Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer among Veterans, and the second most common cancer in men and women.  However, lung cancer screening and early detection can save lives.  To better address care for our Veterans, VHA has established the Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP) to foster participation in lung cancer screening, genomic testing, and precision oncology trials with the goal of tailoring treatment to the needs of the individual veterans.  This new program is a component of the VHA’s Precision Oncology Initiative, which aims to continue to create a system of excellence in oncology care within the VHA.

While great progress has been made, Veterans need more and better options.  Precision oncology means matching the right treatment to the right patient.  At the VA, we take it a step further and provide the tools, resources, and systems of excellence across the United States that fosters personalized care for Veterans, and here at VISN 8 we are proud to serve as an established lung cancer site for LPOP.

Knowing what’s going on in your lungs is easier than you think.  A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes, and when it comes to your health, knowledge is power.   Speak to your primary care doctor to find out if lung screening is right for you.

www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp

(“Did you know?” series for each week)

Did you know?

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 2.1 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in a single year.*   However, if found early, lung cancer can be treated.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes.  Speak to your doctor to find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.

VA Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

*American Lung Association.

Did you know?

Early detection, by low-dose CT screening, can decrease lung cancer mortality by up to 20 percent among high-risk populations

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes.  Speak to your doctor to find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.

VA Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

*American Lung Association.

Did you know?

There are new guidelines regarding screening and about 8 million Americans qualify as high risk for lung cancer and are recommended to receive annual screening with low-dose CT scans

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes.  Speak to your doctor to find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.

VA Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

*American Lung Association.

Did you know?

An estimated 900,000 veterans are at risk for lung cancer due to age, smoking, and environmental exposures during and after military service.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes.  Speak to your doctor to find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.

VA Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

Did you know?

In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. The VA has programs that can help with smoking cessation.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A low-dose CT scan only takes a few minutes.  Speak to your doctor to find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.

VA Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP)

Mammoth Toxic Exposure Push Could Be Biggest Congressional Health Care Effort in Years

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., is aiming for a seismic move to open up care and disability to a half-century worth of veterans sickened by toxic exposure, in what could be one of the largest health care efforts on Capitol Hill in years.

“We cannot continue to tackle this topic one disability at a time,” Takano, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said at a hearing on the matter Wednesday. “2021 should be the year, and will be the year, we pass comprehensive legislation that meets the needs of all veterans, current and future, who are exposed to toxic substances while serving our country.”

The House is looking at 15 bills, ranging from incremental improvements to help veterans navigate bureaucracy at the Department of Veterans Affairs to expanding health care to those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation and other toxic environments. Takano said the bills “offer a blueprint” for a legislative package.

The big-ticket items include presumptive care for the estimated 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits since 1990, which has been dubbed by some as the post-9/11 generation’s Agent Orange. Currently, veterans must provide a clear link between exposure and their medical conditions, which can be nearly impossible.

Takano’s announcement comes a week after Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he is building an omnibus bill on toxic exposure, aiming for a markup by Memorial Day and a floor vote later this year. Tester chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

The efforts in both chambers have a long way to go before becoming law. Multiple advocates and congressional staffers interviewed are cautiously optimistic, and all agreed that, given the momentum, this is the year to be aggressive and try to pass a big health care bill that grants presumptive care to vets sickened by burn pits.

They don’t foresee a lot of speed bumps, or lawmakers publicly going against an omnibus bill. However, the cost is expected to be enormous, which could give some lawmakers sticker shock. Even so, many argue that cost would simply be the government paying its tab for war.

“The iron is hot, and now is the time to strike. We’re in a good spot right now,” Travis Horr, director of government affairs for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told Military.com. “We’re seeing this is the year for presumptive care. … I think there could be some concern with cost, but this is included in the cost of war. No one was asking for a price tag when we went into Iraq and Afghanistan.”

It’s unclear how many veterans are sick from burn pits or have died from related illnesses. VA data shows 72% of the 15,640 burn pit-related claims since 2007 were denied. However, the data is murky at best. The agency largely got it from a word search for phrases like “burn pits” in its patient database. That means if a veteran’s medical record never specifically referenced burn pits, it’s unlikely to be represented in the data.

Meanwhile, out of the 2.5 million Global War on Terrorism veterans, 781,384 have filed claims related to respiratory issues. According to VA data obtained by Military.com, 63% were granted. Of all the GWOT veterans, 42,686 filed for claims related to cancer; 37% of those claims were granted.

The VA’s research shows GWOT veterans are three times more likely than non-deployed veterans to file claims related to respiratory issues and twice as likely to file claims for cancer.

— Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Watch and listen online: https://tinyurl.com/racgwvi-march2021
Meeting number (access code): 199 853 4496
Meeting password: uiJMAfX*828
1-404-397-1596 USA Toll Number

To Learn more about the Gulf War Research Advisory Committee please go to:
https://www.va.gov/RAC-GWVI

The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) is hiring registered nurses for positions located throughout Florida and South Georgia.

Registered nurse professionals interested in employment with VA are encouraged to attend a virtual job fair event scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Individuals can register for the event by texting ServeVets to 25000 or by visiting https://bit.ly/3oqZri1 the day of the event.

To learn more about nursing at VA, please visit: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Careers/Nursing/

Veteran’s Day Restaurants recognizing Veterans for their service.

Golden Corral
From November 1 – November 30, 2020, all active and former military members can pick up a free “thank you
meal” promotional card that’s good for one free lunch or dinner buffet and beverage. The promotional card can
Texas de Brazil
Veterans receive 25% off dinner Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12.
7-Eleven
Get a free coffee or Big Gulp on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day. Download the 7-Eleven app and sign
Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of
BJ’s Restaurant
On Veterans Day, all service members can enjoy a complimentary entree up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper, by
Bob Evans
Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans
Bubba Gump Shrimp
Military personnel and their families receive 20% off on food and retail purchases on Nov. 11, 2020.
Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings
All day long on Wednesday, November 11, veterans and active duty military who dine-in at their local B-Dubs
can receive a free one order of boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations only.
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Veterans and Active Military with valid ID will receive 3 free tenders and a drink on November 11th, 2020 at
BURGERFI
Attention all Veterans, Active Military, Armed Forces and First Responders. This Wednesday BURGERFI will be giving you all a complimentary burger of your choice. Please read the flyer for more information. THANK YOU ALL for your service
Chili’s Grill & Bar
All veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on
Cicis Pizza
Free adult buffet with valid active duty or retired military ID on 11/11/20.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
During Military Family Appreciation Month Cracker Barrel will offer in-store specials on Veterans Day for military
veterans and promotions throughout November to support military families in partnership with Operation
Denny’s
All active, non-active or retired military personnel at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide will
receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. Diners must
Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants
Einstein Bros. Bagels
On 11/11/20 veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
Famous Dave’s
On Nov. 11 in honor of Veteran’s Day all former and current military personnel will receive a free free Georgia
Fox & Hound
This Veterans Day get a free meal. Dine-in only. Not available at Schaumburg and Arlington Heights locations.
Hooters
Veterans can stop in for 10 free boneless wings with any 10 purchase from a long list of wing styles.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
All veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary entree on Nov. 11th at participating locations.
IHOP
All active duty and Veterans are invited to come in and enjoy Free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes on Monday,
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee
On Veterans Day, a free doughnut and coffee will be on the house.
Little Caesars Pizza
On Wednesday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm, veterans and active military members can receive a free
Lunch Combo, which features four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza, paired
Macaroni Grill
This Veterans Day, 11/11, all veterans and active military receive a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti
Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt
On Veterans Day, all Veterans and military personnel with a military ID or proof of service will receive a free six
ounce frozen yogurt any time of day on Veterans Day 11.11. Show a valid ID or be in uniform to receive.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
All current and former military members enjoy 20% off on November 11. Valid for parties up to 4. Must show
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
This Veterans Day all military veterans, active servicemen and women can enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca
Pilot Flying J/U.S. Pilot
All active-duty and retired military veterans get a free breakfast including a coffee, Monday through Sunday,
Publix’s –
Veterans, military personnel, and their families save 10% on groceries this Veterans Day. Exclusions apply.
Red Lobster
On Wednesday, November 11th to thank Veterans, active duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a
free appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu. To receive offer, show a valid military ID.
Red Robin
Veterans and Active Military who are Red Robin Royalty members can redeem their free Tavern Double Burger
with Steak Fries any time between 11/12 and 11/30 for Dine-in or To-Go. The offer will be automatically
Shoney’s
Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a free All You Care To Eat breakfast, to all Veterans
and Active Duty Military members on 11.11.20 from open – 11 am.
Sonny’s BBQ
On November 11, veterans and active duty military with valid ID will receive a free Pulled or Sliced Pork
sandwich plus a voucher for free BBQ Egg Rolls on a future visit.; Dine-in or takeout only.
Starbucks
On Veterans Day, active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a
Texas Roadhouse
is handing out vouchers for a free meal to all Veterans and Active Duty military from 11 am to 2 pm on Veterans
Day. Vouchers will be distributed in the parking lots at Texas Roadhouse locations.
Tijuana Flats
Active Military and Veterans will receive 50% off all adult entrees with a valid ID. Wednesday, 11-11-20. The
offer is valid for in-store and takeout orders. Orders may also be placed online on the Tijuana Flats Rewards app.
Wawa
Free coffee for veterans, active duty and family members on Wednesday, 11/11.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with valid military ID. No purchase necessary.
Ziggi’s Coffee
Veterans get a free 16 oz drink on November 11, 2020 at all ZiggiA1:B111’s Coffee locations.

VA Announces over 100 Activities and Events for Veterans During November.

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. 
SIGN UP | VIEW/SHARE  Veterans Day 2020 Virtual Events There’s no shortage of observances, parades, events, and workouts to join online! Here’s some of the largest Veterans Day events or scroll down to see the entire list. LEARN MORE Veterans Month Events (Scroll down to view 100+ events!) Veterans Day is November 11, 2020 but Veterans and their families are celebrated all month.  VIEW ALL EVENTSVeterans Day 2020 DiscountsDownload the official Veterans Day PosterVeterans Day Teaching ResourcesVeterans Day HistoryVA’s Official Veterans Day CalendarVA’s Veterans Day Page

Veterans Month EventsSpecial Guests
Nov. 4 – Q&A with Marine Veteran & WWE Superstar Stephen Kupryk
Nov. 5 – “Chief Chat” with Medal of Honor Recipient Jack Jacobs
Nov. 6 – ViT Veterans Day Gala Broadcast w/ Snoop Dogg, Kevin O’Leary
Nov. 12 – “Chief Chat” with Medal of Honor Recipient Florent Groberg
Nov. 24 – “Chief Chat” with Medal of Honor Recipients Gary Beikirch & Gary Littrell

Parades
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Virtual Parade Edinburg, Texas
Nov. 11 – New York City Veterans Day Events & Parade
Nov. 11 – 101st Annual Veterans Day Parade Leavenworth, Kansas
Nov. 11 – Virtual Charleston Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11 – Tarrant County Veterans Day Motorcade Fort Worth, Texas
Nov. 11 – Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11 – Douglas County, Oregon Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11 – San Fernando Valley Virtual Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11 – Elma, Washington Veterans Day ParadeCelebrations/Observances
Nov. 1 –  All Veterans Tribute! – Emporia, Kansas
Nov. 5 – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Branson, Missouri
Nov. 5-10 – Veterans Village in Branson, Missouri
Nov. 5 – Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Nov. 5 – Virtual Flag Raising – Coatesville, PA
Nov. 5 – Vets for Vets Celebration Show in Branson, Missouri
Nov. 7 – 100th Veterans Day Celebration Warsaw, North Carolina
Nov. 7 – Cullman Veterans Day Celebration Vinemont, AL
Nov. 7 – Free Meal – VFW Post 6441 Wimberley, Texas
Nov. 7 – VETFEST Louisiana 2020
Nov. 7 – Carnegie, Pennsylvania Free Library American Legion Day
Nov. 7 – Orange, California Field of Valor 2020
Nov. 7 – Veterans Expo Celebration Henderson, Nevada
Nov. 7 – Veterans Vehicle Procession Auburn, Washington
Nov. 8 – Virtual Veterans Tribute Program Auburn, Washington
Nov. 10 – Hampton, Virginia Medical Center Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 10 – Bronx, New York Chamber of Commerce Veteran Heroes
Nov. 11 – ***National Observance Arlington National Cemetery***
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day 2020 Loveland, Colorado
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Commission Events Mobile, Alabama
Nov. 11 – Virtual Veterans Day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nov. 11 – Minnesota Virtual Veterans Day
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony New Jersey
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Celebration Norwalk, Connecticut
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Virtual Ceremony Green, Ohio
Nov. 11 – Virtual Indianapolis Veterans Day Service and Ceremony
Nov. 11 – Dayton, Ohio Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony St. Robert, Missouri
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Virtual Ceremony New Jersey
Nov. 11 – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11 – Phoenix Virtual Veterans Day Celebration
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony Brea, California
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day at the National Korean War Veterans Memorial
Nov. 11 – Virtual Veterans Day Truckee, California
Nov. 11 – Virtual Remembrance Ceremony Auburn, Washington
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day 2020 Irvine, California
Nov. 11 – Connecticut Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11 – Virtual Veterans Day Tribute Orange, California
Nov. 11 – Scouting Salute to Service Members and their Families
Nov. 16 – The Roll Call Punta Gorda, FloridaEmployment
Nov. 2 – Virtual Career Fair for Veterans and Spouses
Nov. 3 – Texas Hiring Red, White and You, Virtual Job Fair Prep
Nov. 4 – Government Contracting Certifications for Veterans
Nov. 4 – Arming Vets to WIN in the Federal Marketplace
Nov. 5 – Tips for Dealing with Job Rejection
Nov. 6 – Ohio Veterans Hiring Overview
Nov. 10 – Amazon Entry Level and Hourly Jobs
Nov. 11 – Federal vs. Private Sector Employment
Nov. 12 – Vets@Medallia Fireside Chat on Tech Jobs
Nov. 12 – DC / Baltimore Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
Nov. 12 – Southern California Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
Nov. 16 – Birmingham, Alabama Veteran Virtual Hiring Event
Nov. 19 – Jacksonville, Florida Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
Nov. 19 – Dallas Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
Nov. 24 – National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans#VetBiz
Nov. 2 – #VetBiz Pennsylvania Entrepreneurship & Veteran Owned Resources
Nov. 2 – Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR)
Nov. 2 – #VetBiz Connecticut Entrepreneurship Resources
Nov. 2 – Finding the Right Idea – Starting your #VetBiz
Nov. 2 – Leveraging Online Community as a #VetBiz
Nov. 2 – No Cost Business Resources for Veterans #VetBiz
Nov. 2 – The Best #VetBiz to Start Right Now!
Nov. 3 – Doing Business with the VA – #VetBiz
Nov. 3 – Missouri Veteran Entrepreneurs Listening Session
Nov. 3 – Everything You Need to Know About Marketing #VetBiz
Nov. 3 – Small Business Resources for Women #VetBiz
Nov. 4 – Resources for #VetBiz
Nov. 4 – 8th Annual Bootstraps to Briefcases Veteran Conference

Fitness
Nov. 6 – Moab, Utah Veterans Day Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking
Nov. 11 – Workout of the Day for Warriors with Team RWB
Nov. 11 – Suicide Awareness Bike Ride Across North Carolina

Museums & Tours
Nov. 7 – Historical Displays & Military Vehicles Centralia, Washington
Nov. 7 – Secrets and History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Nov. 9 – Virtual Veterans Museum Showcase – Auburn, Washington
Nov. 11 – Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony at National Veterans Memorial
Nov. 11 – Lejeune Memorial Gardens Guided Tours & Veterans Walk of Honor
Nov. 11 – National Museum of Health and Medicine Virtual Veterans Day Tour
Nov. 11 – They Served: Stories From Veterans w/ First Division Museum

Special Events:
Nov. 8-14 – Veterans Film Festival
Nov. 10 – Southern Arizona Veterans Tele Town Hall
Nov. 10 – Military Caregivers in Action
Nov. 10 – Bridging the Divide: Women Who Serve
Nov. 14 – Celebrating Veterans and the Arts: A Virtual Concert
Nov. 17 – Military Child Education Summit 2020
Nov. 18 – Planning for the Worst, Hoping for the Best w/ Military Families
Nov. 20 – Olympia, Washington Veterans Stand Down

Food & Meals:
Nov. 10 – Coffee With a Vet – Eagle, Idaho
Nov. 10 – Sweet Treats for Vets – Auburn, Washington
Nov. 11 – Veterans Coffee Hour Fargo, North Dakota
Nov. 12 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution Detroit, Michigan
Nov. 13 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Charleston
Nov. 13 – Drive Through Veterans Appreciation Event Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nov. 13 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution Denver, Colorado
Nov. 19 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution San Antonio, Texas
Nov. 20 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Atlanta, Georgia
Nov. 20 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Orlando, Florida*We’re adding more every day – check the events page often!VIEW ALL EVENTS Find a VA Facility near you.  FACILITY LOCATOR Not sure where to start?  VA WELCOME KITAre You a Veteran in Crisis or Concerned About One? Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource LocatorContact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call HomeFree Help for Homeless Veterans Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless and at-risk Veterans Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends https://www.va.gov/homeless for more information Don’t know what number to call?1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is never the wrong number Have a concern, compliment, or recommendation for VA? Call the White House VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311 Want to receive this newsletter or other VA updates? 

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA. 

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