CAVHCS Connection

To our Veterans, families, caregivers and community partners,

Thank you for reading this edition of CAVHCS Connection. This newsletter is one way we keep you informed about the people, programs and improvements shaping care across CAVHCS. Each story reflects our continued commitment to serving Veterans with respect, compassion and high-quality care.

I also want to recognize Executive Director Amir Farooqi for his leadership and service to CAVHCS. His work helped strengthen our organization and our commitment to Veterans, and we wish him continued success as he begins his next chapter with the VA Houston Health Care System.

As Interim Director/CEO, I am honored to continue working with CAVHCS leaders and care teams to support access, quality, safety and the overall Veteran experience across Central Alabama and west Georgia.

CAVHCS reached several milestones that matter to Veterans. The reopening of our upgraded Operating Room and Sterile Processing Services supports safer, more efficient surgical care and strengthens our ability to meet the needs of Veterans who trust us with their health care.

CAVHCS staff gather in the upgraded Operating Room and Sterile Processing Services areas following the April 15 reopening.

We also opened the first face-to-face CPAP clinic at the Tuskegee Campus. For Veterans who use CPAP equipment, this service offers another way to receive support closer to home, improve continuity of care and reduce the need for some Community Care referrals.

CAVHCS was also recognized as one of VA’s Top 10 Most Improved Sites nationwide for patient experience. This progress reflects what Veterans have shared through Veteran Signals surveys and the work underway to improve access, communication, quality and trust. Your feedback helps guide where we focus and how we continue improving.

Thank you for allowing CAVHCS to serve you. We remain committed to earning your trust, improving your experience and honoring the service of every Veteran who turns to us for care.

Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley, MHA, BSN, RN Interim Director/CEO Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Serving Veterans across Central Alabama and west Georgia Integrity • Commitment • Advocacy • Respect • Excellence

Honoring CAVHCS Centenarian Veterans

Thomas Milton Brundidge, 101

Interim Director/CEO Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley presents Army Veteran Thomas Milton Brundidge with a certificate recognizing his service during his 101st birthday celebration.

Mr. Brundidge served 28 years in the U.S. Army, including during the Korean and Vietnam wars, before continuing his service for another decade as a licensed practical nurse at the VA hospital caring for fellow Veterans.

Jack Long Jr., 100

World War II Veteran Jack Long Jr. is joined by his daughter, Yolanda Brown, and son-in-law, Derrick Brown, during his recognition.

Born in March 1926, Mr. Long served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He later dedicated 30 years to medical food service at the U.S. Air Force Regional Hospital at Maxwell Air Force Base. Mr. Long shared roughly 60 years of marriage with his late wife, Helen, and his family includes two children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is known for his love of fishing, gardening and hunting, his church service and his memorable ghost stories.

Lawrence “Skeet” Miner Jr., 103

Interim Director/CEO Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley and Mr. Miner’s daughter, Linda Stein, recognize World War II Veteran Lawrence “Skeet” Miner Jr.

CAVHCS had the privilege of recognizing Centenarian Veteran Lawrence “Skeet” Miner Jr., a 103-year-old World War II Veteran whose service reflects the courage and commitment of the Greatest Generation. Born July 18, 1923, Mr. Miner served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 as a staff sergeant specializing in transportation, supporting vital military operations during World War II. On behalf of Team CAVHCS, we thank Mr. Miner for his service and extend our best wishes for continued health and happiness. We also thank his daughter, Linda Stein, for joining us in celebrating this special recognition.

James Sneed, 103

Interim Director/CEO Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley and Mr. Sneed’s daughter and caregiver, Dr. Janet Sneed, recognize World War II Veteran James Sneed.

Born Oct. 15, 1922, Mr. Sneed served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 as a tanker during World War II. Following his military service, he built a career in wood and paper manufacturing, raised five children, overcame cancer and remained active in his church and community. At 103, he continues attending SilverSneakers classes at his local YMCA three times each week.

New Primary Care Provider Expands Access at the Dothan VA Clinic

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner Michael Brent Nance joins the Primary Care team at the Dothan VA Clinic.

Veterans in the Wiregrass region now have expanded access to primary care with the addition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner Michael Brent Nance at the Dothan VA Clinic. Nurse Practitioner Nance joins the Primary Care team supporting timely, high-quality care closer to home.

Women Veterans Gain Expanded Care Access in Columbus

Nurse Practitioner Bermetria Spratt Erskine joins the Women’s Health team at the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic.

Women Veterans in the Columbus area now have expanded access to specialized care with Nurse Practitioner Bermetria Spratt Erskine joining the Women’s Health team at the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic in Columbus, Georgia.

Riding Strong: Marine Veteran Wins Two Cycling Gold Medals

Marine Corps Veteran Aubrey “Mick” Williams is joined by his wife, Ronda, as he displays the two cycling gold medals he earned.

CAVHCS is proud to share a VA.gov story highlighting Marine Corps Veteran Aubrey “Mick” Williams, whose cycling achievements reflect resilience, determination and the value of staying active through every stage of life.

The feature celebrates the Veteran’s two cycling gold medals and underscores how recreation, movement and connection can support health, confidence and quality of life for Veterans.

Vet Fest Connects Veterans With Health Care and Benefits Resources

Veterans speak with VA representatives during the July 14 Vet Fest Resource Fair at the Montgomery VA Clinic.

CAVHCS and the Montgomery VA Regional Benefit Office hosted a Vet Fest Resource Fair July 14 at the Montgomery VA Clinic, connecting Veterans, families and caregivers with health care, benefits and support services.

The event brought Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration resources together in one location, giving attendees direct access to enrollment guidance, PACT Act information, claims assistance and whole-person support.

Veterans Explore Whole Health, Self-Care and Connection

Veterans and employees visit information tables during the CAVHCS Whole Health Expo at the Tuskegee Campus.

On April 29, the CAVHCS Whole Health Expo at the Tuskegee VA Campus brought together more than 100 Veterans and employees for an immersive look at whole-person care. The event focused on practical ways Veterans can support their health beyond appointments, including self-care, movement, nutrition, mindfulness and meaningful connection.

Participants received a Whole Health Passport and moved through 10 self-care stations focused on mindful awareness, movement, nutrition and personal development. Attendees participated in mindfulness exercises, creative arts activities and seated mobility sessions designed to support overall well-being. Firefighter mascot Sparky made a special appearance to promote safety.

Veterans interested in learning more about Whole Health can speak with their VA care team or visit VA.gov/WholeHealth for tools, resources and information about getting started.

Mental Health Fair Connects Veterans With Local Support Resources

Veterans, staff and community partners connect during a mental health outreach fair at the Tuskegee Campus theater.

Staff and community partners gathered at the Tuskegee Campus theater to connect with Veterans and share information about programs available to support their health and wellness journey.

The outreach event emphasized the importance of building strong connections as part of the recovery process. Vendors and community organizations set up resource tables, answered questions and provided information about services designed to help Veterans thrive.

CAVHCS thanks all participating vendors, community members, employees and Veterans who helped make the event a meaningful opportunity to strengthen awareness, support recovery and highlight the broad network of resources available across the area.

Lifesaving Actions Reflect Commitment to Veteran Care

CAVHCS clinical personnel are recognized by the American Red Cross for lifesaving actions during an off-duty emergency. Christopher L. Wieser, CRNA, was also recognized but is not pictured.

CAVHCS partnered with the American Red Cross to recognize three staff members whose off-duty actions helped save a life. Nurse Shavonne Smith and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Christopher L. Wieser and William S. Boehm were recognized for their rapid response during a medical emergency. Their actions reflect the readiness, compassion and commitment to service that Veterans and families rely on across CAVHCS.

Read their full stories on VA.gov:
• Nurse Springs Into Action to Save a Life
• Nurse Anesthetists Save a Life During Lunch Break

16th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll

CAVHCS employees and Veterans participate in the 16th annual VA2K Walk and Roll.

On May 20, CAVHCS held the 16th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll across Central Alabama and Columbus, Georgia. Employees and Veterans across multiple sites proudly participated as part of the “CAVHCS Steppers” team, promoting wellness and community engagement at the Tuskegee Campus, Montgomery Campus, Montgomery VA Clinic, Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, Fort Benning VA Clinic, Wiregrass VA Clinic, Dothan VA Clinic and Monroe County VA Clinic.

Thank you to everyone for promoting healthy activity while collecting essential donations to support homeless Veterans in the community.

Interfaith Last Roll Call Honors Veterans; Liberty Tree Dedicated

Pictured in front of the newly dedicated Liberty Tree, from left, are District 3 Commissioner Elise Tolbert; District 4 Commissioner Janice “Jan” Fountain; Assistant Director Tina Taylor-Jackson; Interim Director/CEO Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley; and Chief of Staff Dr. Kittra Owens.

A Vietnam Veterans of America representative carries a folded American flag during the Interfaith Memorial Day Last Roll Call of Remembrance.

The Liberty Tree Legacy marker commemorates America’s 250th birthday and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

On May 12, CAVHCS held the Interfaith Memorial Day Last Roll Call of Remembrance on the Tuskegee Campus to honor Veterans who passed away this year. The solemn ceremony brought staff, families and community members together in reflection and remembrance.

Immediately following the remembrance ceremony, CAVHCS dedicated the Liberty Tree as part of the America 250 Alabama initiative. The tree and marker serve as lasting symbols of service, sacrifice and the nation’s 250th birthday.

Celebrating Resident Veterans During Skilled Nursing Care Week

Resident Veterans take part in activities during National Skilled Nursing Care Week at the New Horizon Community Living Center.

Resident Veterans and staff participate in National Skilled Nursing Care Week activities at the New Horizon Community Living Center.

CAVHCS staff and resident Veterans gather for National Skilled Nursing Care Week activities.

CAVHCS honored National Skilled Nursing Care Week, May 10-16, at the New Horizon Community Living Center on the East Campus. This year’s observance, themed “Tapestry of Life,” recognized resident Veterans and the dedicated employees who support their care, comfort and quality of life each day.

The week opened with a worship service led by Chaplain Service, followed by an opening ceremony, a 1970s- and 1980s-themed talent show, a front lawn carnival and a block party that brought Veterans and staff together through music, laughter and community connection. The celebration continued with a team-spirit cookout and concluded with movie day and sip-and-paint activities, reflecting the spirit of dignity, creativity and connection that strengthens community living.

Compassionate Nursing Care Recognized Through DAISY Award

Registered Nurse Wendy Leonard is recognized with the DAISY Award for compassionate, skillful care.

The DAISY Award celebrates the compassionate and skillful care nurses provide every day. CAVHCS is proud to recognize Registered Nurse Wendy Leonard with a DAISY Award for the meaningful impact she had on a Veteran and family.

Nominated by the grateful spouse of a Veteran, Nurse Leonard was recognized for exceptional professionalism, compassion and integrity. The family expressed deep gratitude for her support during the Veteran’s hospitalizations and transition home.

Nursing Excellence Strengthens Care for Veterans

Registered Nurse Jessica Harris and Licensed Practical Nurse Tonya Collins are recognized among CAVHCS nursing excellence honorees.

Nursing Assistant Ebony Shackleford is recognized as a CAVHCS nursing excellence honoree.

The VA Secretary’s Awards in Nursing Excellence honor nursing professionals whose work strengthens patient care across VA medical centers. At CAVHCS, these recognitions highlight the skill, compassion and teamwork that support safe, respectful care for Veterans.

CAVHCS congratulates this year’s facility-level winners: Registered Nurse Jessica Harris, Licensed Practical Nurse Tonya Collins and Nursing Assistant Ebony Shackleford. Their professionalism and dedication continue to strengthen Veteran care across CAVHCS.