Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

12/25/2025

Dear Veterans,

We want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year! No matter what tradition you celebrate during the holidays, our hope is that you are surrounded by your loved ones.

During this holiday season, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your service and sacrifice to our nation. Your service is an inspiration for us!

We also know that the holidays can be a difficult time for some of our Veterans. Any Veteran, service member, or any person that is concerned about a Veteran can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then Press 1 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ to get 24/7 assistance, confidential crisis support. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with the Crisis Line.

All of us at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) are honored to provide world-class health care to our Veterans. It is an honor for all of us at the SAVAHCS to care for our Nations Heroes.

Wishing you a festive holiday season and a New Year full of hope,

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Executive Leadership Team

12/23/2025

12/22/2025

✨ ATTENTION VETERANS! ✨

In light of the Executive Order issued on December 18, 2025, granting federal employees December 24 and 26 off, please note that the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) will remain open on December 24 and 26 for all regularly scheduled patient appointments.

Our Emergency Department will continue to operate 24/7 to serve you.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.

For questions about your appointments or other concerns, please call us at (520) 792-1450.

We’re here for you. Happy Holidays and take care!

12/22/2025

Earlier today, the spirit of the season was on full display here at the Tucson VA Medical Center.

Our incredible Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Volunteers and Youth Volunteers came together with some of our staff and leadership to assemble holiday stockings for Veteran patients spending the holidays in the hospital. Each stocking is filled with small comforts and a big reminder that our Veterans are seen, valued, and cared for during this special season.

To our volunteers: thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your heart. You’re helping bring warmth and cheer to those who need it most!

These stockings will be delivered on December 24 and 25 to our Veteran patients, spreading joy and appreciation to those who have served our nation.

12/22/2025

12/20/2025

Centenarian Celebration for Veteran Jose Lopez!

Yesterday, we had the distinct honor of celebrating an incredible milestone for Navy Veteran Jose Lopez, who turned 100 years old! Our Chief of Staff, Dr. John Kettelle, was proud to present Mr. Lopez with a plaque from the Secretary of the VA, Doug Collins, and a certificate from SAVAHCS Interim Director, Maria Nguyen.

Born in El Paso, Texas, and raised by his grandparents, Mr. Lopez is a proud father of four and a World War II Navy Veteran who bravely served in the Battle of Saipan. His rich heritage includes Native American traditions, which he passionately shares with our staff, always highlighting the importance of taking care of Mother Earth and living in harmony with nature.

Starting to work at just 12 years old, Mr. Lopez's life has been marked by dedication and hard work, a legacy that makes him extremely proud. He cherishes his Cafe con Leche and delights in his favorite dish, Chile Relleno.

Staff members are endlessly inspired by his stories and the wealth of traditional knowledge he graciously imparts, especially his tips on traditional cooking. Thank you, Mr. Lopez, for your incredible service, your wisdom, and for bringing so much joy to our community. Here's to celebrating you and the amazing life you've led!

12/20/2025

We are deeply grateful to the American Red Cross for their generous donation of Hygiene Kits to our Homeless Clinic yesterday. This meaningful contribution provides essential support to our Veterans experiencing homelessness. We truly appreciate the American Red Cross and their unwavering commitment to our nation's heroes.

If you or your organization would like to make a donation to support SAVAHCS's homeless outreach activities or other patient programs, please contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement Office at (520) 629-1822 or via email at TucsonCDCE@va.gov. Together, we can make a difference.

12/19/2025

A heartfelt thank you to VFW Post 549 for their unwavering support of our Patriot Pantry, which provides essential food supplies to our Veterans experiencing food insecurities.

Their generosity and kindness mean the world to our Veterans, and we extend our deepest gratitude for all that they do!

If you or your organization would like to make a donation to support SAVAHCS's homeless outreach activities or other patient programs, please contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement Office at (520) 629-1822 or via email at TucsonCDCE@va.gov.

12/19/2025

12/18/2025

12/18/2025

The holidays are often a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring feelings of anxiety for some.

No matter what you’re experiencing, VA treatments and resources are available: Mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/treatment.asp

12/18/2025

Congratulations to Rebecca Cordova, our latest Bee Award Recipient! Your dedication to being Extraordinary Everyday truly shows.

From a Veteran: "I would like to inform you of a quick action by Rebecca “Red” Cordova for my roommate when he was choking. Others were unsure, but Rebecca leapt into action, jumping behind that Veteran and performing the Heimlich maneuver, saving him from possible death. It was amazing to see her utilize her training in a real emergency. I truly hope you can recognize her for her heroic effort."

Thank you, Rebecca, for your bravery and unwavering commitment to our Veterans!