AVANA / Association of Veterans Affairs Nurse Anesthetists

06/08/2026

✨It’s time to register for the 2026 AVANA Annual Meeting!✨

We are thrilled to invite you to the Annual Association of Veteran Affairs Nurse Anesthetists Conference, happening October 9-11 in Orlando, Florida! This is your chance to network, receive continuing education, and gain invaluable insights from our outstanding lineup of presenters.

From world-class entertainment and dining to the famous amusement parks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city's bright energy. We hope to see you there!

Follow the link below for additional information and to register:

http://avana.memberclicks.net/message2/link/60bc6698-fd96-4b11-8893-f456d419c1c3/1

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember the only known Armed Forces CRNAs to have lost their lives while serving.

After volunteering for two weeks to heroically help with massive casualties at the 71st Evacuation Hospital (Pleiku, VT) during the Vietnam War, both U.S. Army First Lieutenants Jerome “Jerry” Olmsted (pictured top) and Kenneth R. Shoemaker (pictured bottom) were returning back to their assigned hospital (67th Evacuation Hospital) at Qui Nhon. Sadly, on November 30, 1967, the C-47 transport plane they were both riding on crashed mountainside. Both CRNAs were posthumously awarded Bronze Stars for “heroic or meritorious achievement or service.”

Today, you can leave a virtual remembrance for either on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s website:

• https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/38665/JEROME-E-OLMSTED/

• https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/47249/KENNETH-R-SHOEMAKER-JR/

Armed Forces CRNA Appreciation Month remember 1LTs Jerome Olmsted and Kenneth R. Shoemaker and express our tremendous gratitude to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country 🫡🇺🇸

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

From the moment U.S. Army veteran Traci Davis walks into a dance therapy session at VA Tampa, dance movement therapist Brittni Cleland is getting a vibe of a lot of factors. 🔗⬇️

05/19/2026

A first-of-its-kind milestone at Naval Hospital Jacksonville saw a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs surgeon operate within the historic facility strengthening collaboration across the military health system.

This partnership expands surgical access, improves continuity of care, and supports warfighter medical readiness by keeping clinical skills sharp and care delivery efficient.

It also advances a shared mission with the Defense Health Agency: delivering the healthcare enterprise beneficiaries deserve while sustaining a ready medical force. 💪

Learn more about how this partnership helps maintain surgical readiness across our enterprise: https://dha.mil/News/2026/05/11/18/10/VA-surgeon-operates-on-patients-in-naval-facility

05/07/2026

U.S. Army Nurses deliver expert care every day in hospitals and clinics, sustaining the health, performance, and readiness of our force.

But their mission doesn’t stop there. Trained for the demands of combat, they stand ready to deploy anytime, anywhere, bringing life saving care to the point of need in any environment.

From bedside to battlefield, they preserve combat power and ensure our Soldiers are ready to fight and win.

This National Nurses Week, we recognize the strength, skill, and commitment of our Army Nurses who answer the call no matter the mission.

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04/27/2026

The AVANA Board of Directors attended the AANA Mid Year Assembly in DC this week! 🇺🇸 It’s an honor to represent VHA CRNAs as we work to promote the highest quality care for veterans.

We would like to express appreciation for our AVANA members, AANA leadership, and all of our CRNA supporters nationwide. Our efforts are strengthened by your partnership, and your support is instrumental in our success.

Pictured below at VA Central Office: Jacob Deeds, Carrie Cromwell, Michelle Dajdumrongwood, Samuel Smith

Also pictured: AVANA BOD with AVANA ALPS Scholarship recipient Jared Battistone SRNA