extraordinary life filled with bravery and dedication. He enlisted into the Navy on June 11, 1943, and proudly served until April 9, 1946. As a Fire Controlman Second Class (FC2/C), he was instrumental in operating and maintaining control systems for the ship's weapons, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of naval gunfire and missile systems. His service spanned both the Asiatic-Pacific and American Theaters of Operation, including a heroic involvement in the Battle of Okinawa.

Robert’s courage was tested when he survived the sinking of the USS PGM-18 in 1945. The gunboat struck a mine while minesweeping, showing Robert's resilience and determination in the face of danger.

Recently, Robert was honored for his 100th birthday and presented with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs coin and a Letter of Appreciation, honoring his birthday and dedication.

Today, we honor Robert for his incredible service and dedication to our country. Thank you, Robert, for your sacrifices and your legacy. Here's to celebrating a century of an inspirational life! 🎖️

10/27/2025

VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program supports relationship health. Contact your VA provider for assistance and information today.
https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp

10/21/2025

In the United States, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). VA can help. If you have experienced IPV, contact your Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program coordinator for resources and support.
https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Coordinators.asp

10/20/2025

The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center Dietetic Internship applications are now open.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our website for detailed application guidelines and eligibility requirements. A DPD verification statement is required, among other prerequisites.

We will be hosting an informational webinar on 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟴𝘁𝗵.

Please RSVP through our website.
https://www.dieteticinternship.va.gov/JohnsonCity/index.asp

10/17/2025

Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

Sharing a highlight from National Fall Prevention Awareness Week from the James H. Quillen Mountain Home VA Medical Center. This year we chose to implement the Annual Mobility Assessment (AMA) based on ease, feasibility, and impact we experienced using it during our spring event. Our team consisted of OT students, PT residents, staff PT's and geriatric and orthopedic residency faculty and staff. This provided a great opportunity to expand our staff's experience and knowledge with the AMA, layered learning, and was back by popular demand from our patients and VA providers!

We were also joined by Stephanie Panoncillo and Karah Gottschalk from Audiology, proving that fall prevention takes a village!

Photo credit: Somer Stahlman-Pickel