9/11 Day of Service, First CXL Procedure at VA, Veterans go to Nashville - Sept. 13, 2019

"This Week at VA" is a digital newsletter with top news and stories from across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

TOP PHOTO: Marine Corps Veteran Harry Rivenbark cleans a headstone at Culpeper National Cemetery, Virginia, Sept. 11, 2019. Rivenbark was one of more than 2,000 volunteers from Carry The Load, who partnered with the National Cemetery Administration for a day of service at 40 national cemeteries. VA photo by Adam M. Stump. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE  ABOUT THIS DAY OF SERVICE  TOP STORIES Veterans go to Nashville for songwriting retreat For three days in August, 10 Veterans found their way to Nashville, Tennessee, for an incredible songwriting journey. For each, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a storyteller, songwriter, and soul-bearer in partnership with some of the finest musicians in country music. READ MORE The future is in sight at the New Orleans VA Dr. Jody Simon performed the first corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) procedure ever completed at a VA medical center. READ MORE VA engineers design video game controller for Vet with limited mobility After a car accident left him with limited use of his hands, Marine Corps Veteran Lance Knadler could no longer play video games. This changed when VA engineers designed a controller adapted to his abilities. READ MORE Borne the Battle  On September 11, 2001, Air Force flight surgeon John Baxter showed up to work at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to a full load of patients and completing physicals–just like any other day. Halfway through his morning while getting his next patient, he saw that a civilian airliner had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. While with the patient, Baxter said he noticed the background noise in the Pentagon changed. It seemed quieter than usual. Then, he heard shouts. He opened his door and saw people running and shouting, and smoke in the hallway. Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #162 Suicide Prevention: A Marine Veteran's story Jason Mosel is one of many success stories VA is sharing this September for Suicide Prevention Month. READ MORE VANTAGE POINT Insomnia, Treatment, and finding a path to better sleep Healing Hands: Maginia Morales 'Trail to Zero' ride educates on Veteran suicide, equine therapy Activity boxes offer Veterans an escape from VA hospital routine Anyone Can Save a Life: Are you prepared for the call? #BeThere Veterans grateful at Columbia Stand Down Six ways to explore a civilian career working with other Veterans Alternative Adaptive: A look at cycling, fishing and more at the TEE Tournament VA volunteer harpist says "thank you and goodbye" VA NEWS RELEASES VA pilots first collaborative health care innovation center in Palo Alto VA's National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic marks 12th consecutive year VA Secretary Wilkie urges Speaker Pelosi to support key legislation on Veteran suicide prevention  VA achieves historic goal delivering more than 90,000 appeals decisions to Veterans in FY 2019  Every September, Suicide Prevention Month gives individuals and communities across the country an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can all prevent suicide, including among Veterans. You don't need special training to help prevent suicide, and even simple actions of support can make a real difference to a Veteran going through a difficult time. For instance, asking how a Veteran is doing — and listening — shows you care. Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.