Director's Message July 26, 2024

That’s why, beginning March 5, the Department of Veterans Affairs made three new groups of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. These groups include: 

• Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service.

• Veterans who were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa.

• Veterans who deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11. 

Here’s what that means for Veterans: 

• If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll. 

• If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll. 

• If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll. 

• And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxicants or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more – you can enroll, too.

Simply put, all Veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and were exposed to toxins and other hazards – at home or abroad – are eligible to enroll in VA care. This is the biggest expansion of VA care in generations, and we want you to apply as soon as possible. It’s quick and easy to enroll. You don’t need to be sick or file a claim to become eligible; all you must do is show that you served in one of those locations or operations – or participated in one of the activities that could have exposed you to toxicants or hazards. Even if you don’t think you need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or 30 years from now. Go to VA.gov/PACT to sign up. Learn more about the PACT Act and apply for benefits by visiting va.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MY-VA411. 

How to Avoid Scams

Scammers often target Veterans through marketing scams and ads which they use to get your personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and social security number. They often use this information to falsely bill for VA services, supplies, or tests either never provided or never needed. 

Some ways that scammers try to contact Veterans include phone calls, emails, and text messages. Remember, never give your information to someone that you do not fully trust. If you are contacted by someone and you think it is a scam, or if you already gave out your information but then you later begin to think it could have been a scam, please reach out to VA and let us help you. You can call the VA Office of the Inspector General at 800-488-8244 or reach out to the Office of Integrity and Compliance by emailing VHAOICHelpline@va.gov or calling 866-842-4357. 

Be safe and protect what you have earned by being mindful and avoiding suspicious contacts. 

Thoughts from Chaplain Jewel Davis

Do we remember when we first learned to ride bicycles? The uncontrollable wobble and multiple times we toppled over, got tangled in the handlebars, got back in the saddle, and tried again and again until miraculously we stayed upright; perfectly balanced and almost unstoppable? Ignoring the scrapes, the bumps, and the bruises, we were undeterred by these badges of honor that gave testimony to our unyielding determination to ride our bicycles in triumphant freedom and absolute bliss. But how far could we have gone without good front or rear wheels, two of the most important parts of a bicycle?

Wheels are vital for cyclists to get from origin to destination. At the wheel’s center is a hub to which – in combination with other elements — spokes attach and connect the wheel to its rim. The tension in these spokes help the wheel maintain its stability and structure, as well as act as a buffer for shock absorbance. Because of the hub, the essential component to which everything is connected, including the tire, wheels provide cyclists the assurance of getting from one place to another. Without them, a bike ride could be quite detrimental.

In our intricate network of collaboration and teamwork, like a hub, we are central to our organization’s progress. Each of us contributes our strengths and support, and our abilities and expertise. Interconnected like the spokes to the hub, we proactively work together to fulfill the mission and perform the vision that maintains the momentum to keeps things moving forward. We’re invested. We’re committed. We’re essential. 

On this day, may we fully recognize our centrality to the services we provide and treasure our dedication to the care of Veterans and the success of our endeavors. We can’t get to our destination without you. Blessings and mahalo.

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE 
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

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