VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

03/07/2026

It's that time again! Don't forget to spring forward this weekend. ⏰

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

🇺🇸 Veteran Spotlight

Welcome to our weekly Veteran Spotlight, where we honor the stories behind the uniform and the lives shaped by service.

This week, we’re proud to feature Alvin Kirkpatrick. Alvin served in the U.S. Army from 1966–1968 after being drafted at just 20 years old. Originally from Council Bluffs, he served in Vietnam during a time that would shape the rest of his life.

When asked what stays with him most, Alvin reflects on the men who served beside him and the friend he lost in a helicopter crash. “My service made an adult out of me,” he shared. “It gave me a different perspective on life.”

Today, Alvin says he’s proud of his service and proud to be an American. He also expressed appreciation for the respectful, compassionate care he receives at VA.

We’re honored to share his story and grateful for his service.

03/05/2026

Yesterday I told the American Legion- it’s a new day at VA. We’re slashing wait times and making it easier for our women Veterans to get the care they need. The mission is simple - Veterans First. Always.

03/04/2026

Warm weather is around the corner! Did you know? Veterans, service members, dependents, and Gold Star Families receive free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. 🌄🌲🌊 https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

National Park Service - thank you!

03/04/2026

GI Bill® students: Did you verify your enrollment for February?

All VA education beneficiaries, including Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, must verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive benefit payments.

Learn more by visiting VA’s Verify School Enrollment webpage at https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/.

03/03/2026

We're Hiring! 📣
The Omaha VA is seeking a skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic. In this role, you will deliver high quality, evidence based care to oncology patients and their families, working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to support optimal patient outcomes. Learn more: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859513500

03/03/2026

Veterans, know which benefits are taxable and which are not. Knowing this information can help you accurately file your taxes and avoid unexpected surprises
• Non-taxable VA benefits: disability compensation, pension, health care, grants, and education assistance.
• Taxable: military retirement pay
Stay informed, take action, and make tax season a breeze!
news.va.gov/138085/tax-season-guidance-for-veterans/
Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.

During tax season, Veterans and their loved ones should review the following tips and resources to help them avoid tax scams.

03/02/2026

On Friday, February 27, 2026, we were deeply honored to receive a $2,000 memorial gift, along with a $1,000 matching donation, from the family of Charles “Chuck” Watson, a proud of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mr. Watson and his family were always tremendously grateful for the care and attention he received at VA. A humble man at heart, Chuck often said there were other Veterans who needed the care and services more than he did. That quiet selflessness speaks volumes about the kind of person he was.

His Primary Care provider, PA James Krahling and the PACT Team, along with his Palliative Care provider, NP Jennifer Compton and the Palliative Care Team, gathered to honor his life and legacy. His wife Jeanette, daughter Cathryn, sons Matthew and Phillip, and daughter Karen presented the memorial check in his name, a touching tribute to a man who meant so much to his family and to all of us.

Mr. Watson will be greatly missed by both his family and his VA family. We are grateful for the opportunity to have cared for him and to continue serving Veterans in his memory.

03/02/2026

Veterans, you’ve earned your benefits. VA health care is one of them. From primary care to mental health support, VA is built to serve Veterans — because your service matters.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/

02/27/2026

Join our VA Nurse Leaders for an opportunity to explore a career serving our nation’s Veterans. 🇺🇸

Tour the Grand Island VA Medical Center and participate in possible on the spot interviews for current nursing openings.

🗓Event Dates
• March 4th | 4:00–6:00 PM
• March 28th | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

📍Location
Grand Island VA Medical Center
2201 N. Broadwell Ave
Grand Island, NE 68803
Our Nurse Recruiter will be available to discuss benefits, incentives, and career pathways within the VA.

✅What to Bring
• Current resume
• Three references (at least two supervisory)

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

We look forward to meeting you and sharing what makes VA Nursing a meaningful and rewarding career.

02/27/2026