VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

03/27/2026

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has opened 34 new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration! Find a VA location near you here: http://va.gov/find-locations/

03/27/2026

Meet Gary Buck, from Eagle, Nebraska, and drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. At just 18 years old, he left behind farm life in and a small-town upbringing in Murdoch, where he was raised, to Fort Lewis, Washington for basic training, then to Fort Gordon, Georgia before ultimately being deployed to Vietnam.

Stationed at Phuoc Vinh, a former U.S. Army base in southern Vietnam, Gary served in the Signal Corps but was soon pulled into convoys, patrols, and guard duty alongside the First Cavalry Division. What began as switchboard work quickly turned into front-line exposure.

“One moment that stayed with me was getting overrun on patrol,” Gary shared. “Getting hit in the middle of the night… that sound never leaves you. That’s why I don’t like the 4th of July, it sounds like rockets coming in.”

He extended his time in Vietnam so his brother wouldn’t have to serve, spending nearly 13 months in a combat zone. Like many Vietnam Veterans, Gary returned home not to celebration, but to silence and misunderstanding. “When we came home, there was nothing there,” he said.

Despite that, Gary built a life rooted in resilience. He returned to Nebraska, farmed, and ran a convenience store for 43 years. Over time, he witnessed a shift in how Veterans are treated, finally receiving the recognition that was missing for so long.

“It made me respect people more,” Gary said. “Service changes you.”

Gary’s story reflects not just the realities of war, but the strength it takes to come home, rebuild, and carry those experiences forward.

Thank you for your service, Gary and welcome home. 🇺🇸

03/26/2026

If you notice signs of crisis in a Veteran you know, don’t wait. Get connected to immediate support right now:

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

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

Why cook three nights in a row when you can cook once and get 3 meals out of it? Throw some chicken in your pressure cooker to top your baked potatoes, salads, and tacos! Talk with your VA dietitian for more healthy cooking ideas.https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/docs/Recipes/MainDishes/Pressure-Cooker-Braised-Chicken-Thighs-MAY2020.pdf

03/24/2026

03/23/2026

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Starting mental health treatment and opening up can be intimidating, but we’re here to help.

VA has resources to address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face: Mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp

03/23/2026

Join us for our VA Nursing Open House Hiring Event and Job Fair to explore a meaningful career serving our nation’s Veterans. Meet our VA Nurse Leaders, learn about opportunities across our medical centers, and participate in potential same-day interviews for current nursing openings.

Event Date & Time:
✅ Tuesday, March 24 | 4:00–8:00 PM

Location: Omaha VA Medical Center
4101 Woolworth Ave. Omaha, NE 68106

Participants will also have an opportunity to learn more about the VA’s comprehensive benefits, incentives, and long-term career pathways. Our Nurse Recruiter will be onsite to answer questions and provide guidance on the application process.

What to Bring
✅ Current resume
✅ Three professional references preferred

Questions? Contact:
Acting Nurse Recruiter: Vicky Nelson, RN
Email: Victoria.nelson@va.gov
Phone: 402-995-4159

We look forward to meeting you and sharing how you can build a rewarding career caring for America’s Veterans.

03/20/2026

Meet Keith Wingad, originally from Minooka, Minnesota and now living in Omaha.

Keith served 20 years in the U.S. Army, beginning with ROTC at the University of Minnesota in 1969, where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate, placing him among the top 5% in the nation.

Originally set to serve in Vietnam, his path shifted as the war came to an end, leading him instead to Italy. There, during a tense time in history, he led a joint unit on an Italian Air Force base, working alongside American and Italian personnel in a role that carried significant responsibility. No matter where the Army took him, one thing remained constant, his passion for flying.

“There’s just something about it…the focus, the discipline, the responsibility. I loved every minute of it.”

Determined to pursue it, Keith earned his wings, graduated at the top of Army flight school, and went on to command aviation units while flying alongside some of the most experienced pilots in the military. Throughout his career, it was the moments and the people that left the greatest impact.

One that stayed with him and shaped him as a person, happened during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when a crowded Officers Club full of aviators suddenly fell silent. “You could feel the respect. It was overwhelming.” A Medal of Honor recipient had just entered the room. "He was just a small guy, no bigger than 5'7 but what he did was so courageous, so unbelievable. What he did was save a lot of lives."

Today, Keith reflects on those experiences and shares them through his writing, preserving a lifetime of lessons in leadership, discipline, and purpose. In this chapter of life, he enjoys a quieter pace at home with his medical alert & loyal companion, Luna, licensed and certified through the Nebraska Humane Society.

Now more than ever, Keith remains grounded in the same values that guided him throughout his career.

His story is a reminder that even when the path changes, passion and purpose can carry you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Thank you, Keith, for your service and for continuing to share your story. 🇺🇸

03/20/2026

Stay tobacco-free with the Stay Quit Coach app. Create a personalized quit plan, find coping strategies for withdrawal, and more. https://mobile.va.gov/app/stay-quit-coach

03/20/2026

This week, we honor the vital role of VA in health professions education. For 80 years, VA has been the largest provider of health professions education, ensuring future providers are well-equipped to care for our Veterans. VA trains more than 124,000 health professions trainees each year, ensuring high-quality health care for the next generation of Veterans. Trainees make up about one-third of VA’s clinical workforce. Check out this video to see VA's history of training healthcare providers going back 80 years. Link to video: https://youtu.be/EufgmiMC8hk

03/19/2026

If you’re at the Omaha VA today stop by the ACC hallway before 1 pm to get information about VBA, kidney/dialysis, the new Electronic Health Record coming next year, MyHealtheVet, Veteran Directed Care, hospice, su***de prevention and music therapy. We’ll have a Hero Hub health fair every third Thursday of the month with different groups sharing information and resources.