Local opinion: We honor our Veterans, and thank them for their service

In countless ceremonies across the country, Americans are honoring Veterans — patriots who, since the war for independence, have stood watch over and defended our liberty. Veterans Day is about honoring the men and women who have worn our country’s uniforms, fought, served, and sacrificed to make our freedoms and way of life possible. We remember America’s heroes because we recognize a basic truth: The deeds of the American Veteran bind us to our noble past, strengthen us in the difficult present and inspire us to meet the future challenges we may face as a nation.

Veterans are at the center of everything we do at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Each day, our employees work tirelessly to provide compassionate health care, tailored to the unique needs of each Veteran that enter through our doors. Approximately 30% of our staff are Veterans themselves and continue their service to our Nation by caring for their fellow Veteran.

Our health care system has been a staple in southern Arizona since we first opened our door as Veterans Hospital No. 51 on August 28, 1928.

This year marked 95 years of serving Veterans at our location, and since that time we have grown to serve over 89,498 Veterans across southern Arizona. Our vision is to continue to provide more care and benefits to more Veterans than ever before.

The 2022 PACT Act expanded health care benefits for millions of Veterans exposed to toxic hazards during their service, and survivors—including many Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era and Post 9/11 Veterans. The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System has screened over 43,000 Veterans for toxic exposure. If you are a Veteran or survivor, you can learn more about the PACT act by visiting www.va.gov/PACT or by calling 1-800-MY-VA-411.

Veteran suicide remains a top clinical priority for the VA, and we continue to work tirelessly toward our goal; to end Veteran suicide. Our Suicide Prevention team has conducted over 50 community outreach events this year and has connected with more than 20,000 Veterans and Veteran supporters.

At VA.gov/REACH, you can find social media content to help spread the word to Veterans in your life.

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one contact please call 988 and then Press 1, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential crisis support.

On behalf of the more than 3,000 employees and volunteers of SAVAHCS it is our privilege to honor and serve Veterans and their families. There is no other profession more rewarding than serving our Nation’s heroes.

To our Veterans, thank you for your service.