VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a normal response to trauma and not a sign of weakness. If you are a Veteran experiencing PTSD, VA can help. Learn more at https://ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/gethelp/help_for_veterans.asp

For Dennis Carper, military service began during one of the most tense moments in American history. Fresh out of high school in Omaha, Nebraska, Dennis watched the Cuban Missile Crisis unfold in 1962 and decided it was time to serve his country.

Although he enlisted with plans to work in electronics, the United States Air Force had other ideas. Dennis was assigned to plumbing, a career field he had experience in but, initially questioned. Looking back more than 60 years later, he laughs about the experience.

“One night I called my dad and told him, ‘They’re going to make me a plumber.’ He said, ‘So what? Just be the best damn plumber and go to work.’”

That advice would shape the rest of his life.

After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and plumbing school in Texas, Dennis was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. During his four years of active duty, he worked throughout the base, supporting housing areas, aircraft facilities, missile sites, and critical infrastructure during the early years of the Cold War.

Dennis credits the Air Force with teaching him discipline, responsibility, and self-reliance.

“The military makes you grow up quick,” he said. “You learn to be self-sufficient and more particular about what you do. I’m 82 years old and I still make my bed every morning.”

When his enlistment ended in 1966, Dennis returned home and began a career at Western Electric. What started as a plumbing job became a 38-year career, where he later advanced to pipefitter. Along the way, he met his wife, raised four children, and built a life founded on the lessons he learned in uniform.

Today, Dennis remains proud of his service and grateful for the opportunities it provided. He also carries a deep appreciation for fellow Veterans, especially those who served during difficult periods of our nation’s history.

“My definition of a Veteran is someone who has pride. I’m proud that I served in the Air Force. I had no regrets.”

Thank you, Dennis, for your service to our nation and for sharing your story. 🇺🇸

THE VA IS HIRING INPATIENT REGISTERED NURSES – DAY SHIFT!

Join the Omaha VA and make your nursing career truly meaningful.
As an RN on our Medical/Surgical team, you’ll build lasting connections with Veterans, deliver hands-on care that changes lives, and grow within a supportive, mission-driven environment. With opportunities for continuous learning, collaboration, and evidence based practice, your expertise directly enhances the health and quality of life of those who served our nation.

Make an impact. Serve those who served us. Become a part of the Omaha VA team.
Apply Now: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/864997200

Holdrege VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic is HIRING RNs.

As a PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) outpatient staff nurse, you provide direct care and coordinate services for Veterans, ensuring optimal outcomes within the Ambulatory Care Department. This is an excellent opportunity for nurses to grow professionally, expand care coordination skills in a supportive, team-based environment. Bring your passion to serve Veterans, develop your plan of care skills, and contribute to exceptional patient centered care.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
The PACT RN duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Manages assigned panel(s), utilizes registries, and ensures appropriate evaluation and access is provided to patient panels.
• Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and/or guidelines.
• Provides health promotion, health education and coaching on wellness, disease prevention, and chronic care management.
• Supports colleagues and other nurses through primary care knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care.
• Evaluates outpatient outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for primary care individuals, groups, and populations.
• Responsible for the documented PACT outcomes at the program or service level.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND RESUMES TO [email protected]

If you’re participating in Cognitive Processing Therapy, the CPT Coach app can be a helpful companion for your sessions. Use it to complete worksheets, track symptoms, and practice exercises that support your progress. https://mobile.va.gov/app/cpt-coach

Have you downloaded our Couples Coach App? Couples can improve communication and build trust in their relationship. Try exercises to practice active listening so you can navigate conflict better with your partner. https://mobile.va.gov/app/couples-coach

Temporary Hours Alert!

Please note that the Omaha VA Virtual Health Resource Center (Room 1840, across from the Pharmacy) will be closed on Fridays during the following four-month period.

-Effective Dates: June 19 – October 16, 2026
-New Temporary Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed on Fridays, weekends, and federal holidays.
-Regular Friday Hours Resume: Friday, October 23, 2026

This change does not impact the Lincoln VA Clinic Virtual Health Resource Center. Their hours will remain Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. As a reminder, this facility supports Veterans, their family members and staff with access to virtual care tools by providing hands-on support, training, and help troublehshooting for VA websites and apps.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience!

Questions or concerns? Contact the Connected Health Office at 402-995-4966

For 80 years, VA health care has been shaped by research and informed by Veterans’ experience, setting the foundation for a future of exceptional health care.
Every study and every advancement builds on the one before it—pushing Veteran care forward.

Holdrege VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic is HIRING RNs.

As a PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) outpatient staff nurse, you provide direct care and coordinate services for Veterans, ensuring optimal outcomes within the Ambulatory Care Department. This is an excellent opportunity for nurses to grow professionally, expand care coordination skills in a supportive, team-based environment. Bring your passion to serve Veterans, develop your plan of care skills, and contribute to exceptional patient centered care.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

The PACT RN duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Manages assigned panel(s), utilizes registries, and ensures appropriate evaluation and access is provided to patient panels.
• Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and/or guidelines.
• Provides health promotion, health education and coaching on wellness, disease prevention, and chronic care management.
• Supports colleagues and other nurses through primary care knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care.
• Evaluates outpatient outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for primary care individuals, groups, and populations.
• Responsible for the documented PACT outcomes at the program or service level.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND RESUMES TO [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the VA Resource Fair and VA2K Walk & Roll at the Lincoln VA Clinic..

Veterans, families, VA staff, and community partners came together for an afternoon focused on health, wellness, resources, and much more. From valuable information and services to the VA2K Walk & Roll, it was great to see our community supporting one another and promoting wellness.

We appreciate all of the VA programs, community organizations, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the event a success. Thank you for supporting our Veterans and helping strengthen the community we serve.

We look forward to seeing you at future events!