Last Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health conducted a hearing on access to VA’s home and community-based services. Ideally, these services allow veterans to remain in their homes and receive support as they age. Executive Director, VA Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care, Dr. Scotte Hartronft addressed VA’s focus on expanding these services, as well as modernizing and improving systems for healthy aging including facility-based care, technological access, and geriatric expertise.
VA Answers FAQs about COVID-19 Delta Variant
The highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus strain is rapidly sweeping across the United States. Studies have shown that fully vaccinated individuals have protection against the Delta variant. Under the SAVE LIVES Act, veterans, caregivers, and spouses may receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Check with your local VA facility for vaccine clinic times.
Phillips Recalls
Philips has released a recall notification for several of their Bi Level PAP and CPAP devices, such as Dream Station. Potential health risks such as headaches, nausea, and cancer have been identified with the polyester-based polyurethane foam that reduces the machines’ noise. Philips recommends that patients using Bi Level PAP and CPAP devices discontinue use and consult their physicians. However, patients using life-sustaining mechanical ventilator devices should not discontinue use without consulting their physicians. Veterans, call the VA and ask for the Respiratory Clinic for more information.
POW/MIA Update
Navy Fireman 1st Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, 23, of Antigo, Wisconsin, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on Sept. 25, 2021, in his hometown.
Navy Radioman 3rd Class Irvin F. Rice, 22, of Detroit, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on Oct. 2, 2021.
Army Tech. Sgt. Arthur W. Countryman, 37, of Plainfield, Illinois, was assigned to Company F, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Hürtgen, Germany, when he was reported killed in action on Nov. 20, 1944. His body was not recovered. He will be buried on Aug. 6, 2021, in his hometown.
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Redgate, 24, of Brighton, Massachusetts, was a member of Battery A, 48th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 11, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir. He will be buried on Sept. 17, 2021, in Bourne, Massachusetts.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class Harold W. Lindsey, 26, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
