As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this week alongside the Veterans we serve, it’s a perfect time to reflect on some of the many things that we’re thankful for every day at VA.
We are thankful for Veterans
We know that our world would be a very different place without Veterans, and it’s our daily goal to make sure that when they walk through our doors, they receive the care they need.
These Veterans unite us to deliver on President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. This is what drives us and what shapes the way we approach our daily work.
In short, our mission to serve Veterans is at the center of all we do. Working with the 9 million Veterans who rely on us for care inspires and motivates us to deliver the best care, and to help them live healthy and prosperous lives.
We are thankful for our medical center teams
Just as Veterans give us a reason to serve, our colleagues are why we can provide the care Veterans deserve. And we’re thankful for every member of our team.
From doctors and nurses to dentists and aides, from police officers to carpenters to cooks, VA is filled with people who are dedicated to providing excellent care to their patients and the Veteran community. You’re the reason we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
“They’re the ones that put in the extra effort,” said recreational therapist Matt Luitjohan as he described what makes a good VA employee. “They put in the extra love and the extra support. They really have their Veterans’ best interests at heart.”
We are thankful for our innovators
VA has been at the forefront of research and development for decades, and the work of experts who look for a better path forward is how we continue to make advancements.
Whether it’s improving access to care, finding personalized solutions to Veterans’ needs, or researching new ways of detection, prevention, and treatment, our research has significantly contributed to advancements in medical care for Veterans—and beyond.
“VA is an outstanding system,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, who was named as one of the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health of 2024. “You can and will make a true difference here—not only in improving the lives of Veterans, but all Americans. Innovation at VA spills over the whole world and moves humanity forward.”
We are thankful for our leaders
Providing quality health care is not without challenges, but we’re grateful to have leaders who keep us focused on our mission and give our staff the ability to provide care when and how Veterans need it.
That’s because our leaders know that it all comes back to the Veterans we serve.
“VA offers an excellent opportunity to show our reverence for our national heroes while we offer our care, expertise, and talents in several different ways,” said Dr. Hussain Haideri, M.D., acting associate chief of staff of primary care at the VA Northern California Health Care System.
“This is public service to America’s heroes. I think anybody who is interested in that or finds that calling meaningful should join VA,” said Justin Peters, an assistant medical center director.
We are thankful for what’s ahead
As with everything we do, VA looks to the future with an eye toward our ongoing duty: providing care that exceeds expectations, that helps Veterans reach their whole health, and that builds trust within the Veteran community.
To help make that future a reality, we’re recruiting the best and the brightest to VA, because your skills, talent, and commitment are what make us successful in our mission of service.
No matter your specialty, there’s a place for you at VA. We offer opportunities that are second to none across a wide range of disciplines, and this Thanksgiving, we’re thankful to be part of your future.
Work at VA
As we prepare to give thanks with friends and loved ones, our VA family remains thankful for all we have and all that we can do. Join us in this celebration of Thanksgiving and in our mission to provide the best care possible to Veterans.
