Syracuse VA Medical Center

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

VA Golden Age Games began in 1985, long before “senior athletics” was a mainstream idea. VA recognized that aging Veterans needed more than medical care. They also needed motivation, goals, and a sense of connection. So, the Games were born with just a few hundred competitors.
Today, they’ve grown into a major event where thousands of athletes and supporters from across the country come to take part. It is a living tribute to the fact that service continues after age 50 and that strength can last a lifetime.

The Veterans Health Administration is marking 80 years of supporting Veterans of all ages and abilities just like the Golden Age Game athletes. Learn more.

https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/

04/24/2026

Our Health Administration Service (HAS) team is a vital part of the mission we carry out every day for our Veterans, providing the administrative backbone that ensures our Veterans receive the care they’ve earned. This week, we paused to recognize their dedication with HAS Week, bringing a boost of morale and camaraderie to our halls. It was a privilege to see the team’s spirit on full display during our themed dress-up days—from Band Shirts and Graphic Tees to Retro 80's and Character attire. We salute our HAS professionals for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for the character they bring to our Syracuse VA family.

04/23/2026

Today, we are taking a moment to honor the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, heart, and soul to serving those who served us. Our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do for our Veterans, and we are grateful for the dedicated service of everyone recognized during our celebrations this week.

While every hand helps, we have two truly extraordinary milestones to highlight today. We are absolutely blown away by Arthur Whitney, who has reached an incredible milestone of 20,000 hours of volunteer service. To put that in perspective, that is the equivalent of years of full-time dedication given entirely to our Veterans. Arthur, your unwavering commitment and steady presence have changed countless lives, and you are a true pillar of our community.

Please also join us in congratulating Bill Hamelin, our Volunteer of the Year! Bill has been a vital part of the Rome Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), where he is known as a dedicated advocate for our Veterans. Whether he is patiently guiding someone through technical concerns and benefits questions with the My HealtheVet program or leading the charge to successfully restart the Rome Coffee Group, Bill ensures our Veterans stay connected and supported.

To Arthur, Bill, and every single volunteer recognized this week: Thank you for your selfless service. You bring a special kind of dedication to our clinics, and our Veterans are better off because of you.

04/23/2026

Whether you’re looking for clinical care, counseling, or assistance with benefits, the Veterans Crisis Line Resource Locator tool can connect you to local support: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources/

04/22/2026

Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes behind the scenes! This Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we are taking a moment to honor the dedicated team in our lab who work tirelessly to provide the critical data needed for exceptional Veteran care.

Today, we’re bringing some fun to the facility for “Wig-Out Wednesday!” While the colorful hair adds some flair to the halls, the focus remains on the dedication our lab staff shows in every test they process and every result they verify. Their commitment is essential to our mission and the health of our Veterans.

Please join us in honoring our lab team for their tireless work and vital role they play in the Syracuse VA family!

04/22/2026

VA’s Million Veteran Program helps researchers study how genes affect health, leading to discoveries that can save lives and improve care. MVP research focuses on areas such as mental health, cancer, tinnitus, and military exposures—and you can help. Join today at http://www.mvp.va.gov?utm_source=facebook&utm_content=share_story&utm_campaign=editorial_apr2026&utm_term=April2026 or call 866-441-6075.

04/21/2026

We are incredibly proud of our staff for their overwhelming response to our recent blood drive. We didn't just meet our goal—our team shattered it! Together, we collected 33 units of life-saving blood, exceeding our target by nearly 40%.

These results represent more than just a successful drive; they represent a ripple effect of impact that moves far beyond the medical center walls.

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Dual studies on cancer metabolism and protein signaling aim to uncover new treatment strategies for veterans with kidney cancer.

04/20/2026

Join us in celebrating National Volunteer Week and the 80th Anniversary of the VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement! Visit www.volunteer.va.gov to volunteer.