May 2026
It’s a new month here at West LA VA, and momentum continues across campus!
Change is happening all around us, and with 729 apartments for Veterans and counting, this isn’t just a place to live – it’s a living, breathing community, designed to support connection, growth, and opportunity for Veterans.
From new construction and infrastructure improvements to resource events, expanded services, and new leadership, every project, initiative, and hire is part of a larger effort to make West LA VA an even better place for Veterans, staff, and visitors alike.
Keep reading for the latest news, recent event recaps, compelling stories, and more!
Veterans Wanted to Help Build Housing on Campus!
 Veterans, you’re in demand to help build housing! Recently, VHA Vocational Rehabilitation, Power2Workers, The Veterans Collective and Walton Construction, Inc. held the 5th Veterans Construction Job Fair at West LA VA.
This event brought together companies working on West LA VA projects and Veterans looking to help build their future and community. More and more companies are looking to hire, reflecting the immense value Veterans bring to the construction industry!
Held in the green, shaded space of the Women Veteran’s Historic Rose Garden behind Building 220, employers connected with Veterans seeking opportunities as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and general laborers for ongoing campus projects.
Hiring is ongoing, and Veterans looking for more information or interested in construction opportunities should send a resume to Power2Workers at resumes@Power2Workers.org.
Meet GLA’s New Chief Experience Officer, Air Force Veteran Shannon Fisher
 Meet our new Chief Experience Officer and Air Force Veteran Mr. Shannon Fisher!
Shannon joined the team at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System earlier this year and is leading the dedicated team in the Veterans Experience Office. “I wanted this opportunity because I wanted to more directly work with Veterans; I want to improve access, improve efficiency, and overall, what we do,” he said.
Shannon has been with VA for 11 years in many different roles, touching almost all areas of operations. This has given him invaluable insight into how the system works – and how it can work better. He believes in thinking outside the box, and is eager to improve access, efficiency, and care for the Veterans we serve.
“I want Veterans to know that GLA is a safe place,” he said. “I want you to know it’s a place where you’ll receive high-quality healthcare from people who genuinely care about you. And if you have an issue, we’ll help you resolve it.”
Finding Calm in the Hive: How Beekeeping is Helping Veterans Reconnect
 Did you know that Greater LA VA has a beekeeping program for Veterans?
Held off site in Chatsworth (in the San Fernando Valley), in partnership with the Valley Hive, this remarkable program, led by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Melissa Lewis, brings Veterans into the intricate, fascinating, and calming world of the hive.
VA launched the Honeybee Initiative for Veteran's Empowerment and Support (HIVES) program in 2019 to promote connection and mindfulness for Veterans. The GLA program was launched last year and has made a powerful impact ever since. Click here to watch a video about the program.
“It’s allowed me to take my attention off of issues that I’m having,” said Army Veteran Michael Malone “It gives me a chance to breathe for the day and unwind and not be so focused on my own internal problems and other outside stimulus that I can’t control. It’s really been enlightening.”
Click here to read more about how beekeeping is helping Veterans.
VA Police Dispatch: A Literal Lifeline for Veterans in Crisis
If a Veteran in Los Angeles is considering suicide and calls for help, there’s a good chance they will be met with the calm, supportive voice of a VA Police Department (VAPD) Dispatcher.
“You have to have patience, you have to be a listening ear, and you have to have a passion for this,” said VAPD Dispatcher Lead Lesaie Brown, who spent nearly 20 years as an alarm dispatcher before coming to VAPD.
Brown has received specialized crisis intervention training that supports her and the rest of the dispatch team in these pivotal moments. She and the dispatch team are the first line of defense for Veterans and staff across the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) who call VAPD for assistance. “I will go through whatever I can to save a Veteran,” she said.
And saving Veterans from suicide is just one part of what this team does. They’re an essential arm of VAPD’s work to protect Veterans, staff, and guests at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and the other 10 clinic locations across 20,000 square miles of greater LA.
Click here to read more about the work of this critical team.
Join a Free Mosaic Class Every Friday
Are you a Veteran who enjoys art? Camaraderie? Lunch and snacks in a beautiful setting? You’re invited to a free mosaic art class, held at Heroes Golf Course on the West LA VA campus every Friday.
Offered by nonprofit arts organization Piece by Piece in collaboration with Village for Vets, the class provides a welcoming environment where Veterans can learn mosaic skills, build community with others, and enhance their overall wellness through art.
The class runs every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Heroes Golf Course, Building 329 at West LA VA. Materials, lunch, and snacks are all included!
To learn more, visit PiecebyPiece.org, email info@piecebypiece.org or call 213-459-1420.
Celebrating Earth Day at the Beautiful Veteran’s Garden
 On Wednesday, April 22nd, Veterans and staff came together for an Earth Day celebration at the green & growing Veteran’s Garden on campus!
Attendees participated in a variety of engaging activities hosted by VA Whole Health Program and their partners, VA Women’s Health, GrowGood, and the UCLA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center. Offerings included a sound bath, gentle chair yoga, tai chi, gardening demos, and more – all within the lush, tranquil setting of the garden.
If you’re a Veteran who hasn’t visited the garden yet, what are you waiting for? This healing oasis offers Gardening for Whole Health classes three days a week – plus open gardening hours two days a week. Veterans also get to take home fresh produce!
Gardening for Whole Health happens on Mondays 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 9-11 a.m., and Fridays 1-3 p.m. with open gardening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12. p.m. Volunteer days are also held every 4th Saturday of the month (except this month due to Memorial Day) and are open to the community. Come on out and get some fresh air! For more information, email VHAGLAWholeHealth@VA.gov.
Free Mobile Vet Clinic Comes to Campus
 On Friday, April 10th, the nonprofit Fix’n Fidos came to campus to offer free pet care services to Veteran residents! With all of the apartments at West LA welcoming pets, many Veterans have beloved dog or cat companions.
In the words of Fix’n Fidos Founder & President Kacey Montoya: “Veterans deserve the best care that they can possibly get, and so do their pets.” The visit was in partnership with The Veterans Collective and VA. Click here to watch a video about the clinic's visit!
Veterinary staff members provided free pet check-ups, vaccinations, some wound treatments, and other simple medical services. 41 pets were seen! Veterans were also able to sign up for free spay and neuter services for their pets, to be performed at a future date.
Visit FixnFidos.org to stay tuned for future events!
Submit Your Veteran Event or News Item!
 If you have a suggestion for a topic that affects Veterans in the GLA area (particularly West LA VA campus residents), we want to hear from you! Good topic ideas offer new or timely information, and helpful or actionable items for readers.
To be considered, please send the following information to VHAGLAMASTERPLAN@VA.gov.
- The information you’re wanting to share.
- Please provide relevant details such as dates/times/links.
- Why this is beneficial for Veterans.
- Feel free to include flyers or other materials for reference.
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