Stories
VA Marion health care top stories.
The Department of Veterans Affairs celebrates Health Professions Education Week, March 11- 15, by recognizing contributions of VA faculty, health professions trainees, clinical educators, and academic affiliates who work together to care for Veterans.
We were able to sit down with Eric McCormack, whose glasswork masterpiece “Portals” earned him the prestigious 3rd Place in Applied Art at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. He brought in his artwork to share with his fellow Veterans, as well as words of encouragement.
![Shining Through: The Transformation of Veteran Eric McCormack from Soldier to Award-Winning Glass Artist](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-03/asdfsdf.jpg)
Federal Women Employee Special Emphasis Program Manager
Smiling, from ear to ear, 93 years young Marine Veteran, Donald W. Doss rolled through the crowd of Veterans and Cosmetology students at the Marion VA’s Salute to Veteran Patients Week event.
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we would like to invite you to help us honor our Vietnam Veterans by submitting a photo via email of a special Vietnam Veteran in your life. If you are a Vietnam Veteran, we would love to have you submit a photo of yourself as well!
![Help Us Honor Our Vietnam Veterans!](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-02/Picture1.png)
"We can help many veterans depending on their goals. Whether it's physical, psychological, spiritual, or emotional support, we focus on what is important to the veteran. We determine their goals and priorities in life, and that is where we begin," shares Recreation Therapist Ethan Blumhorst.
![A Year of Empowering Veterans through Our Program](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-02/Unveiling%20the%20Remarkable%20Impact%20of%20Recreation%20Therapy%20Month.png)
As we celebrate the brave women who have served our country, it is essential to shine a light on an often-overlooked aspect of their well-being - heart health.
![The Importance of Heart Health Checks for Women Veterans in Rural Communities](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-02/heart%20health%20women.png)
The American Red Cross, along with the Marion VA Health Care System, organize Quarterly blood drives at the Marion VA’s main location in Marion, Illinois, to encourage community members to participate in this noble act.
Join us on a journey through time as we delve into four pivotal moments in African American military history.
![4 Moments of Bravery in African American Military History - WW1 to Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-02/4%20Moments%20of%20Bravery%20in%20African%20American%20Military%20History.png)
If you are searching for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to join our volunteer team! Together, we can make an even greater impact and bring smiles to the faces of those who have bravely served our country.
![](https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/content.www.va.gov/img/styles/2_1_medium_thumbnail/public/2024-02/327271270_1549328265570515_277533242240862145_n.jpg)