Spokane VA Medical Center

11/14/2025

Spokane VA Community Partner, Heroes Homestead, hosted its annual Awards Gala on Veterans Day evening in the Grand Ballroom of the Spokane Club, welcoming Veterans, dignitaries, and guests. This formal event featured individual and community awards recognizing those who have significantly contributed to Heroes Homestead's mission of preventing Veteran su***de and strengthening Veteran families. With the support of numerous sponsors for their year-round activities, the gala celebrated the region's commitment to Veterans and their families. The evening's highlight was the recognition of local Veteran John Gilman from Airway Heights, WA. Gilman, a US Army Vietnam War Combat Veteran, was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during the war, an honor he had never formally received. Army Brigadier General Paul Sellers, Commanding General of the Washington Army National Guard, served as the keynote speaker and expressed his pride in honoring Gilman. General Sellers remarked, "In 1970, after his tour in Vietnam, John Gilman returned to Washington state and was discharged from Fort Lewis without having ever formally received his citations and medals. Today, 55 years later, we are finally correcting that. These were the men who ensured the lessons of Vietnam were not lost on the next generation. They taught us not only tactics but also how to lead with courage, humility, and character.

11/14/2025

Start a healthier life today! Salute to health here at Mann-Grandstaff VAMC: We are offering new classes every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00-10:30 empowering Veterans with healthy livng tips. Walk-Ins are welcome in classroom C223. Join us today!

11/14/2025

VA Home Care program provides Veterans with services they need in the comfort of their homes. From skilled nursing care to physical therapy, VA is here to support Veterans and their families. https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Home_and_Community_Based_Services.asp?utm_source=geriatrics_left_menu

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

Earlier this week, staff from the Spokane VA played a key role among the many volunteers who supported and honored Veterans during a drive-thru Veterans Day food drop and mobile market event organized by 2nd Harvest Foods of Spokane. Despite cold temperatures and morning fog, there was no lack of spirit and enthusiasm at the Merkel Sports Complex, where volunteers prepared 14,871 meals for the 176 families who participated. The Spokane Vet Center team provided its mobile unit to offer warmth to volunteers and support to Veterans facing challenges with reintegration into civilian life. The event also featured several Veteran Service Organizations expressing their gratitude as families drove through the line to receive produce, grains, canned food, eggs, meat, and other non-perishables amid the government shutdown. MGVAMC and the Spokane Vet Center extend their appreciation to 2nd Harvest Foods and VA community partners. Together, they contributed a collective 243 volunteer hours, working tirelessly to enhance the well-being of Veterans and their families.

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

More than 1.5 million Veterans live with diabetes, and many may not know they have it. Take control of your health this National Diabetes Month. Ask your VA provider about getting screened and learning your risk.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

From nursing homes to home-based primary care, VA offers a range of long-term care options tailored to meet the individual needs of Veterans. Explore services and see how we can support you and your loved ones: https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Paying_for_Long_Term_Care.asp?utm_source=geriatrics_left_menu

11/10/2025

Mann-Grandstaff VAMC and the Spokane Vet Center take immense pride in our teams throughout the year, and especially during Veterans Day. In anticipation of Tuesday’s events, the VA collaborated with American Legion Post 154 in Rathdrum, Idaho, for its annual Veterans Recognition event at Lakeland High School. The formal ceremony featured special presentations, military medleys, an elementary school choir, raffle prizes, informational displays, and a warm and delicious BBQ lunch. Among the distinguished speakers was Vietnam War Veteran Steve Cordoza, representing the NW Guardian Riders, who presented Idaho Governor Brad Little’s formal support for the event. Additionally, Bronson Baker of the Northern Lakes Fire Department—himself a US Navy Veteran—expressed gratitude for his family’s and community’s support for Veterans, while also acknowledging the ongoing impact of the Canfield Mountain shooting incident on firefighters and their families. Jason Legler from the Idaho Division of Veterans Affairs, a US Army Special Forces Veteran, reminded attendees, including the students, that “today... our military Veterans have a new mission – to strengthen and fortify our communities. To the students, please know that you don’t have to serve in the military to serve your community,” said Legler, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major. The family-friendly event concluded with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony involving the oldest and youngest Veterans, as the community came together to honor its Veterans with profound respect and admiration.

11/10/2025

Veterans at the Spokane VA are benefitting from a new "whole health" initiative designed to alleviate stress and anxiety. Val Moon, a retired Navy Master Chief who served for an impressive 43 years in both active and reserve roles, is now volunteering at the VA, where she worked for the past six years before retirement. Val has launched a 3D-Printing club for Veterans enrolled at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. “This is a lot of fun, and the possibilities are endless,” said Val, who joined the Navy at the age of 17. The club meets every Wednesday afternoon from 3 PM to 4 PM for "3D Printing 101" classes in Room C223 of the main hospital building. Additionally, the group gathers on Sundays to tackle larger, more complex 3D printing projects using non-toxic materials such as PLA. "3D printing is a novel experience for many, but it allows us to learn about designing, printing, painting, and enjoying our creations," Val explained. Ahead of Halloween, the Veterans' designs and sales at the hospital enabled the group to support Disabled Veterans and the local chapter of Blinded Veterans of America (BVA). For more information, visit the Whole Health page at https://www.va.gov/spokane-health-care/programs/whole-health/

11/10/2025

Diet modification is essential for diabetes, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up delicious food! Learn more healthy eating and cooking tips for diabetes from your VA dietitian and Healthy Teaching Kitchen classes! https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Healthy_Teaching_Kitchen.asp