Sara Samora

Sara Samora is a Marine Corps veteran and the veterans reporter for Stars and Stripes. A native Texan, she previously worked at the Houston Business Journal and the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. She also serves on the boards of Military Veterans in Journalism and the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals.

@SaraESamora

samora.sara@stripes.com

VA needs to train employees on abortion rules to provide proper care and safety, House Democrats say

During the lawmakers’ visits to VA medical facilities, the House VA Committee and staff members found some VA leaders and employees were not properly informed about existing VA policies regarding reproductive health care, such as the VA's maternity care directive.

VA to prioritize claims under PACT Act for veterans suffering from cancer

Senior Airman Frances Gavalis, a 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment manager, tosses unserviceable uniform items into a burn pit in Balad, Iraq, in 2008.

Toxic screening will expand to all VA facilities, veterans enrolled in the agency’s health care system

Number of homeless US vets decreased more than 11% since 2020, biggest drop in more than five years, HUD finds

VA grant opportunities will expand landlord, tenant incentives to combat veteran homelessness

Three grant opportunities offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs will expand services and incentives already provided by the agency including one that encourages landlords to rent residences to veterans, the VA announced Thursday.

VA received nearly 113,000 claims under PACT Act, urges veterans to submit claims quickly

The Department of Veterans Affairs has received nearly 113,000 claims under a new law that expands eligibility for health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins.

VA accelerates effort to get new employees at their jobs sooner to keep up with health care demands

The Department of Veterans Affairs will hold events in November to rush new employees into place and fill vacant posts faster as the agency works to hire 50,000 workers yearly to keep up with the demands and trends affecting veterans' health care.

VA's burn pit registry ineffective in helping veterans seek care, new report finds

A Department of Veterans Affairs registry used to track illnesses from burn pits and help garner treatment for sick veterans uses questionnaires that are too difficult to answer and make it useless for research about toxic exposure.

Democratic lawmakers, veterans groups sign letters urging the VA do more to provide abortion services

More than 90 veterans and advocacy groups and 55 Democratic lawmakers signed two letters showing support for efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortion services for veterans and urge the agency to do more.

VA extends delay of electronic health record launch to June 2023

The Department of Veterans Affairs has suspended the rollout of its new multibillion-dollar electronic health records system until June 2023 to allow more time to overcome recurring problems with the computer program at several hospitals across the country.

Cynthia Verrill, Linda American Legion Post 807 commander, salutes the flag during the playing of the National Anthem during the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down Aug. 24, 2018, in Marysville, California.The Stand Down gives local veterans and their families the opportunity to seek services, such as dental, veteran benifits and social security, in a sigle location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ramon A. Adelan)

Veterans, military retirees to see 8.7% boost in benefits to match Social Security increase

The cost-of living adjustment — the largest in more than 40 years — means the average recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said.

The north gate stands empty, awating for the change over on Laughlin Air Force Base, July 15, 2021. The gate will see active use starting on July 17, 2021 until upgrades on the west gate are complete. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Larsen)

Air Force ordered to pay damages to Army veteran after losing appeal in discrimination case

An administrative judge has ordered the Air Force to pay $300,000 in damages to an Army veteran after the service lost an appeal on an 8-year-old disability discrimination case, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

‘I have friends who are dying:’ Photographer’s project created to raise awareness of breast cancer, honor vets impacted by the disease

Photographer Charise Isis’ latest exhibit featuring portraits of female veterans impacted by breast cancer is now on display at the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., and Isis said she hopes it will raise awareness of the disease.

VA to open caregiver program to all veterans Saturday

The Department of Veterans Affairs will open eligibility for one of its caregiver programs to veterans starting Saturday.

More author news

Follow Us:

Sara Samora

Sign Up for Daily Headlines