While Veterans engaged in activities and learned trades at the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS) since its inception after the Civil War, formal occupational therapy programs became components of rehabilitative care for Veterans beginning in the 20th century. This exhibit explores what type of activities were used to treat Veterans, to include items in the collection at the National VA History Center.
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Exhibits and Story Maps
Sellers Boynton Rogers: A Historic Three-Year Journey in the Pacific Campaigns
As part of the Veterans Legacy Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs encourages students and educators to research and share the stories of Veterans interred in national, state, and and tribal Veteran cemeteries. Sellers Boynton Rogers served as a combat medic during World War II and spent three years island hopping in the Pacific Campaigns. Follow his journey and discover his story through this interactive Story Map.
Exhibits and Story Maps
A Journey Through the Life and Military Service of Leroy “Ian” Brandon
As part of the Veterans Legacy Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs encourages students and educators to research and share the stories of Veterans interred in national, state, and overseas Veteran cemeteries. Leroy "Ian" Brandon served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I. Follow his journey and discover his story through this interactive Story Map.
Exhibits and Story Maps
Honor Deferred: Mary Jean Sturdevant and the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II
Inspired by a visit from Charles Lindbergh to her hometown in 1927, Mary Jean Sturdevant learned how to fly in a civilian pilot program in the late 1930s. During World War II, she joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group of highly trained female pilots that ferried newly manufactured aircraft to military installations and served as instructors for male pilots. During the war, the WASPs were considered contractors and were not recognized as Veterans until 1977. Sturdevant passed away in 2017 and is interred at Tahoma National Cemetery.
