bagwell@bagwell.com 
The following was delivered by Joseph Boatman, Chair of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Committee at the October 3, 2026 State Council Meeting. Today we are going to explore PTSD and growing old. I have been harping on you guys for twenty years now about how to identify and handle your PTSD. I think that it … Read more
Agent Orange 101 Join VA’s virtual class, Agent Orange 101: An Introduction for Vietnam Era Veterans, and learn about Agent Orange exposure, related health conditions and presumptive conditions, and the Agent Orange Registry. This free class meets Thursday, October 22, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. ET. You can attend on your personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. To … Read more
The 2026 issue of the annual Agent Orange Newsletter is now available online at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/publications/agent-orange/agent-orange-2026/index.asp. This newsletter contains the latest news and resources for Vietnam Veterans and their families. In this issue, you will find the following articles:
The United States Navy Birthday: Honoring the Service That Guards the Seas Every year on October 13, sailors, veterans, and their families pause to mark the birthday of the United States Navy. The date is not when a ship was launched, or a battle was won. It is the day a small group of colonial … Read more
The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) oversees VA programs to protect veterans’ welfare. The OIG synthesized findings from 10 inspections of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA’s) inpatient mental health services conducted between January 2024 and August 2025. This review identified recurring deficiencies in the clarity, completeness, and quality of discharge instructions, as well as … Read more
Don’t miss a Message From VA My HealtheVet on VA.gov is our new health portal for managing your health care online. We now use the email address listed in your VA.gov profile to send you any health care notifications. We want to make sure you get all your notifications about updates like prescription refills, secure … Read more
Sgt. 2Step Foundation & CMA of Texas Honor John “Swat” Swantner The Sgt. 2Step Foundation has created a new Veteran recognition initiative in partnership with the CMA of Texas, and we are asking Veteran organizations across Texas to help us share its inaugural recognition. U.S. Army Veteran John “Swat” Swantner of Bellville, Texas, will be … Read more
IMPORTANT DATES: What do I need to know about voting in person in Texas? • Anyone registered to vote may vote early, but it must be done in person unless you qualify to vote by mail. • Voters can cast ballots at any polling location in the county where they are registered to vote. Check your county election … Read more
The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to protecting the integrity of VA programs. The OIG examined how quickly the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reviewed and responded to community care providers’ requests for additional services for veterans. These requests are submitted when a community provider determines that a veteran needs more or different … Read more
Every September, as summer gives way to fall, the nation pauses to observe a day of remembrance unlike any other on the military calendar. Gold Star Mothers and Family Recognition Day does not celebrate victory or commemorate a battle. It honors something quieter and far more difficult to bear: the lifelong grief of the families … Read more