Jackson va comes to the aid of veterans affected by tornadoes | va jackson health care | veterans affairs

The aftermath of the EF4 tornado that hit Rolling Fork and Silver City, Mississippi, was devastating. Still, the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center's staff quickly mobilized to

help veterans in the area. A team of VA staff, including social workers, enrollment personnel, emergency management team members, and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff, sprang

into action immediately following the storm to assess the needs and assist Veterans. Emergency Manager Whittney Sullivan spoke about the efforts, saying, "We were heartbroken by the

destruction caused by the tornado, but we knew we had to act quickly to help our veterans in this difficult time. Our team worked tirelessly to provide support, and it was an honor to be

able to help those in need. We want our Veterans and their families to know they are not alone, and we are here to help them in any way we can." Associate Chief of Staff for Primary

Care Dr. Vicky McLean and several other team members led door-to-door outreach efforts to connect with Veterans and their families. "It was incredibly humbling to connect with these

veterans and their families," McLean said. "It was a privilege to be able to offer support during this challenging time." The tornado, with peak winds of 170 mph and a

continuous path of nearly 60 miles, left homes and communities in shambles. But the Veterans encountered during outreach remained optimistic and hopeful for the future, despite the

devastation. One veteran, whose home was directly in the tornado's path and was completely destroyed, mentioned that he and his wife survived because of their storm shelter and prayer.

Another veteran was overjoyed to see members of the VA staff walking up his driveway following the devastation. When the team introduced themselves to him, he proclaimed, "Thank God for

the VA." Through the hard work and dedication of the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Veterans in Rolling Fork and Silver City were able to receive additional assistance and

support during a challenging and difficult time. Their outreach efforts were a true testament to the VA's commitment to serving those who have served our country. Hope and compassion

will always prevail, even in the face of destruction and chaos. The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC and the Columbus, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Kosciusko, McComb, Meridian, and Natchez VA

Clinics are all part of the VA Jackson Health Care System which is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, and provide a variety of medical outpatient services to more than 54,000 Veterans.

For more information visit https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/.