Why This Shocking Message from VA Director Will Change Everything for Veterans in 2026!

This past week, I had the privilege of visiting the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) clinics in Guam and Saipan. During my time there, I engaged with dedicated teams committed to serving Veterans and collaborated with military and community partners striving to enhance the care provided to those who have served our country. It was heartening to see the collective commitment to improving access and ensuring Veterans in the Pacific are connected to the benefits and care they have rightfully earned. I look forward to further visits to our various sites of care and building relationships within our communities.

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

In a noteworthy event this week, The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opened at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu, located at 91-1001 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707. The VAPIHCS team will be present at the memorial from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the weekend, offering support for healthcare enrollment and PACT Act registration. If you plan to visit the memorial, we encourage you to stop by and connect with our team for assistance, information, or simply to say hello. This event not only serves as a commemoration of those who served in Vietnam but also emphasizes the ongoing need for support among Veterans today.

Whole Health: A New Year’s Resolution

As we step into January, many people grapple with the idea of New Year’s resolutions and what they entail. Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life often face the same challenge. This year, however, consider adopting a more structured approach by setting a SMART goal. SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Action-oriented
• Realistic
• Time-based

Using SMART goals as part of a personal health plan aligns with your Mission, Aspiration, and Purpose. Achieving goals that resonate with what truly matters to you can be a transformative experience. This philosophy aligns well with the VA’s Whole Health initiative, which offers a holistic approach blending conventional care with complementary and integrative health services. For more information and resources, check out our VAPIHCS Whole Health Resource page.

Lessons from Nature

Sharing reflections from Chaplain Richie Charles, the simple lessons found in nature can impart profound truths about life. For example, consider the journey of a seed. Before a seed can grow into a towering tree, it must first establish a robust root system by growing downward. This process symbolizes humility and the foundation necessary for future growth. Just as the seed's development may not always be visible, our own personal growth often occurs beneath the surface.

Humility is not about self-deprecation; it involves a genuine understanding and acknowledgment of our strengths and limitations. It is through this humility that personal growth can truly flourish. The act of “descending to rise” is a crucial lesson for everyone, especially those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Moreover, while few enjoy the feeling of being “buried” under challenges, the seed knows that soil holds the nutrients essential for its growth. Similarly, setbacks and hardships can feel overwhelming, yet they often provide the very lessons needed for personal development. Embracing these challenges can lead to eventual success and fulfillment.

Why does a seed transform into a tree? The answer lies in the realization that the potential for greatness is already within it. By breaking free from its “shell,” the seed can fulfill its purpose. This principle applies to us as well; we must embrace our potential and strive to become who we were always meant to be.

In conclusion, the visits to VAPIHCS clinics and events like The Wall That Heals serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing commitment to Veterans' health and well-being. The holistic approaches offered through initiatives like Whole Health underscore the importance of nurturing both physical and mental health, while insights from nature encourage us to grow, adapt, and embrace our journeys.

Thomas A. Steinbrunner, FACHE
Interim Executive Director
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System