VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

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VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

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VANWIHCS serves more than 54,000 Veterans in 101 counties of Nebraska, Western Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System strives to be the benchmark of excellence and value in health care by providing exemplary services that are both patient-centered and evidence-based. This care is delivered by engaged, collaborative teams in an integrated environment that supports learning, discovery, and continous improvement. We emphasize prevention and population health and contribute to the Nations' well-being through education, research, and service in national emergencies. Visit us at www.Nebraska.va.gov on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VANWIHCS and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nebraskaiowava/ and finally on flickr at 182889810@N02/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/182889810@N02/

10/28/2026

Yesterday, the Grand Island VA Medical Center welcomed members of the Nebraska Men's Basketball team for a special visit with in our Community Living Center.

In town for an exhibition game against Kansas State that ended in an 88–84 Nebraska victory, the players took time away from the court to connect with Veterans. Veterans shared stories about their military service and the battles they fought, while players talked about their college majors and their hopes and plans for the future. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity for two generations to share experiences and learn from one another.

We would like to thank the team for making time in your busy schedules to visit our hospital. Your presence and conversations meant so much.

We also extend our appreciation to Keith Zimmer, Executive Associate AD-Life Skills, and Drew Soukup for partnering with Recreation Therapy and the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) to coordinate the visit around the team’s schedule and capture meaningful photos for our Veterans.

A special thank-you to the United Veterans Club of Grand Island for providing transportation for the team to the medical center.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this visit possible and to the Huskers for making our Veterans part of your time in Grand Island!

10/27/2026

VA recommends that with average risk for breast cancer start screening with mammography at age 40. It is recommended to repeat this test every other year.
You may choose to get a mammogram every year. For 74+, talk with your health care provider about risks and benefits.

By getting routine mammograms, you may be able to detect breast cancer early and get treatment before it spreads. Mammogram costs are covered for Veterans receiving care at VA. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov

10/26/2026

Your military service may have ended, but you’ve earned a lifetime of honor. VA is proud to serve you in your next chapter.

Get started at choose.va.gov 🇺🇸

10/23/2026

The VA Police and Employee Association are hosting a Trunk or Treat event this Saturday at the Grand Island VA Medical Center, and families are invited to join the Halloween fun!
🍬 Bring the kids for an afternoon of Halloween treats and fun!
📅 Saturday, October 24
⏰ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Grand Island VA Medical Center
South Parking Lot / Armed Forces
2201 N. Broadwell Ave.
Grand Island, NE
🦇 Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes!
🌧️ Inclement weather plan: If the weather doesn't cooperate, the event will be held in the VA's first-floor canteen.
See you there! 🎃👻

10/23/2026

Meet Kathy Lucas.

For Kathy, service didn’t end when she left the military. After 10 years in uniform, she continues serving at a place close to her heart: the Omaha VA Medical Center.

Originally from Anaheim, California, Kathy Lucas moved with her family to Ukiah in Northern California at age 12. After spending a couple of years in college, she returned home and began thinking about her future. At age 21, she decided to pursue a career in the United States Air Force, enlisting on May 12, 1982.

After completing tech school at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, she received orders to Offutt Air Force Base in 1983. As an imagery interpreter, Kathy analyzed aerial photographs to assess activity on the ground. She remained at Offutt until leaving the military in 1992 to focus on her family.

Kathy went on to spend 28 years at Hillcrest Health Services in Bellevue, where she was the company’s first IT employee. After retiring, she began volunteering at the VA, where she had received care for more than 30 years. As she says, “This is where my heart is.”

Today, aside from babysitting her grandkids, Kathy volunteers three afternoons a week, driving a golf cart to help Veterans travel between the Ambulatory Care Center and the main hospital, as well as assisting visitors at the information desk. She believes Veterans share a bond through their military service and appreciates the diversity at the VA.

“Every day I’m able to help people, makes me feel good, and I just really enjoy doing this,” Kathy says.

Now living in Loveland, Iowa, just south of Missouri Valley, Kathy and her husband, originally from Omaha, are enjoying a simpler life after raising three sons in the Omaha area. She encouraged one son to join the Air Force, and just like his mother, he also served at Offutt. They even worked in the same building, sharing a unique connection through their military experiences.

Thank you, Kathy, for your service to our nation and your continued dedication to those who served. Your commitment to Veterans is a powerful reminder that serving others doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. We’re grateful to have you as part of the VA family! 🇺🇸

10/22/2026

Wherever your travel plans take you, My HealtheVet on VA.gov makes it easy to stay connected to your care. Refill prescriptions, manage appointments, and more.

Sign in to explore your options: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/ss20221116-safe-travels-with-my-healthevet

10/21/2026

If you’re a Veteran and you’re soon turning 65 years old, you may have questions about your healthcare coverage options. In addition to your VA healthcare, you may be eligible for Medicare and TRICARE for Life. The right healthcare coverage depends on your specific needs. Learn more: https://www.va.gov/resources/veterans-turning-65-va-healthcare-medicare-and-tricare-for-life/

10/20/2026

As we close out FY26, we're thankful to the many supporters who volunteer and donate to VA Nebraska-Western Iowa to help serve Veterans. DAV Nebraska DAV

10/20/2026

Don’t let Halloween spook your nutrition! There are many tricks to make healthier versions of your favorite treats and snacks. Contact your local VA Dietitian for more ideas and recipes today.
https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/Recipes.asp

10/19/2026

On October 16 the Omaha community served 101 homeless and at risk Veterans at the annual Stand Down. Thank you to all the partners, donors, and volunteers who help make this event possible!

Address

4101 Woolworth Avenue
Omaha, NE
68105

Telephone

+18004515796

Website

http://www.Nebraska.VA.gov/

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