Post Surgeon’s Corner

Welcome to Post 280 Surgeon’s Corner. It is an honor to serve as the Surgeon for VFW Post 280. Our mission is simple and serious: to look after the health, well‑being, and dignity of every veteran, family member, and survivor connected to our Post.

Who I am:

As your Post Surgeon, I serve as a point of contact for health‑related questions, referrals, and wellness initiatives. I do not provide direct medical care, but I work to connect you with trusted resources—VA, community providers, and veteran‑focused programs—that can help.

What I do:

• Health & Wellness Resources: Share information on VA health care, eligibility, and key programs.
• Referrals & Navigation: Help point you toward local clinics, mental health services, and support organizations.
• Education & Outreach: Provide updates on topics like preventive care, toxic exposure, mental health, and new VA initiatives.
• Post Activities: Support Post events that promote physical, mental, and social wellness for veterans and their families.

If you’re facing health challenges, feeling overwhelmed by the system, or just not sure where to start, reach out. Whether it’s a question about VA care, a concern about a buddy, or a need for community resources, we’ll work together to find a path forward.

Confidentiality:

Conversations with the Post Surgeon are treated with respect and discretion. When additional help is needed, I will only involve others with your knowledge and consent, unless there is an immediate safety concern.

In crisis:

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or thinking about self‑harm, please contact emergency services or the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then Press 1 in the U.S.). Do not wait.

Contact:

Robert W. Hutchison

Post Surgeon (2026-2027)

VFW Post 280, Columbia, MO

All-American 2025-2026

robert.w.hutchison.vfw@gmail.com

(562) 413-1109

www.vfwpost280.org

You’ve already carried more than your share of the load. Let us help carry some of it now. No one at this Post has to walk alone.

 Whole Health Outpatient Schedule

Resources:

Weight Management Program for Veterans – https://www.move.va.gov/move/index.asp

Tobacco Cessation Program – https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/how-to-quit.asp

Whole Health – https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/

Nutrition and Foods – https://www.nutrition.va.gov

Suicide Prevention – https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp

National Center for PTSD – https://ptsd.va.gov

Local Community and Government

Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services – http://health.mo.gov

Preventing Lead Poisoning – http://health.mo.gov/lead

Cornerstone Caregiving Services – https://cornerstonecaregiving.com

Veteran’s Outdoor Therapy – https://veteransoutdoortherapy.org (Free Services)

Guardian Hills Veteran Healing Center – https://guardianhills.com

Marketplace Health Insurance – https://www.healthcare.gov

Office on Women’s Health – https://womenshealth.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – https://www.cms.gov

Food and Drug Administration – https://www.fda.gov