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A year ago, Air Force Veteran, Sharon Sotero, would not have been able to participate in the VA2K. Now, thanks to the support of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), Sharon
has embraced a new chapter in her life—one filled with movement, friendship, and health—participating in the VA2K at the VHSO for the first time. "I now have friends, live a healthy
lifestyle, and look forward to participating in VA activities,” Sotero said, smiling with gratitude. Her transformation is just one of many celebrated this week at the 15th Annual National
VA2K Walk and Roll event. The 15th Annual VA2K, held across the country at all VA’s, encourages physical activity with a 1.24-mile walk and supports homeless Veterans. At VHSO, this year’s
event brought together Veterans, VA employees, and community members in a powerful demonstration of compassion and collaboration. Organized through a partnership between Whole Health,
Housing and Urban Development/Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), and the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), the VA2K shines a light on the ongoing effort to
help Veterans achieve wellness and housing stability. Amber Smith, Employee Whole Health Coordinator, explained, “The annual VA2K encourages employees to donate to a great cause while living
a healthier lifestyle by getting up and moving. The 30-minute walk can be done on your lunch break with coworkers and is a great way to enjoy the fresh air.” According to CDCE, this year’s
event raised $95 in cash and collected over $150 worth of in-kind donations, including paper products and toiletries. These much-needed supplies will go directly to the 407 Veterans
currently being served by VHSO’s Homeless Program, which provides a full range of services—from street outreach and transitional housing to long-term solutions through HUD-VASH. For Navy
Veteran Terry Niemeyer, the event is a testament to the VA’s continued commitment. “Whole Health has been a lifesaver to many,” Niemeyer said. “This event is just another example of what the
VA and their employees do for us Veterans.” “This is a great event,” said Air Force Veteran Russell Ruttan. “The VA is helping employees and Veterans both to be better and do better. I
really like the updated Veteran Garden—that will be nice this year.” The Veteran’s Healing Harvest Garden is another way VHSO is contributing to homeless Veterans. The garden is located
on-site and will provide fresh produce to Veterans in need. This event is just one example of how VHSO and communities uniting with the purpose of supporting our nation’s heroes and
promoting healthy habits can lead to meaningful change. For Veterans like Sharon, Terry and Russell, that change is more than physical—it’s a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and hope.
With every step taken, the VA2K proves that even a short walk can go a long way in transforming lives. If you would like to donate, visit:
www.va.gov/fayetteville-arkansas-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/