14th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll Focuses on Inclusivity for Veterans and Staff

The VA2K Walk and Roll is an annual event presented by the Employee Whole Health Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This national program has two purposes: to promote employee health and to help Veterans experiencing homelessness by collecting donations of new, unopened personal care items, feminine products, socks, and undergarments from VA2K participants.

The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus event started at the Wadsworth Theater parking lot. 

This year's VA2K Walk and Roll promoted different levels of participation, by ensuring an accessible and inclusive route on campus.

“It’s important to make everyone feel as if they can participate somehow in the event. This event is a walk and roll. The goal is to incorporate Veterans and employees of different abilities and capabilities. We picked a route that was wheelchair and scooter accessible. Being inclusive is very important and that’s what we strive for,” said Teneka Hosang, Physician Assistant, and one of three co-chairs of VA2K at West Los Angeles VA. 

A virtual dance party at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, hosted May 17, was another continuation of VA2K’s commitment to inclusivity. With the Covid-19 pandemic waning, organizers decided to keep the pandemic relic because it offered another avenue for employees to feel included and engage with the assistance of technology. 

Lindsay Levitan, Employee Whole Health Coordinator, and another co-chair of VA2K, said, “VA2K means wellness, for our staff, [and] for our Veterans. It’s promoting taking time out of your day to focus on your health and wellbeing.” 

“It’s easy to get completely absorbed by work. Taking breaks make us better employees. Going outside and getting sunshine is a good thing. We’re so lucky to live in Southern California where we have sunshine most days,” Levitan continued. 

Co-chair Marie “Mickey” Clarke, an Administrative Officer in Healthcare Transformation, expressed gratitude for the support and participation of the Veteran Community

“I think the needs of our Veterans change every day. It’s one of our responsibilities as GLA to meet those needs. Luckily for us, we have a very diverse and inclusive group of people willing to be open-minded, creative, and think outside the box to meet all the needs of our Veterans. I believe we’ve accomplished that this year with VA2K,” said Clarke. 

Frederick Meeks, an eight-year Navy Veteran, participated in the Walk and Roll for the first time this year. Meeks, a Painter in the Engineering Department, came to West Los Angeles VA three years ago. As an employee, Meeks skipped the previous two VA2K Walk and Roll events. But this year was different. 

With the encouragement of the West Los Angeles VA community, Meeks decided to take time out and participate. “I like to walk, plus I was in the Navy, so I’m used to doing PT (physical training) and exercise,” Meeks said. 

“Walking helps you be stress-free,” Meeks continued, as he started the Walk and Roll. 

The connection between self-care, whether it be stress management or physical activity, can be directly correlated to Veteran care in a myriad of ways, as Levitan pointed out. 

“When we are taking care of ourselves, we’re better able to serve our Veterans. Our Veterans really need us on so many different levels. Being able to collect items that are in need is so helpful. It’s altruistic, too. It makes us feel good by giving to others, especially Veterans,” said Levitan.