Veterans Care Archives | Veterans Care Coordination™

The Service Behind 250 Years of Freedom, 1776 to 2026, over an American flag

For nearly 250 years, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have defended our nation’s freedoms with courage and sacrifice. The nation’s oldest military branches—the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps—were established in 1775, before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Since then, millions of Americans have served in uniform across every generation,…

Veteran of the Month June 2026: Lt. Col. Joseph Benoski Jr. in Army fatigues and jungle hat, on an American flag background

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 23, 1933, Joseph Benoski was the first in his family to attend college. His parents, who never finished high school, worked hard to provide opportunities for their sons. Thanks to their sacrifices, he attended Auburn University, where he joined ROTC and discovered his calling to serve in the military.…

When Freedom Sounds Different: a service member in camouflage holding his head near a lit sparkler, over an American flag

Supporting Veterans Through the Fourth of July For many Americans, the Fourth of July means backyard barbeques, parades, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. But for some Veterans, those same sights and sounds can bring back memories they never asked to revisit. The loud booms, flashes, smoke, and unpredictability of fireworks can serve as…

Veteran of the Month April 2026: Jeff Wideman in a flight suit beside a Harrier jet, on an American flag background

Jeff Wideman’s path to a 25-year military career began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born in April 1972. He grew up in Florissant and later graduated from Oakville High School in 1991. He was the younger of two boys in the household. As a kid, Wideman loved the outdoors. He loved playing football…

On April 8, the Veterans Care Coordination team gathered to celebrate a milestone—15 years of helping Veterans and their families access the care and support they deserve. For many employees, it was a moment to reflect on the thousands of Veterans VCC has assisted over the years and the meaningful role each team member plays…

Veteran of the Month March 2026: Rudy Escobar in a Coast Guard dress uniform and cap, on an American flag background

Rudy Escobar was born in Selma, California, near Fresno, at the Selma Sanitarium—a detail he enjoys sharing because of the reactions he often gets. Growing up in a large family, Rudy is one of six children—four boys and two girls. He is the third child and second son in the family. With a significant age…

Veteran of the Month February 2026: James Bodenheimer as a young soldier standing in front of a tank, on an American flag background

James Bodenheimer was born on September 8, 1950, in Jefferson City, Tennessee. When he was three years old, his family moved to Knoxville, where he grew up on the outskirts of the city with two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. He remarked that there was always something happening when he…

2026 Cost of Living Adjustment, by Tamara Rowland, Head of Client Care: senior couple smiling at a laptop together

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Veterans and surviving spouses who receive VA pension benefits, including Pension with Aid and Attendance, is an annual increase intended to help benefits keep pace with inflation. The adjustment is based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), specifically the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage…

Collage of VCC team members smiling with senior clients in their homes, with an American flag at the corner

A Note of Gratitude From Kyle As we head into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the moments that remind us why our mission matters—and why our partnerships are so critical to our mission. This Veterans Day, our VCC team stepped out of the office and into the homes of the…

Veteran of the Month November 2025: Ray Dotson in a Navy Veteran shirt holding a framed photo of a ship

Born and raised in Alton, Missouri, Ray grew up in humble beginnings during a time when hard work and family were central to daily life. “He was born at home and grew up with oil lamps and wood stoves — no electricity,” Jodi shared. “They farmed, raised hogs and sheep, sold corn, milo, milk, and…