October 14, 2025 • 63 mins
Traditional prosthetic care can be labor and time-intensive, difficult to scale to all VA facilities, and challenging for some veterans to access. However, the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning is making progress in digital prosthetics.
Digital innovation, AI and other technologies are allowing VA to deliver prosthetic devices to disabled veterans sooner so they can play video games, feed themselves, play sports like golf and pickleball, and more. Learn more in this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast.
Other topics in this episode include changes the Pentagon is making to MREs, Chuck Yeager’s historic supersonic flight and a Vietnam veteran’s journey back to school.
The American Legion is proud to be an Associate Sponsor of Army-Navy Game presented by USAA
Dr. Ripley discusses development of 3D-printed medical devices
81-year old Vietnam War veteran graduations from Bristol College
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This is the Tal podcast. They call me.
Crazy because I'm facing I'm a giants.
They try to scare me into thinking I can fight it.
They tell me I should never eventhink a giant.
But that's just me. I'm going to live out in
defiance. Welcome, Alphas.
(00:30):
Thanks for tuning in. Today we are joined by two
amazingly smart individuals fromthe Veterans Health
Administration's Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. Yeah, that's the thing.
I didn't know it, but it is. Anyway.
These two individuals, Doctor Beth Ripley and Mr. Alex Berardo
Cates, they are doing amazing things, developing really cool
(00:50):
stuff with 3D printing and all that good jazz, but we're not
going to get deep into that too much.
Needless to say, Doctor Ripley overseas A diverse portfolio of
innovation projects across Veterans Health Administration
and she collaborates across multiple disciplines and has a
passion for innovation in human centered design.
While Mr. Berardo Cates leads aneffort to develop digital
(01:11):
manufacturing capabilities for VA certified prosthetics
prosthesis. Am I saying that right?
Prosthetics is right. Rachel and orthotists.
Gosh, these are mouthfuls, you guys.
Joe, you're familiar with the V as Office of Healthcare
Innovation and Learning, right? Because you you have a
prosthetic? Or am I making leaps and
assumptions here? No, no, I have heard of it.
(01:33):
I didn't realize they were into to research and development as
much. So so I'm really excited for,
for this interview. I, I get, you know, I mostly
deal with just the prosthetic side of things myself.
Adam, have you heard of it before?
Did you know about it? No, and that's, you know, I'm,
I'm interested to have this conversation as well because the
(01:56):
VA is such a big organization. I think, you know, it's, it's
great to have them on to be ableto talk about it and learn about
it because I think that there's a lot going on and maybe just we
don't know as much of what's going on or they're not so
public with it. So I'm excited to dive in today.
Me too. All right, Alpha, stick around.
(02:17):
We'll be back with Doctor Ripleyand Alex right after the break.
Hey there Legionnaires and sports fans, this is Joe Worley,
American Legion member and Navy veteran, and I am so excited
that the American Legion is continuing their tradition of
support for the Army Navy Game presented by USAA, the first
(02:37):
veteran service organization to sponsor America's Game in its
126 year history. That's right, the greatest
rivalry in sports just got even more meaningful for veterans
like us. We're honored to stand behind
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the field, but are also committed to protecting the
freedoms we hold dear. And through this sponsorship,
(02:59):
we're shining a spotlight on ourprimary mission.
Be the one, our fight to end veteran suicide.
So mark your calendars. Tune into CBS on December 13th
at 3:00 PM. Eastern to watch Navy take on
Army in this epic showdown. To learn more about the American
Legions involvement and our mission, visit legion.org. back
(03:19):
slash Army. Navy Game.
Let's cheer on our team, Supportour mission.
Show the world what it means to be Legionnaire.
Go Navy. All right.
Today we're joined by Doctor Beth Ripley and Mr. Alex Berardo
Cates of the Veterans Health Administration Office of
Healthcare Innovation and learning.
(03:40):
Together, they're committed to promoting evidence based
practices and veteran centric care with unwavering dedication,
ensuring every veteran receives the highest quality of service
and life enhancing devices. Doctor Ripley and Mr. Bernardo
Cates, welcome to the Tango Off Alima podcast.
So great to have you with us today.
Thanks for having us. I want to say hello to you,
(04:07):
Doctor Ripley. Or can I call you Beth?
Yes, definitely, Beth. And Mr. Alex Berardo Cates,
welcome. And I can call you Alex, or can
I say your whole name? You can.
You can, yeah. Say whatever name you like.
I also go by ABC just because ofmy initial.
Oh my God, that's incredible. That's as easy as one. 2-3, yes,
that's amazing. OK.
(04:28):
I want to dive right in because 28% the Veteran Health
Administration's more than 490,000 employees are veterans.
And I'm curious if either of youhave served in the military or
if you have a special connectionto military veterans?
I have not had the privilege of serving, but I definitely have
many family members in the CoastGuard, in the Army, and a huge
(04:53):
fan. Yeah, I also have not had the
privilege to serve, but I do have friends in a growing
network of incredible veterans. I'm I continue to be inspired by
the stories I hear and I'm I'm so grateful to be able to
participate in the veteran community in this capacity.
Nice. And so before joining the VA and
(05:13):
and and aside from connecting with veterans within your own
family or friend network, what did you do prior to working with
the VA and what inspired you or LED you to want to help the
veteran community? I'll jump in first.
I mean, this is, this is sort ofcheating because it is the VA,
but it was prior to this career,you know, all of us in the
(05:36):
healthcare. So obviously I'm in, in the, the
healthcare space and almost all of us, 70% of us get to spend
time in a Veterans Administration hospital for some
or all of our training. And I'm sorry, the veterans are
the best patients ever. It's an amazing, it's an amazing
group of people. And I was just never going to go
(05:57):
back. So I didn't know I it was.
Yeah, you can. Those of us who have trained in
in VA really want to stay there.Alex, I don't know about you.
Yeah, yeah, I took a a long windy path.
So my, my training and background is in kinesiology
and, and mechanical engineering and I was very interested in, in
(06:22):
healthcare applications and looking for, for an area where I
thought I could have an impact. I think I tried a lot of
different things and, and the kind of conclusion I came to is
that there are lots of ways thatpeople are making impacts and,
and saving lives, but not alwaysas much of A focus in improving
(06:45):
outcomes for people and improving the quality of life
for people. So I made a decision pretty
early on in my training to, to dedicate a lot of my career to,
to improving quality of life and, and outcomes for patients.
And, and I'm lucky that I was able to do a lot of my graduate
work through VA. And so I got connected through
(07:06):
VA research and was able to learn about this amazing
community and, and get involved with the the mission of of VA
and what VA stands for. I, I, I love what the VA does
when it works well. And, and I think that there's
(07:29):
not a better resource for veterans than than.
But the problem that kind of happens with the VA is that
there's so many islands that make up one big thing.
And so, you know, there's so like an example would be, you
know, myself going through the Atlanta VA prosthetics, I had a
very pleasant, I had a wonderfuldedicated group of people trying
(07:50):
to help. But you hear horror stories with
other places. And, and I think that one thing
that that tends to fall through that people don't think about is
the concept of things like prosthetic abandonment as
somebody uses a prosthetic themselves.
It stresses me out when I see someone who is not using a
(08:10):
prosthetic. I don't know their whole story,
but it's, it's I, I know that many of these people have access
and they just don't use them. And, and, and I wanted to ask
what, you know, what is your approach towards addressing, you
know, is it fit, comfort, personalization?
Is it education? What do you think is, is the
(08:33):
thing that makes people to say this isn't really worth it?
And I'll preface, preface this by saying that I had a
prosthetic that was rubbing me. I, it was not comfortable to
use. It was kind of brutal to use,
but I had somebody tell me earlythat if you ever stop walking,
it's very hard to start walking again.
So I just muscled through. And then when I got a, a
(08:54):
prosthetist that was emotionallyinvested in making sure that I
was able to walk, it changed my life.
A prosthetist, a good prosthetist, which is a word you
don't use on voice to text on your phone, but a a good
prosthetist can change your absolutely change your life.
So how how do you guys address these types of things?
(09:17):
Yeah. Oh, I'll, I'll jump in and start
on that because I, I think that relationship and the rapport
that's built between an amputee and a process is sacred, that
that takes years to develop often.
And it is, it is critical to understanding, you know, how,
what, what the needs are of thatindividual, how these devices
will be used. And I, and I agree.
(09:41):
I'm, I'm also tracking the prosthetic advantage rates,
which are very high. And they're often cited.
The the cause is often cited as as challenges with the comfort
and the fit as you alluded to, which is an incredibly
challenging, difficult problem to solve because it is it is
(10:02):
taking this compliant residual limb with altered anatomy and
fitting it into this rigid container.
The limb is changing over time. It's, you know, growing and
shrinking in volume our. Body, I like pizza, bro.
Can you can you back off me here?
Yeah. Right.
Well, and, and this is where that rapport building with your
(10:25):
processes is paramount, right? Because they need to know you
know how it the how your body's changing and adjust to you and
not the other way around. Don't stop your pizza.
Your pizza's great, right? I I bet, I bet my prosthetist
hates me. I have walked in with a six pack
and then, you know, eight monthslater, I show up and I'm 40 lbs
(10:45):
heavier and then I'll walk back in lean again.
I just, I don't know. I have no self respect and no
consistency. Yeah.
And this. Is the challenge of this, of
people, right? And the bodies and how we're
changing and especially of this,of this, of the broader amputee
population, you know, some of which have complicated
comorbidities, they're on dialysis, their volumes are
(11:08):
changing because of, of, of other reasons, right?
It's not any one thing. And so it it makes the the
challenge of comfort and fit a real difficult problem to solve
and a very motivated problem to solve.
And, and not to cut you off here, but I did want to clarify
what prosthetic abandonment is. Sorry.
We're talking as people who are kind of in the know.
(11:30):
A so sometimes people will get aprosthetic and they'll have
access to a prosthetist and theywill not realize that they're,
they're, they can be comfortablewalking on the leg for the most
part. And they will simply stop using
the prosthetic. They'll have this thirty $40,000
piece of machine that could change their life laying around
(11:52):
and just because the socket at the top isn't fitting them or it
could be personal reasons. Maybe they're, you know, getting
everything they they're getting fulfillment out of the
wheelchair, whatever it is, for many reasons, usually comfort
and fit, they stop using the prosthetic.
And once you stop using prosthetics, it's very difficult
to transition back into being a prosthetic user.
(12:13):
I'm so sorry finish what you were saying.
I just wanted to defining that joke because I'm sitting here
like, what does that even mean? Prosthetic abandonment?
Yeah, sorry, Alex, what you weresaying was great, but I was also
sitting there back and I was like, I don't know what that
means. So thanks for thanks for
defining that. Yeah, and, and I think Joe
alluded to this earlier, you know, even when they're working
well, they're still not the mostcomfortable things to use.
And I say that from talking to amputees, I'm, I'm an able
(12:35):
bodied person myself, so I, I don't know first hand, but you
can imagine, you know, the dealing with the way loads are
transferred from, from what usedto be intact anatomy to now
changed an ultra anatomy is a, is a real challenging thing to
do. So some of it's, you know,
mechanical, some of it is, is, you know, the, the, the clinical
(12:58):
decisions that are made by the process and, and some of it is
psychological as well. And so I think there are many
avenues to address here, which is part of what makes it a very
challenging problem solving. And I think if I could just jump
in, the exciting thing about what VA is trying to do here is
to recognize from our rich history of taking care of this
population and the expertise of our prosthetists, what is that
(13:20):
next tool that we can put into the tool kit to address comfort
and fit, to address abandonment,and also to address something
that was really important that you brought up is variability
and care. So we're trying to create this
standardized workflow that involves the veteran from the
front end. So, you know, by the way, this
(13:41):
this hurts here, you know, fix this, please, all the way to can
you make this look awesome? Because I, you know, I want to
be able to paint it like that. Personalization and bringing
that veteran in while at the same time also kind of
standardizing it is what what this is all about.
(14:03):
Well, Beth and Alex, I think we're living in the great
healthcare disruption right now.I know, I know that because
there's been books by scientificand medical experts published on
such. You guys sit at a wonderful
intersection of the Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. So how do you navigate through a
disruption? Well, innovations got to be
(14:26):
pretty central to it. So we kind of jumped off talking
about prosthetic abandonment. But you know, being the pilot, I
like to kind of zoom out and, and kind of see the, the whole
map. So I was hoping maybe Beth, you
could go 1st and then Alec, you go second.
And if you can talk a little bitabout what your job is and what
your role is within the Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. And I think our listeners can,
(14:48):
you know, surmise that prosthetic innovation is 1 area.
I have to admit, like I just don't even, I'm learning about
this office today. And I will tell you, I'm very
excited about, about this officewithin the VA because it can be
such a big place. So I think there's some
excitement, you know, just to beable to kind of understand the
structure of the VA. What is Oh IL and what is your
(15:08):
role within that? And what does innovation
actually mean? Yeah, I can definitely jump in
on that. So one of the best things about
VA I think is our commitment. So, you know, it's very easy
because we have a very clear mission to take care of veterans
and provide best in class care that requires innovation and
(15:28):
rethinking how we do things continuously to make sure that
we get better. It also means that when you hit
a really tough problem, it's nice to have people within your
organization that are not scaredof the the big scary problems
that can jump in. And So what we are really about
in healthcare innovation and learning is understanding what
(15:52):
are the toughest problems in theorganization and how do we solve
it and how do we get to yes, we like to say so anything from
process innovations to product innovations to, you know,
sci-fi, you know, applications. We're looking at it all and it's
a dedicated team that to wants to to want to drive that change
(16:15):
for veterans. Well, that's great, Beth.
And then specifically what whereis kind of your area of focus
within that within the office? Oh, me personally, you mean.
So, yeah. So I, I'm the, I'm the deputy
chief. I have the honor of getting to
oversee a lot of the different pieces of work.
(16:37):
My background is as a physician,but I lead several of the groups
in within this group around emerging technologies is kind of
our sweet spot. And that's where ABC works and a
lot of this work comes out of. And so we have a little kind of
skunk works called X Labs out inSeattle.
(16:58):
And again, we're trying to understand how do we harness
emerging technologies to drive change and, and 3D printing is
one of those things that we're using with the prosthetics, but
we're also interested in robotics, drones, AI, you name
it. If I could get a drone for a
leg. OK, so sorry you're you're at
(17:22):
the the kind of this, the skunkswork skunk works division.
That's right. I'm in the middle of the the
Skunks works. It's yeah, yeah, it's it smells,
Yeah, smells good. I'm a yeah, it smells good.
It smells so good. It smells like innovation of
future promise. Yeah, I, so I'm a development
(17:43):
engineer, so I function as a, asa medical device to development
much like you would see in any other manufacturing group.
So currently I'm, I'm leading aneffort that we're calling
digital prosthetics. So that we kind of jumped in,
but that's, that's what we're doing.
And that that's, that's a supported standardized, scalable
framework which enables VA prosthetists to access digital
(18:07):
manufacturing technology if theyif they choose to do so.
And so these are the kind of tools that enable clinicians to
to scan, to 3D scan, to use specialized software to
digitally modify those scans andthen to 3D print prosthetic
devices. And so.
So how fast does this work? Sorry, this is so like right on
(18:30):
my I'm, I'm excited and so I'm gonna, I'm gonna be interrupting
cuz I, you can't just move on after saying something like that
and have me not want to know. Cuz I the biggest like slow
down. And it, it was an emotional
roller coaster to get a leg because you would go in and, and
if, if the mold that they made didn't fit right, you just lost
a, a month, maybe, you know, and, and you know, two weeks if
(18:52):
things went great, But some people are driving, you know, an
hour or two to get to these appointments or more.
And when it doesn't work, it's like, Oh my gosh.
So with, with 3D printing, what is your goal with that?
And, you know, and what does that time frame look like?
And I'm so sorry to jump in at him.
I, I'm, I'm just, I'm excited here.
Love your enthusiasm. I think there are opportunities
(19:14):
for, for time and efficiency improvements here.
And this is what we are trying to get to the bottom of.
And I say that we as Ava, right,we're doing that.
But that's also where the field is in general.
There are many people using these tools within the VA,
outside the VA. But because it's there aren't
standardized approaches here andthere aren't literal standards
(19:36):
to to adhere to, sometimes the outcomes can be variable.
There's some really skilled people using these tools and
then there's some people that have tried and not had so much
success and become disillusioned.
So we're working to find those numbers.
This is timeliness is so important.
This is timing when timing really matters a lot.
(19:58):
So there's some definitely some potential for time and cost
efficiencies here. But you know when you look at it
on paper. You know, when in the right
scenario you can 3D print like adiagnostic, we can go through
the whole process, but like a diagnostic check socket in
hours, you can print a definitive socket in days.
(20:20):
And, and that's pretty common with with industry standards
today. But more importantly, there are
opportunities to improve scalability and consistency
across the VA, right? So you're receiving the same
kind of care no matter where where you choose to receive that
care. Right.
OK. I'm so sorry.
(20:40):
You can get back to Adam's question.
I just, I, I got excited. I jumped the gun.
I'm so sorry. That's right, Joe, we're used to
it. No, this might be a good point
to just kind of because I know Stacy's got a question to you
kind of around assisted technology devices, but maybe
just kind of one more on kind ofthe organizational relationships
and and where this kind of center sits within the VA
(21:01):
Bethany. And I would imagine that you
have to work with other departments and the innovations
that you guys are pioneering, you're collaborative in nature
with other departments and you're sharing that or you guys
kind of prototype it and then itworks this way out.
How does how does that kind of work?
No, it always started actually all, oh, sorry, I was going to
say it always starts with the veteran first.
So really early on we want to betalking and engaging with the
(21:25):
patients. One of my great colleagues says
don't do anything for me withoutme.
So that's a huge piece of this. And then understanding who are
the clinical partners right off the bat.
So no, we do not want to like, you know, I said it's skunk
works, but really we're not in the, you know, in the corner
making something and then presenting it.
We're out like listening and trying to understand what do
(21:45):
veterans need? What are the gaps and what are
our caregivers need and then bringing those people to the
table really early. And that's what Alex has been
doing. Alex, you can say that the
groups that you're working with,but we have some really strong
partners in addition to the veterans.
Yeah, that's right. And, and, you know, our goal is
to, to create, like Beth said earlier, a new tool and toolkit,
(22:08):
right? We really want to support
prosthetic service line veteransto enable and empower them to do
their best work. And we, we approach that, you
know, using a standardized framework for like product
development. But currently we're, you know,
we're always, what we're always looking for is the, the voice of
(22:28):
the veteran. And so we are, we are currently
at a stage where we're piloting,piloting an early prototype of,
of a workflow and a definitive diagnostic check socket device
and a definitive socket device because we need to put these in
front of people so we can get their feedback and incorporate,
you know, new, new, new resources, new features, new
(22:54):
ways of doing things that will actually be used.
So it's a, it's a really comprehensive ecosystem where we
have to involve the clinical service lines, the, you know,
the IT departments to make sure some of this software and
hardware can be approved and, and sustained within the VA
network. And then of course, of course,
the veterans, we, we absolutely need to make things for them
(23:17):
and, and with them, like Beth said.
Beth and Alex, you know, so manyveterans with physical
limitations due to disabilities,and I can relate 'cause I have
my own, I have a service dog that helps me with a lot of my
daily stuff. But you know, I wanted, I wanted
and I want nothing more than to live as normal a life as
(23:38):
possible and to navigate my daily life with, with as much
independence without having to rely on people around me.
What, what types of devices are there that help, you know,
mitigate disabilities? But, and, and, and how can
assistive technology do that? Like what is that exactly?
(24:01):
Can I, can I jump in here, Alex?And then you back me.
So this is one of our most important spaces that we're
innovating in. So I'm so glad you brought this
up, Stacy. Within the VA, we have this
Office of Advanced Manufacturingand we have within that and
anyone can go actually to see this resource, an entire library
(24:25):
of assistive technology devices that we have made for veterans
that we are sharing out with thegeneral public and like to to
back up for a second. The way we think about it is if
you want to do it and you're somehow hindered, we are going
to find a way to make it. And so a lot of things are what
would be called like a one off, right?
(24:45):
Because you, Stacy, love leatherworking and you have a certain,
you know, injury to your hand that we're going to work on.
But there's probably more Stacy's out there.
So those are the ones that we then batch into the library.
But we are making everything, pool queue adapters, hunting
adapters, you know, stylus adapters driving, you name it,
(25:07):
we will make it. And that's kind of the beauty of
digital and 3D printing is that is we are able to do that.
How does somebody like an average Joe like me at the very
ground level actually go about requesting something like that?
Because I feel like my GP, my primary care provider, isn't
(25:32):
gonna probably be in the know. So how do you know what you
don't know? So anyone listening, including
you walk into your VA, tell yourGPI want a, you know, assistive
assistive device, you know, and say, you know, if they're like,
well, it's not the off the shelfsay I want a 3D printed
assistive advice Office of Advancement manufacturing or
(25:53):
OEM. It's an interfacility console.
It can be accessed anywhere and that's another beauty.
And getting back to what Joe said, we want any veteran to
walk into any door in any VA anywhere and have access to this
technology and the digital aspect of it lets us do that.
So you can walk in anywhere and ask for it.
(26:14):
If they don't know, tell them tofind someone, tell them to call
me or Alex and we will get it for you because we can design it
again virtually, print it and send it to that VA.
So this is for everyone. Alex, what's the craziest
assistive technology device thatyou've come up with, what that
you've engineered? Yeah, that could be in different
categories. Yeah, I've, I've, you know,
(26:37):
first of all, it's a team effort, right?
And, and I got to give credit toa lot of the folks in Richmond
that have really spearheaded this.
And I've, I've been involved in some of the devices that they've
made. There are some really clever
ones. You know, you said crazy device.
I don't know. There's some really cool game
controllers out there. OK, adapted for single hand use.
(26:59):
I think so cool as a mechanical engineer, those are like, those
are very fun mechanical devices,right?
Because you're you're strapping it to your leg and you're using
your thumb and other fingers in unique ways.
And so there are all these little adapters for the
controllers or, you know, the pickleball player that needed to
serve the ball but only had one hand.
And so there was a device that was built for the bill of their
(27:21):
ball cap so that they could put the ball in and flick it up in
the air to serve it. Oh Dang, that's awesome.
So fun, right? It's very very fun and
interesting. That that would take some
coordination. I would probably be the fool
that would whack myself in the head with my own racket.
I want a over the shoulder pumpkin launcher.
We could probably do that if youhad a need, yeah.
(27:42):
I will I will test it. I like makeup brush adapter that
I actually really like and our friends over at DoD have A and
so we work also with with DoD across pollination of ideas.
They have a wine glass holder adapter for a prosthetic.
(28:02):
Interesting, pretty cool. And then also a lot of golfing
adapters, right, like being ableto like if you can't bend over
to stick your ball and tee and you know, a stick with the you
could put it on the end and intothe into the ground.
So kind of everything. So is it, it isn't always about
prosthetics so much, but just devices in general, Yeah.
(28:24):
What are some like non prosthesis assistive technology
devices off the top of your headthat you've created?
Oh, well, I mean, there are often a lot of wheelchair
adapter devices for cup holders,different straw adapters for,
for people that yeah, yeah. OK, that control things with
(28:49):
either tongue or breath. You know, they're really, you
come in with your idea and your need, and we're designed to help
address you where you are. So they really can fall into any
category. OK, so all the creative alphas
out there who who have somethingthey want, they've probably been
thinking in the back of their mind.
If only I had a fill in the blank they would reach out to
(29:09):
you guys. That's.
Right. Oh, you know what?
We made one. This is actually one of my
favorites at we call it Hamburger Helper.
Hopefully I don't get a trade trademarked, but to be able to
eat a Red Robin burger and we had two veterans that came in
both with this goal, one who had, you know, hooks for a
prosthetic and then one that just had a lot of weakness from
(29:32):
a brain injury. So two different very different
spectrum, but the same goal of being able to eat a hamburger
with dignity. And so that's a really cool one
that we made a lot of. It's a lot of.
Burgers good are those burgers if they came to you guys,
they're. Like.
Problem. Eat a burger Eater device
please. That's a good burger.
(29:52):
Yeah, Beth just mentioned, you know, there are probably many
Stacy's out there that want to do the leather work.
Not that I know that you do leather work, but because this
is digital and because we have alibrary of these devices, we can
use that as a starting point to adapt that to the next veteran
with the unique need. And that by by having a digital
library, we're able to do that. And I think that's the benefit
(30:12):
of having data, you know, going back to the prosthetics that a
lot of the standard of care is still operating in, in plaster
and molding and casting. And when those devices are made,
that plaster is destroyed, the data is lost.
And so just being able to digitize these resources enables
us to to pull something off the digital shelf and adapt it or
(30:33):
tweak it so that hopefully we'reminimizing the number of repeat
visits or not having to reinventthe wheel as much as we as we go
on to innovate into new spaces and new devices down the line.
On my end, I, I, I can't help but think about the way that
technology is growing. And I think that you guys have
(30:54):
seen things with like AI and with, with, with 3D printing and
how eventually you're going to be able to take 5 pictures of
something and it's going to be able to do 90% of the math work
for you. But we've also got things
happening right now like smart glasses and things like that
that. Is there anything that you guys
(31:14):
are looking to get into? And we'll mute Dylan so he can't
hear this that. Is there anything that you guys
are looking to get into that that you're really excited about
that you think could really be agame changer in the next in the
next decade or so? ABC's just grinned.
So I know he's got something. I think he's just wondering if
(31:36):
he can talk about it. Just knowing that you guys are
are on the go like this is exciting to me.
So you don't have to really get into anything.
I'll tell you this, I'll tell you this, you know, things.
We want to get things to veterans as fast as possible.
If it's something new and helpful and safe and effective,
I want veterans to have it first.
(31:57):
I think we all do. And So what we do is we're
always scouting 5 to 10 years inadvance, watching technology and
waiting for it to click over. Because what we don't want to do
is bring it in too early and then it doesn't work and then
everyone's frustrated. So our shop kind of in the back
end is looking at at the devicesand the technologies of the
(32:17):
future and waiting for the rightmoment for it to go and for, you
know, right now with prostheticsis the right moment moment.
Digital scanners are working right, 3D printers are working
right. We know we can, you know,
deliver something to veterans that's meaningful.
We have our eye, though, on a lot of technologies on the
horizon, you know, always like new things in the 3D printing
(32:39):
world, new scanners, but also I mentioned, you know, robotics.
We're interested in in how robots can be helpful in the
hospital and at home. Alex, do you want to talk about
some of your blue sky ideas? Yeah, I think, yeah, more
towards understanding where things will be in the next 5 to
10 years. I think there's, there's,
(33:00):
there's, you know, opening up these new tools and resources
provides lots of opportunities for things that you can do with
the data in terms of tracking longitudinal changes and
addressing comfort and fit, creating, you know, instrumented
sockets so that they can be, youknow, equipped with sensors for
monitoring the, the limb health and behavior, but also as a, as
(33:24):
a, as a surface for control right to control other devices.
So there's these like sci-fi applications that are out there
that people are starting to pokeand explore, but there's,
there's definitely more work to be done.
And I, I can't, I can't miss theopportunity to, to just say
that, you know, we're doing thisbecause we create strategic
(33:45):
industry partnerships. We are not in the business.
This is not an academic exerciseand we're not in the business of
reinventing the wheel. Often times there are there are
groups out there that are prettyfar along but are not able to
make the business case or are not able to really demonstrate
the capability in the use case. In many, in many situations, we
(34:09):
can step in and and support getting it over the line or work
with them to understand where the gaps are and use our unique
operation right. The unique way that we deliver
care to veterans to help bring these the truly useful
innovations over the line and available to veterans in ways
that it may not be possible outside of the day.
(34:30):
Outstanding. I was going to give you one more
if I can. You know, that's actually like
in the near now, which is because we're digitizing this
prosthetic workflow. We can actually know about you
Joe, when you're eating pizza when you're not, right?
Like if it's cyclical and start to like look at your data over
time and start to learn insightsabout this prosthetic worked,
(34:53):
this one didn't and use AI enabled technologies to start to
design for that. Now, we can't do that now and we
might not be able to do that next year.
But in like say two to three years, as we have more veterans
involved in this who want to, you know, share out their own
experiences, we could start to really drive some very
interesting changes and and design based on real feedback,
(35:17):
which we just can't do right nowwith the plaster because we lose
it. We just kind of lose those legs
or data. So that's just another exciting.
Pile into that there's another one right with a unique
fabrication method there are youknow you you get liberated from
the constraints of carbon fiber,which is the standard way that.
These. Definitive sockets are made.
(35:38):
It's a great material, it's a great resource, It works for a
lot of people, but they're inherent in one fabrication
style. There are limitations.
And so providing another tool inthe toolbox means that you
provide a new way of doing things, which can offer new
opportunities. So like, for example, many of
our veterans talk about how it gets hot and sweaty in those
(36:00):
sockets, right? You have a silicone liner on
there and it's like, it's like wearing a wet suit over your
residual limb, right? And then and then you're moving
around in there and it gets, it gets hot and uncomfortable.
So you know, one of the things 3D printing can allow or enable
potentially the opportunity to create a perforated socket.
So a socket with with holes thatallow air flow over the surface
(36:24):
of the skin. Can you do that with a carbon
fiber socket? I mean, I guess you could get in
there with a bunch with a drill bit and go go wild, but.
Yeah, you're just creating weak points at that point.
Yeah, exactly. Don't.
Don't do that. Don't do that, right?
Oh, yeah, sorry. Don't do that.
Sorry. Yeah, don't do that.
These, these new tools enable new possibilities, right?
(36:45):
And that's exactly what we should be exploring if we're
going to support our veteran amputees and support the
industry as it grows and innovates in the future.
Well, I think it's really exciting about the advancements
and the work and really this culture of innovation that you
guys have been working on. I guess one of the questions I
(37:05):
have is, you know, obviously by the area that work in and
specifically with, you know, thematerial medical devices of of
your expertise, Alex, is that really the how the the office
thinks about innovation? Is it predominantly around tools
and material innovations becauseyou know, for example, I work in
(37:26):
in the veteran mental health andwe we think about you know,
innovation some of these innovative alternative therapies
that are coming online that are saving veterans lives. 17 to 44
veterans a day are committing suicide and and I had the
opportunity to testify last month at AUS Senate field
hearing hosted by Senator Tuberville and SO1 panel was
(37:47):
actually the office of mental health Deputy Executive Director
Elsa Weikers was there to be able to speak on behalf of the
VA. And then we had a veteran panel
and an expert scientist panel. You know, we were talking about
H bond, we were talking about some of these other alternative
therapies, breakthrough therapies like psilocybin, MGMA,
ibogaine therapy. So thinking about these, Senator
(38:09):
Tuberville asked Elsa Weikers a great question, which is how
does the VA do a better job of balancing safety and innovation?
So to me, it's like there's one conversation on the medical
device side, right? When you're thinking about a
prosthetic, you know, how is that going to be safe?
Do you guys work with the Officeof Mental Health?
Are you thinking about any innovations beyond material?
(38:32):
And what are your thoughts on that?
I'd love to hear. Yeah, absolutely.
So they are a fantastic partner.We have, you know, several
things that we've done with them.
One of them Mission Daybreak, which was a grand challenge
around suicide prevention with alot of AI enabled tools.
You know, and innovation really is just something new that
(38:55):
solves an unsolved problem. So it could be processes, it
could be alternative therapies, it could be devices.
One of the things I do want to shout out is that, Oh Hill, our
Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning, sits right next to
Office of Research and Development, which drives a lot
of the research behind it. And one of the things we've been
doing is working really closely together, kind of hand in hand,
(39:20):
so that when the best ideas comeforward from research, we can,
you know, kind of, I call it like toss it over the fence to
the innovations team to then tryto operationalize it.
And so that the researchers can keep asking the deep questions
and we can put our heads down and try to to make it happen.
So there's a lot going on in that space.
And I also did want to hit the safety because that is
(39:42):
tantamount to what we do. We spend a lot of time in our
shop understanding what quality means and safety means.
And we actually run under a quality management system and
are registered with the FDA as amedical device manufacturer.
Now that is not for the faint ofheart.
It took years of work, but allows us to understand all the
(40:06):
processes that make sure that wedon't take a drill bit to a
prosthetic, right. So we so we are very tightly,
you know, we would never want toinnovate at the cost of safety
and that that's the, that's the work we put in upfront.
And we have a lot of like quality and regulatory team
members that are there thinking everyday what is the risk and
(40:27):
how are we going to mitigate it.Well, it's really, it's really
cool to see how you guys think about that within your own
office. But then it was really cool to
hear about the, the research department too, and the
connection between the two. What's like kind of the catalyst
for something that happens within research to kind of do
you guys have like monthly meetings where you kind of have
a list of things and they're reporting where they are And
(40:48):
then like what actually brings it, you know, from one
department over to the other? Yeah.
So we have something called the Joint Awareness and Management
Board, the the jam board. So we do jam sessions weekly.
So we have weekly meetings between research and
innovations. And to your point, we're both
bringing up things that, you know, there's stuff on the
(41:10):
innovation side that we're like,we really need research help to
like ask a few more questions and things on the research side.
We've got 52 active projects right now that we're looking at
in that queue. So jam sessions weekly, again, a
new thing, but I think a lot in the mental health space projects
in there as well as, you know, other, you know, suicide
(41:31):
prevention, diabetes and and other, you know, important
issues for us in VA. It's really exciting how you
guys cast that net to be able tobe on the tangible and the
intangible, so to speak. Yeah.
Well, it's been incredible chatting with both of you, Beth,
(41:52):
Alex, Alphas. If you want to learn more about
what they are doing and their incredible colleagues are up to
in their innovation labs, visit innovation.va.gov.
And be sure to check with your primary care provider.
If you think about something youneed that would help benefit you
in your daily life and make things a little bit easier, make
(42:13):
you a little less dependent on your your loved ones around you.
This is a great opportunity to do that again.
Beth and Alex, it was such a pleasure meeting with you today.
And Alphas, please stick around for some scuttlebud right after
the break. This year we have a golden
opportunity. No, Make that a red, white and
blue opportunity to do somethingtruly special.
(42:35):
That's right Commander, this year America is celebrating it's
250th birthday. And the American Legion family
will be leading the nationwide celebrations.
The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge is a year.
Long celebration honoring our nation.
You can participate in the challenge by choosing one of the
three categories. The three categories are
(42:57):
community service, mental Wellness and physical activity.
Whether you are doing 1-2 or allthree categories, you are making
a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
Visit legion.org/USA 2:50 to learn more and register for
$30.00. For your registration fee, you
will get to choose a commutativetech shirt and your donation
(43:19):
support the American Legion Veterans and Children
Foundation. Be a part of what makes our
nation great. Help us celebrate America.
Join us in the USA 2:50 Challenge.
(43:41):
OK Alphas, I am sure you enjoyeda tremendously wonderful,
fantastic, amazing break, but now we've got some more great
content for you with the Scuttlebutt, Adam.
That's right, we're kicking things off with news from Legion
Town. In a moment that inspired an
entire community, 81 year old Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart
(44:02):
recipient Ron Cabral walked across the stage at Bristol
Community College's commencementceremony back in May, earning
his Associate in Arts in GeneralStudies.
Man, good job buddy. Ron's journey back to the
classroom after more than 5 decades exemplifies the
determination that defined his military service and his
(44:24):
perseverance and his belief thatit's never too late to pursue a
dream. His success was made possible in
part by the Mass Educate Program, an initiative in
Massachusetts that provides freetuition and fees for all
eligible Community College students, regardless of age or
income. Adult learners over 25 who have
(44:44):
not earned a bachelor's degree can attend any of the state's 15
public Community College tuitionfree with additional allowances
for books and supplies. Ron's story also highlights the
vital role of veteran support networks.
His accomplishment was supportedby a strong partnership between
Bristol Student Veterans of America SVA Chapter and American
(45:06):
Legion Post Three O 3 in Swansea, MA, where Cabral is a
member. As Ron crossed the stage to
receive his degree, he carried with him the legacy of Vietnam
Veterans and the promise of lifelong learning.
His story reminds us that education is not bound by age
and that veterans continue to serve their communities in
(45:26):
powerful ways long after their military service ends.
We'll have a link to Ron Cabral's graduation video in
Bristol YouTube channel, as wellas a link to the full story in
Legion Town, where you can see asweet photo of Ron in his
uniform alongside fellow graduate Max Poole.
He's. A.
(45:47):
Is it a sweet photo or a sweet photo?
I think. I think it's more like a sweet.
Dude sweet. The member of the Legion for 464
in Fall River, MA. Well, first of all, it sounds
like Massachusetts really has itgoing on for their education for
(46:07):
veterans, so well done, Massachusetts.
If all 50 states were like that and we would be in a better
place. I think that's incredible.
And Ron, congratulations on graduation.
I really look forward to seeing what you do with your arts
degree. And I know that had to take a
lot of patience and, you know, sitting down with other kids and
(46:28):
kids. And I say that very loosely
doing their undergrad, so well done.
All right. Great job, Ron.
Joe, what you got for us? The Porks are shortish Porsche.
The. Porks.
The pork sausage is Yeah. So you guys, you're not going to
(46:49):
believe this. Guys.
The pork sausage Patty is out and Buffalo chicken is in as the
Pentagon is set up to dish up revamped filled rations with
more protein filled snacks and caffeine starting next year.
And popular, Yeah. Wait, wait.
Yeah. They're going to put more
caffeine in the diets. Are they nuts?
I mean how many, how many RIP its did we did we consume all of
(47:13):
them? Well apparently it's still RIP
its and not ripped it because they're coming back baby.
Well, I I have, I, I listen. It always boggles the mind how
the DoD thinks because let's give up pork for chicken, but
let's add caffeine. Carry on, Joe.
(47:35):
Well, you know, I I think that unpopular there's always the the
least popular ones and, and you can tell because Adam's
picturing them now. He had a disgusted look on his
face. It might have been just because
he was looking at me. Unpopular Prepackaged items in
in MRE's or meals ready to eat will be axed in 2026 at the DoD,
(47:56):
including human flesh. Naturally.
Dog and cow Patty, No. OK, so this includes beef Taco
filling and a second meat Patty and the jalapeno pepper Jack.
I mean, I think. That's how.
How do you mess? That up.
But hey, why? Agree to disagree.
Why aren't the hot dogs on the cutting block?
Like who ate that anyway? I have so many questions.
(48:20):
So replacing these three will beBuffalo chicken, Cuban style
beef, piccadillo or piccadillo with vegetables and a Thai style
red Curry with chicken and rice.Curry last time.
Was not this. I don't know bro, I don't know.
But more snack fare packaged with protein is also on the way
in the form of new Shmores recovery bars and freeze dried
(48:42):
chocolate peanut butter bites. Bro hold on, I'm going back in.
Developers in the Army's Combat Feeding Division.
That is not a thing. It is a thing.
No. Hi, I'm Warren, Officer
Williamson with the Army's Combat Feeding Division.
I was in the feeding division. Jeez, that sounds.
Did you deploy with the feeders?I was the chump.
(49:05):
In I was the food taster. I was the food taster in Nazi.
Also in Massachusetts. You're right, Massachusetts work
to reduce weight and volume while maintaining the same
number of calories in nutritional value.
The updated Mr. ES will include new caffeinated options like
beverages, gum and Jelly beans, as well as energy chews and
(49:27):
gels. What we've oh, Julie Edwards,
sorry. What we've noticed is caffeine
is one of the least consumed items in the MRE.
Julie. Edwards.
Are you senior from the 1930s? Yeah, she's older, senior
technologist in the combat feeding division.
Combat feeding division. Man, that's just beautiful.
Every time I hear it, it sounds cooler.
(49:48):
Yeah, it does. And previous generations were
big coffee drinkers, but the newer generation of soldiers are
not. RIP it.
RIP it. Troops will receive a larger,
more resilient towelette, thank goodness.
OK, listen, is it going to be called a moist towelette?
Remember, OK, half of those are I should say almost the majority
(50:11):
of came in those little like little paper sort of foil line
packets and they were always dry.
I never had a moist towelette come out of an MRE.
I am just saying I. Think there's a pill for that?
See here. Well, I'm I'm really excited
about the more resilient towelettes.
(50:32):
I wouldn't be able to put mine like in my in my in front of my
sappy plate. The Pentagon annually assesses
and the change and changes the lineup of MRE's, but the full
process of changing out an item takes about four years before
hitting the field for evaluation.
All new items must still be edible after six months at
100°F, in three years at 80°. OK, let's just put pause, pause
(50:55):
so. Sorry, but.
Seriously you guys, if if Mr. ashave been around that long and
we're putting it in our body, Can you imagine how fermented
our cells are at this point? Like it must be like
formaldehyde coursing through myveins.
I'm just saying the feeding division really needs to look at
(51:19):
less live mummification of its truth and maybe, maybe more
healthy eating options. I think you're probably right.
So the feeding division is already working on offerings for
2027. Plant based animal crackers.
A new recovery bar, a protein bar and fruit flavored cereal
are among the possibilities, thestatement said.
(51:40):
I like fruit flavored cereals. Yeah, me too.
Is that a way of saying like what would be Fruity Pebbles or
what are some other fruities? Hopefully they go more with
like, I don't know, cuz that that's that you know, when you
eat like Fruity Pebbles, like it's very clear that it is fruit
inspired and not fruity. And so I'm hoping they go with
(52:02):
something like almost like a Cheerio with with flavoring or
something, I don't know. OK, Adam's shaking his head.
Yes, Cheerios. He hasn't he?
No, he just went straight up like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
I just. Hey, that's pretty good.
It's got a lot of thoughts once we enter into the arena of
(52:23):
cereals. Fruit Loops.
So also in 2027, plant based entrees will replace the four
vegetarian meals currently available.
Any new item that we get, any new item that we get that can
bring variety and increase acceptability is important.
All right, abandoning the voice.Abandoned.
The bit's gone, the bit is dead,Edward said.
(52:45):
We know that eating an MRE are you?
Are you accent shaming me? We know that eating an MRE isn't
everyone's number one thing, butwe want to make it safe to eat
and that's our number one priority.
But it does end up in a #2 two weeks later after you eat it
because you're going to be so bound.
Up We know it's not even the top10 things of people's thing to
(53:06):
eat, but. Yeah.
At 100°F for three years. And then after that, after the
safety, they want to, they want to try and make it taste good.
And I they're, we can't admit, all joking aside, there have
been meals that we have enjoyed.So I don't know they're out
there. Yeah.
(53:26):
We'll have links in the show notes for you.
Alphas, believe it or not, todaymarks the 78th anniversary of
the first supersonic flight by the one and only Chuck Yeager.
Jaeger was the United States AirForce whoop whoop.
He was an officer, flying ace and a test pilot.
He was the first pilot to exceedthe sound barrier in a level
(53:48):
flight, a feature which a feat which he achieved on October
14th, 1947. During World War 2, Jaeger
fought as AP 51 Mustang fighter pilot on the Western Front.
He was shot down. Oh excuse me, Correction, he
shot down 11.5 enemy planes as well as achieving the feat of
(54:09):
Ace in a day after taking out five enemy aircraft in a single
mission. Damn Chuck, you a badass.
Yeah, we call that Chuck Yeager Day in Aviation.
Yeager later commanded fighter squadrons and wings in Germany
as well as in the Southeast Asiaduring the Vietnam War in
recognition of his achievements and outstanding performance
ratings for those units. He was promoted to Brigadier
(54:32):
General in 1969 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall
of Fame in 1973 and then later retired in March 1975 for its
colloquial similarities to Mach one get it March 1st, Mach One
get it his three-year. Anyway, his three-year active
duty flying, three-year active duty flying career spanned more
(54:55):
than 30 years and took him to many parts of the world
including the Korean War zone, the Soviet Union during the
height of the Cold War, and all the other aforementioned
conflict zones. Adam, what do you think of Chuck
Yeager? He's a pretty good pilot.
He chucked him up, didn't he? I think, wait, you said Air
Force, but I'm thinking maybe hewas in the Army Air Corps in
(55:16):
1947. I would believe you're probably
you're probably right. Yeah.
But you know, to me, my, my research sucks.
Yeah. I'm only Air Force.
Give me a break. Jaeger went on to work as a test
pilot, as I've already mentioned, and he flew a number
of advanced experimental planes,including the Bell X1.
(55:37):
You flew that right at him, withwhich he broke various speed,
sound speeds, and altitude records and was pretty much, you
know, continuing his badass rate.
Jaeger once said If you can walkaway from a landing, it's a good
landing. If you use the airplanes the
next day, it's an outstanding landing. touché, my friend.
(55:59):
Jaeger is referred to by many asone of the greatest pilots of
all time and was ranked 5th on Flying's list of the 51 Heroes
of Aviation in 2013. He flew more than three. 100,
he's the he's a one of the greatest pilots of all time, OK?
Yeah, we're forgetting about thetime.
How you? Going.
To at a mar. Yeah, sorry.
(56:20):
Oh, we forgot to include him on the number one list.
He is the. Top I flew the Bell 2O6 jet
Ranger OK. OK, sorry, Rotary rang.
Whoa, whoa. Chuck flew more than 360
different types of aircraft. Adam, what about you?
3. Three different aircraft.
Chuck got 360 / 70 year period pretty even numbers.
(56:42):
You guys are, you guys are definitely in the same ballpark
I would say. And continued to fly for two
decades after his retirement as a consultant pilot for the
United States Air Force. In 2020, at the age of 97,
Yeager died in Los Angeles. So obviously had a very long and
illustrious career there's. Not going to be many things that
you can out Chuck Yeager, but I can out Apache him.
(57:07):
Oh well, I I've seen your Apache, I I see the plug there,
that's one. I'm sure.
No, I don't know set that. I didn't know that 360 different
types of aircraft. I didn't even know there was 360
types of aircraft. If you would have asked me and
put a gun to my head I would have said like 70.
Yeah, like maybe 100. Fun fact.
(57:29):
He faked fact. I know it is.
Fun fact, Yeager was a lifelong member of the American Legion,
maintaining a membership in his own hometown at the American
Legion Post 111 in Hamlin, WV. And he was he was a member for
42 years. The post later renamed itself to
the General Charles E Chuck Yeager American Legion Post in
(57:50):
his honor after his passing. So there you go, Chuck Yeager
day, guys. Nice.
Well, not Chuck Yeager day. It's, you know, somber.
Anyway, semantics. First supersonic flight by.
Supersonic. Supersonic, definitely.
Ultraviolet So no, I mean, I just wanted to to you know,
(58:13):
you're I know that you are trying to shut me down.
I know you're trying to suppressme but but I just want.
Open the next one up that's. Yeah.
OK, that's fair, that's fair. But I just want to say that that
we we've had good a good time today.
I mean, you know, the conversation was fantastic and,
and I'm personally excited aboutabout people hearing this one.
(58:35):
I think that there's some reallycool stuff going on and it's,
it's, it's funny when you ask a question like, like, you know,
what do you think's coming up? And they both go like they know.
Something they have Ndas. Probably.
But it's so exciting because like this kind of stuff is, is,
is really it, It changes normal people's lives who are, who are.
(58:57):
But what a lot of people don't realize is that when you have
something that helps people see,the people that are really
affected are the people who can't are the people that that
are having vision issues. When you have something that
makes it easier for people to tohear, it can really change the
life of someone with, with hearing issues.
(59:18):
And so all this stuff that we'redoing, you know, with
prosthetics and all this medicaladvancement, I mean, the goal
being really for me, I think is that we can use some of this
stuff to bypass some of the physical challenges that people
deal with on a day-to-day basis.I mean, what a great thing to
know that that we're on the cuspof a time when a child born with
(59:41):
no vision or low vision might beable to see as well as anyone
soon. Yeah.
And, and same thing with with hearing and things like that.
And, and a child that might be born with a, a failing, you
know, heart, we might be able toto replace that without someone
else needing to die in order forus to get a heart.
(01:00:01):
I mean, you know, all these things that are happening right
now, like we're on the cusp of some, some really incredible
stuff. And so, you know, pay attention,
You know, we, we all knew when AI started getting big, that was
going to change things. We've seen Terminator, you know.
Yeah, but I, I was. Also excited to hear that they
that they're not holding innovation only to medical
(01:00:22):
devices. And I know that we talked a lot
about the the prosthetics, you know, today and the advancements
there, how wonderful and needed that is.
But you know, when I think aboutinnovation, there's so many
innovations that are happening in this, the healthcare, the
great healthcare disruption that's been ongoing.
And then I was also, yeah. So maybe that question was, you
(01:00:43):
know, kind of funny a moment where they they pause, but to
come on and to talk about what'sgoing on there, to talk about
their processes and their systems.
Actually think we need more of that because I didn't know that
that department, you know, existed.
Where, where do you go to find their architecture, what they're
working on? I think in this information age,
if they can share more and bringus along with them to talk about
(01:01:05):
some of those things, then people are going to realize that
there's, we always say this, there's a lot going on and the
intention is there and there's some challenges, you know, that
are faced as well. So when also when I think of,
you know, technologies, the greatest technology, I believe
is like the human body or, you know, the, the living creations.
And think what we're also learning too, is there's
(01:01:26):
innovative ways for our body to be able to take care of itself
and prepare some of these. I don't think we can grow new
limbs just yet, but I'm not ruling it out.
And it's probably going to come from the health, innovation and
learning lab. If it does, I know that's what
they're working on. I don't know.
What do you think, Stacey? I think it's all very thrilling.
And the one thing I know about the VA, as you said, Adam, is
(01:01:50):
things are sometimes hard to even know exists because you
don't know what you don't know until somebody tells you.
And the fact that they came on our show today to tell us what
they're doing, I think is a stepin the right direction.
So VA do more of that. We want to know what you got
going on and what's accessible to us.
All right, Alphas, thanks for listening.
A reminder that we are now hosted on Spotify.
(01:02:13):
If you follow us on Spotify, youcan find both the audio and the
video versions of the podcast. You can subscribe to our
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Joe and Stacey is. You can give us 10 stars.
That would be great. You can also find us on Apple,
(01:02:33):
Amazon, iHeartRadio, and YouTubeor wherever all the best
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podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter or
send us mail and guest recommendations.
As always at legion.org/tingo AL, we'll see you next week.
Bye.
This is the Tal podcast. They call me.
Crazy because I'm facing I'm a giants.
They try to scare me into thinking I can fight it.
They tell me I should never eventhink a giant.
But that's just me. I'm going to live out in
defiance. Welcome, Alphas.
(00:30):
Thanks for tuning in. Today we are joined by two
amazingly smart individuals fromthe Veterans Health
Administration's Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. Yeah, that's the thing.
I didn't know it, but it is. Anyway.
These two individuals, Doctor Beth Ripley and Mr. Alex Berardo
Cates, they are doing amazing things, developing really cool
(00:50):
stuff with 3D printing and all that good jazz, but we're not
going to get deep into that too much.
Needless to say, Doctor Ripley overseas A diverse portfolio of
innovation projects across Veterans Health Administration
and she collaborates across multiple disciplines and has a
passion for innovation in human centered design.
While Mr. Berardo Cates leads aneffort to develop digital
(01:11):
manufacturing capabilities for VA certified prosthetics
prosthesis. Am I saying that right?
Prosthetics is right. Rachel and orthotists.
Gosh, these are mouthfuls, you guys.
Joe, you're familiar with the V as Office of Healthcare
Innovation and Learning, right? Because you you have a
prosthetic? Or am I making leaps and
assumptions here? No, no, I have heard of it.
(01:33):
I didn't realize they were into to research and development as
much. So so I'm really excited for,
for this interview. I, I get, you know, I mostly
deal with just the prosthetic side of things myself.
Adam, have you heard of it before?
Did you know about it? No, and that's, you know, I'm,
I'm interested to have this conversation as well because the
(01:56):
VA is such a big organization. I think, you know, it's, it's
great to have them on to be ableto talk about it and learn about
it because I think that there's a lot going on and maybe just we
don't know as much of what's going on or they're not so
public with it. So I'm excited to dive in today.
Me too. All right, Alpha, stick around.
(02:17):
We'll be back with Doctor Ripleyand Alex right after the break.
Hey there Legionnaires and sports fans, this is Joe Worley,
American Legion member and Navy veteran, and I am so excited
that the American Legion is continuing their tradition of
support for the Army Navy Game presented by USAA, the first
(02:37):
veteran service organization to sponsor America's Game in its
126 year history. That's right, the greatest
rivalry in sports just got even more meaningful for veterans
like us. We're honored to stand behind
the incredible student athletes that are not only competing on
the field, but are also committed to protecting the
freedoms we hold dear. And through this sponsorship,
(02:59):
we're shining a spotlight on ourprimary mission.
Be the one, our fight to end veteran suicide.
So mark your calendars. Tune into CBS on December 13th
at 3:00 PM. Eastern to watch Navy take on
Army in this epic showdown. To learn more about the American
Legions involvement and our mission, visit legion.org. back
(03:19):
slash Army. Navy Game.
Let's cheer on our team, Supportour mission.
Show the world what it means to be Legionnaire.
Go Navy. All right.
Today we're joined by Doctor Beth Ripley and Mr. Alex Berardo
Cates of the Veterans Health Administration Office of
Healthcare Innovation and learning.
(03:40):
Together, they're committed to promoting evidence based
practices and veteran centric care with unwavering dedication,
ensuring every veteran receives the highest quality of service
and life enhancing devices. Doctor Ripley and Mr. Bernardo
Cates, welcome to the Tango Off Alima podcast.
So great to have you with us today.
Thanks for having us. I want to say hello to you,
(04:07):
Doctor Ripley. Or can I call you Beth?
Yes, definitely, Beth. And Mr. Alex Berardo Cates,
welcome. And I can call you Alex, or can
I say your whole name? You can.
You can, yeah. Say whatever name you like.
I also go by ABC just because ofmy initial.
Oh my God, that's incredible. That's as easy as one. 2-3, yes,
that's amazing. OK.
(04:28):
I want to dive right in because 28% the Veteran Health
Administration's more than 490,000 employees are veterans.
And I'm curious if either of youhave served in the military or
if you have a special connectionto military veterans?
I have not had the privilege of serving, but I definitely have
many family members in the CoastGuard, in the Army, and a huge
(04:53):
fan. Yeah, I also have not had the
privilege to serve, but I do have friends in a growing
network of incredible veterans. I'm I continue to be inspired by
the stories I hear and I'm I'm so grateful to be able to
participate in the veteran community in this capacity.
Nice. And so before joining the VA and
(05:13):
and and aside from connecting with veterans within your own
family or friend network, what did you do prior to working with
the VA and what inspired you or LED you to want to help the
veteran community? I'll jump in first.
I mean, this is, this is sort ofcheating because it is the VA,
but it was prior to this career,you know, all of us in the
(05:36):
healthcare. So obviously I'm in, in the, the
healthcare space and almost all of us, 70% of us get to spend
time in a Veterans Administration hospital for some
or all of our training. And I'm sorry, the veterans are
the best patients ever. It's an amazing, it's an amazing
group of people. And I was just never going to go
(05:57):
back. So I didn't know I it was.
Yeah, you can. Those of us who have trained in
in VA really want to stay there.Alex, I don't know about you.
Yeah, yeah, I took a a long windy path.
So my, my training and background is in kinesiology
and, and mechanical engineering and I was very interested in, in
(06:22):
healthcare applications and looking for, for an area where I
thought I could have an impact. I think I tried a lot of
different things and, and the kind of conclusion I came to is
that there are lots of ways thatpeople are making impacts and,
and saving lives, but not alwaysas much of A focus in improving
(06:45):
outcomes for people and improving the quality of life
for people. So I made a decision pretty
early on in my training to, to dedicate a lot of my career to,
to improving quality of life and, and outcomes for patients.
And, and I'm lucky that I was able to do a lot of my graduate
work through VA. And so I got connected through
(07:06):
VA research and was able to learn about this amazing
community and, and get involved with the the mission of of VA
and what VA stands for. I, I, I love what the VA does
when it works well. And, and I think that there's
(07:29):
not a better resource for veterans than than.
But the problem that kind of happens with the VA is that
there's so many islands that make up one big thing.
And so, you know, there's so like an example would be, you
know, myself going through the Atlanta VA prosthetics, I had a
very pleasant, I had a wonderfuldedicated group of people trying
(07:50):
to help. But you hear horror stories with
other places. And, and I think that one thing
that that tends to fall through that people don't think about is
the concept of things like prosthetic abandonment as
somebody uses a prosthetic themselves.
It stresses me out when I see someone who is not using a
(08:10):
prosthetic. I don't know their whole story,
but it's, it's I, I know that many of these people have access
and they just don't use them. And, and, and I wanted to ask
what, you know, what is your approach towards addressing, you
know, is it fit, comfort, personalization?
Is it education? What do you think is, is the
(08:33):
thing that makes people to say this isn't really worth it?
And I'll preface, preface this by saying that I had a
prosthetic that was rubbing me. I, it was not comfortable to
use. It was kind of brutal to use,
but I had somebody tell me earlythat if you ever stop walking,
it's very hard to start walking again.
So I just muscled through. And then when I got a, a
(08:54):
prosthetist that was emotionallyinvested in making sure that I
was able to walk, it changed my life.
A prosthetist, a good prosthetist, which is a word you
don't use on voice to text on your phone, but a a good
prosthetist can change your absolutely change your life.
So how how do you guys address these types of things?
(09:17):
Yeah. Oh, I'll, I'll jump in and start
on that because I, I think that relationship and the rapport
that's built between an amputee and a process is sacred, that
that takes years to develop often.
And it is, it is critical to understanding, you know, how,
what, what the needs are of thatindividual, how these devices
will be used. And I, and I agree.
(09:41):
I'm, I'm also tracking the prosthetic advantage rates,
which are very high. And they're often cited.
The the cause is often cited as as challenges with the comfort
and the fit as you alluded to, which is an incredibly
challenging, difficult problem to solve because it is it is
(10:02):
taking this compliant residual limb with altered anatomy and
fitting it into this rigid container.
The limb is changing over time. It's, you know, growing and
shrinking in volume our. Body, I like pizza, bro.
Can you can you back off me here?
Yeah. Right.
Well, and, and this is where that rapport building with your
(10:25):
processes is paramount, right? Because they need to know you
know how it the how your body's changing and adjust to you and
not the other way around. Don't stop your pizza.
Your pizza's great, right? I I bet, I bet my prosthetist
hates me. I have walked in with a six pack
and then, you know, eight monthslater, I show up and I'm 40 lbs
(10:45):
heavier and then I'll walk back in lean again.
I just, I don't know. I have no self respect and no
consistency. Yeah.
And this. Is the challenge of this, of
people, right? And the bodies and how we're
changing and especially of this,of this, of the broader amputee
population, you know, some of which have complicated
comorbidities, they're on dialysis, their volumes are
(11:08):
changing because of, of, of other reasons, right?
It's not any one thing. And so it it makes the the
challenge of comfort and fit a real difficult problem to solve
and a very motivated problem to solve.
And, and not to cut you off here, but I did want to clarify
what prosthetic abandonment is. Sorry.
We're talking as people who are kind of in the know.
(11:30):
A so sometimes people will get aprosthetic and they'll have
access to a prosthetist and theywill not realize that they're,
they're, they can be comfortablewalking on the leg for the most
part. And they will simply stop using
the prosthetic. They'll have this thirty $40,000
piece of machine that could change their life laying around
(11:52):
and just because the socket at the top isn't fitting them or it
could be personal reasons. Maybe they're, you know, getting
everything they they're getting fulfillment out of the
wheelchair, whatever it is, for many reasons, usually comfort
and fit, they stop using the prosthetic.
And once you stop using prosthetics, it's very difficult
to transition back into being a prosthetic user.
(12:13):
I'm so sorry finish what you were saying.
I just wanted to defining that joke because I'm sitting here
like, what does that even mean? Prosthetic abandonment?
Yeah, sorry, Alex, what you weresaying was great, but I was also
sitting there back and I was like, I don't know what that
means. So thanks for thanks for
defining that. Yeah, and, and I think Joe
alluded to this earlier, you know, even when they're working
well, they're still not the mostcomfortable things to use.
And I say that from talking to amputees, I'm, I'm an able
(12:35):
bodied person myself, so I, I don't know first hand, but you
can imagine, you know, the dealing with the way loads are
transferred from, from what usedto be intact anatomy to now
changed an ultra anatomy is a, is a real challenging thing to
do. So some of it's, you know,
mechanical, some of it is, is, you know, the, the, the clinical
(12:58):
decisions that are made by the process and, and some of it is
psychological as well. And so I think there are many
avenues to address here, which is part of what makes it a very
challenging problem solving. And I think if I could just jump
in, the exciting thing about what VA is trying to do here is
to recognize from our rich history of taking care of this
population and the expertise of our prosthetists, what is that
(13:20):
next tool that we can put into the tool kit to address comfort
and fit, to address abandonment,and also to address something
that was really important that you brought up is variability
and care. So we're trying to create this
standardized workflow that involves the veteran from the
front end. So, you know, by the way, this
(13:41):
this hurts here, you know, fix this, please, all the way to can
you make this look awesome? Because I, you know, I want to
be able to paint it like that. Personalization and bringing
that veteran in while at the same time also kind of
standardizing it is what what this is all about.
(14:03):
Well, Beth and Alex, I think we're living in the great
healthcare disruption right now.I know, I know that because
there's been books by scientificand medical experts published on
such. You guys sit at a wonderful
intersection of the Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. So how do you navigate through a
disruption? Well, innovations got to be
(14:26):
pretty central to it. So we kind of jumped off talking
about prosthetic abandonment. But you know, being the pilot, I
like to kind of zoom out and, and kind of see the, the whole
map. So I was hoping maybe Beth, you
could go 1st and then Alec, you go second.
And if you can talk a little bitabout what your job is and what
your role is within the Office of Healthcare Innovation and
Learning. And I think our listeners can,
(14:48):
you know, surmise that prosthetic innovation is 1 area.
I have to admit, like I just don't even, I'm learning about
this office today. And I will tell you, I'm very
excited about, about this officewithin the VA because it can be
such a big place. So I think there's some
excitement, you know, just to beable to kind of understand the
structure of the VA. What is Oh IL and what is your
(15:08):
role within that? And what does innovation
actually mean? Yeah, I can definitely jump in
on that. So one of the best things about
VA I think is our commitment. So, you know, it's very easy
because we have a very clear mission to take care of veterans
and provide best in class care that requires innovation and
(15:28):
rethinking how we do things continuously to make sure that
we get better. It also means that when you hit
a really tough problem, it's nice to have people within your
organization that are not scaredof the the big scary problems
that can jump in. And So what we are really about
in healthcare innovation and learning is understanding what
(15:52):
are the toughest problems in theorganization and how do we solve
it and how do we get to yes, we like to say so anything from
process innovations to product innovations to, you know,
sci-fi, you know, applications. We're looking at it all and it's
a dedicated team that to wants to to want to drive that change
(16:15):
for veterans. Well, that's great, Beth.
And then specifically what whereis kind of your area of focus
within that within the office? Oh, me personally, you mean.
So, yeah. So I, I'm the, I'm the deputy
chief. I have the honor of getting to
oversee a lot of the different pieces of work.
(16:37):
My background is as a physician,but I lead several of the groups
in within this group around emerging technologies is kind of
our sweet spot. And that's where ABC works and a
lot of this work comes out of. And so we have a little kind of
skunk works called X Labs out inSeattle.
(16:58):
And again, we're trying to understand how do we harness
emerging technologies to drive change and, and 3D printing is
one of those things that we're using with the prosthetics, but
we're also interested in robotics, drones, AI, you name
it. If I could get a drone for a
leg. OK, so sorry you're you're at
(17:22):
the the kind of this, the skunkswork skunk works division.
That's right. I'm in the middle of the the
Skunks works. It's yeah, yeah, it's it smells,
Yeah, smells good. I'm a yeah, it smells good.
It smells so good. It smells like innovation of
future promise. Yeah, I, so I'm a development
(17:43):
engineer, so I function as a, asa medical device to development
much like you would see in any other manufacturing group.
So currently I'm, I'm leading aneffort that we're calling
digital prosthetics. So that we kind of jumped in,
but that's, that's what we're doing.
And that that's, that's a supported standardized, scalable
framework which enables VA prosthetists to access digital
(18:07):
manufacturing technology if theyif they choose to do so.
And so these are the kind of tools that enable clinicians to
to scan, to 3D scan, to use specialized software to
digitally modify those scans andthen to 3D print prosthetic
devices. And so.
So how fast does this work? Sorry, this is so like right on
(18:30):
my I'm, I'm excited and so I'm gonna, I'm gonna be interrupting
cuz I, you can't just move on after saying something like that
and have me not want to know. Cuz I the biggest like slow
down. And it, it was an emotional
roller coaster to get a leg because you would go in and, and
if, if the mold that they made didn't fit right, you just lost
a, a month, maybe, you know, and, and you know, two weeks if
(18:52):
things went great, But some people are driving, you know, an
hour or two to get to these appointments or more.
And when it doesn't work, it's like, Oh my gosh.
So with, with 3D printing, what is your goal with that?
And, you know, and what does that time frame look like?
And I'm so sorry to jump in at him.
I, I'm, I'm just, I'm excited here.
Love your enthusiasm. I think there are opportunities
(19:14):
for, for time and efficiency improvements here.
And this is what we are trying to get to the bottom of.
And I say that we as Ava, right,we're doing that.
But that's also where the field is in general.
There are many people using these tools within the VA,
outside the VA. But because it's there aren't
standardized approaches here andthere aren't literal standards
(19:36):
to to adhere to, sometimes the outcomes can be variable.
There's some really skilled people using these tools and
then there's some people that have tried and not had so much
success and become disillusioned.
So we're working to find those numbers.
This is timeliness is so important.
This is timing when timing really matters a lot.
(19:58):
So there's some definitely some potential for time and cost
efficiencies here. But you know when you look at it
on paper. You know, when in the right
scenario you can 3D print like adiagnostic, we can go through
the whole process, but like a diagnostic check socket in
hours, you can print a definitive socket in days.
(20:20):
And, and that's pretty common with with industry standards
today. But more importantly, there are
opportunities to improve scalability and consistency
across the VA, right? So you're receiving the same
kind of care no matter where where you choose to receive that
care. Right.
OK. I'm so sorry.
(20:40):
You can get back to Adam's question.
I just, I, I got excited. I jumped the gun.
I'm so sorry. That's right, Joe, we're used to
it. No, this might be a good point
to just kind of because I know Stacy's got a question to you
kind of around assisted technology devices, but maybe
just kind of one more on kind ofthe organizational relationships
and and where this kind of center sits within the VA
(21:01):
Bethany. And I would imagine that you
have to work with other departments and the innovations
that you guys are pioneering, you're collaborative in nature
with other departments and you're sharing that or you guys
kind of prototype it and then itworks this way out.
How does how does that kind of work?
No, it always started actually all, oh, sorry, I was going to
say it always starts with the veteran first.
So really early on we want to betalking and engaging with the
(21:25):
patients. One of my great colleagues says
don't do anything for me withoutme.
So that's a huge piece of this. And then understanding who are
the clinical partners right off the bat.
So no, we do not want to like, you know, I said it's skunk
works, but really we're not in the, you know, in the corner
making something and then presenting it.
We're out like listening and trying to understand what do
(21:45):
veterans need? What are the gaps and what are
our caregivers need and then bringing those people to the
table really early. And that's what Alex has been
doing. Alex, you can say that the
groups that you're working with,but we have some really strong
partners in addition to the veterans.
Yeah, that's right. And, and, you know, our goal is
to, to create, like Beth said earlier, a new tool and toolkit,
(22:08):
right? We really want to support
prosthetic service line veteransto enable and empower them to do
their best work. And we, we approach that, you
know, using a standardized framework for like product
development. But currently we're, you know,
we're always, what we're always looking for is the, the voice of
(22:28):
the veteran. And so we are, we are currently
at a stage where we're piloting,piloting an early prototype of,
of a workflow and a definitive diagnostic check socket device
and a definitive socket device because we need to put these in
front of people so we can get their feedback and incorporate,
you know, new, new, new resources, new features, new
(22:54):
ways of doing things that will actually be used.
So it's a, it's a really comprehensive ecosystem where we
have to involve the clinical service lines, the, you know,
the IT departments to make sure some of this software and
hardware can be approved and, and sustained within the VA
network. And then of course, of course,
the veterans, we, we absolutely need to make things for them
(23:17):
and, and with them, like Beth said.
Beth and Alex, you know, so manyveterans with physical
limitations due to disabilities,and I can relate 'cause I have
my own, I have a service dog that helps me with a lot of my
daily stuff. But you know, I wanted, I wanted
and I want nothing more than to live as normal a life as
(23:38):
possible and to navigate my daily life with, with as much
independence without having to rely on people around me.
What, what types of devices are there that help, you know,
mitigate disabilities? But, and, and, and how can
assistive technology do that? Like what is that exactly?
(24:01):
Can I, can I jump in here, Alex?And then you back me.
So this is one of our most important spaces that we're
innovating in. So I'm so glad you brought this
up, Stacy. Within the VA, we have this
Office of Advanced Manufacturingand we have within that and
anyone can go actually to see this resource, an entire library
(24:25):
of assistive technology devices that we have made for veterans
that we are sharing out with thegeneral public and like to to
back up for a second. The way we think about it is if
you want to do it and you're somehow hindered, we are going
to find a way to make it. And so a lot of things are what
would be called like a one off, right?
(24:45):
Because you, Stacy, love leatherworking and you have a certain,
you know, injury to your hand that we're going to work on.
But there's probably more Stacy's out there.
So those are the ones that we then batch into the library.
But we are making everything, pool queue adapters, hunting
adapters, you know, stylus adapters driving, you name it,
(25:07):
we will make it. And that's kind of the beauty of
digital and 3D printing is that is we are able to do that.
How does somebody like an average Joe like me at the very
ground level actually go about requesting something like that?
Because I feel like my GP, my primary care provider, isn't
(25:32):
gonna probably be in the know. So how do you know what you
don't know? So anyone listening, including
you walk into your VA, tell yourGPI want a, you know, assistive
assistive device, you know, and say, you know, if they're like,
well, it's not the off the shelfsay I want a 3D printed
assistive advice Office of Advancement manufacturing or
(25:53):
OEM. It's an interfacility console.
It can be accessed anywhere and that's another beauty.
And getting back to what Joe said, we want any veteran to
walk into any door in any VA anywhere and have access to this
technology and the digital aspect of it lets us do that.
So you can walk in anywhere and ask for it.
(26:14):
If they don't know, tell them tofind someone, tell them to call
me or Alex and we will get it for you because we can design it
again virtually, print it and send it to that VA.
So this is for everyone. Alex, what's the craziest
assistive technology device thatyou've come up with, what that
you've engineered? Yeah, that could be in different
categories. Yeah, I've, I've, you know,
(26:37):
first of all, it's a team effort, right?
And, and I got to give credit toa lot of the folks in Richmond
that have really spearheaded this.
And I've, I've been involved in some of the devices that they've
made. There are some really clever
ones. You know, you said crazy device.
I don't know. There's some really cool game
controllers out there. OK, adapted for single hand use.
(26:59):
I think so cool as a mechanical engineer, those are like, those
are very fun mechanical devices,right?
Because you're you're strapping it to your leg and you're using
your thumb and other fingers in unique ways.
And so there are all these little adapters for the
controllers or, you know, the pickleball player that needed to
serve the ball but only had one hand.
And so there was a device that was built for the bill of their
(27:21):
ball cap so that they could put the ball in and flick it up in
the air to serve it. Oh Dang, that's awesome.
So fun, right? It's very very fun and
interesting. That that would take some
coordination. I would probably be the fool
that would whack myself in the head with my own racket.
I want a over the shoulder pumpkin launcher.
We could probably do that if youhad a need, yeah.
(27:42):
I will I will test it. I like makeup brush adapter that
I actually really like and our friends over at DoD have A and
so we work also with with DoD across pollination of ideas.
They have a wine glass holder adapter for a prosthetic.
(28:02):
Interesting, pretty cool. And then also a lot of golfing
adapters, right, like being ableto like if you can't bend over
to stick your ball and tee and you know, a stick with the you
could put it on the end and intothe into the ground.
So kind of everything. So is it, it isn't always about
prosthetics so much, but just devices in general, Yeah.
(28:24):
What are some like non prosthesis assistive technology
devices off the top of your headthat you've created?
Oh, well, I mean, there are often a lot of wheelchair
adapter devices for cup holders,different straw adapters for,
for people that yeah, yeah. OK, that control things with
(28:49):
either tongue or breath. You know, they're really, you
come in with your idea and your need, and we're designed to help
address you where you are. So they really can fall into any
category. OK, so all the creative alphas
out there who who have somethingthey want, they've probably been
thinking in the back of their mind.
If only I had a fill in the blank they would reach out to
(29:09):
you guys. That's.
Right. Oh, you know what?
We made one. This is actually one of my
favorites at we call it Hamburger Helper.
Hopefully I don't get a trade trademarked, but to be able to
eat a Red Robin burger and we had two veterans that came in
both with this goal, one who had, you know, hooks for a
prosthetic and then one that just had a lot of weakness from
(29:32):
a brain injury. So two different very different
spectrum, but the same goal of being able to eat a hamburger
with dignity. And so that's a really cool one
that we made a lot of. It's a lot of.
Burgers good are those burgers if they came to you guys,
they're. Like.
Problem. Eat a burger Eater device
please. That's a good burger.
(29:52):
Yeah, Beth just mentioned, you know, there are probably many
Stacy's out there that want to do the leather work.
Not that I know that you do leather work, but because this
is digital and because we have alibrary of these devices, we can
use that as a starting point to adapt that to the next veteran
with the unique need. And that by by having a digital
library, we're able to do that. And I think that's the benefit
(30:12):
of having data, you know, going back to the prosthetics that a
lot of the standard of care is still operating in, in plaster
and molding and casting. And when those devices are made,
that plaster is destroyed, the data is lost.
And so just being able to digitize these resources enables
us to to pull something off the digital shelf and adapt it or
(30:33):
tweak it so that hopefully we'reminimizing the number of repeat
visits or not having to reinventthe wheel as much as we as we go
on to innovate into new spaces and new devices down the line.
On my end, I, I, I can't help but think about the way that
technology is growing. And I think that you guys have
(30:54):
seen things with like AI and with, with, with 3D printing and
how eventually you're going to be able to take 5 pictures of
something and it's going to be able to do 90% of the math work
for you. But we've also got things
happening right now like smart glasses and things like that
that. Is there anything that you guys
(31:14):
are looking to get into? And we'll mute Dylan so he can't
hear this that. Is there anything that you guys
are looking to get into that that you're really excited about
that you think could really be agame changer in the next in the
next decade or so? ABC's just grinned.
So I know he's got something. I think he's just wondering if
(31:36):
he can talk about it. Just knowing that you guys are
are on the go like this is exciting to me.
So you don't have to really get into anything.
I'll tell you this, I'll tell you this, you know, things.
We want to get things to veterans as fast as possible.
If it's something new and helpful and safe and effective,
I want veterans to have it first.
(31:57):
I think we all do. And So what we do is we're
always scouting 5 to 10 years inadvance, watching technology and
waiting for it to click over. Because what we don't want to do
is bring it in too early and then it doesn't work and then
everyone's frustrated. So our shop kind of in the back
end is looking at at the devicesand the technologies of the
(32:17):
future and waiting for the rightmoment for it to go and for, you
know, right now with prostheticsis the right moment moment.
Digital scanners are working right, 3D printers are working
right. We know we can, you know,
deliver something to veterans that's meaningful.
We have our eye, though, on a lot of technologies on the
horizon, you know, always like new things in the 3D printing
(32:39):
world, new scanners, but also I mentioned, you know, robotics.
We're interested in in how robots can be helpful in the
hospital and at home. Alex, do you want to talk about
some of your blue sky ideas? Yeah, I think, yeah, more
towards understanding where things will be in the next 5 to
10 years. I think there's, there's,
(33:00):
there's, you know, opening up these new tools and resources
provides lots of opportunities for things that you can do with
the data in terms of tracking longitudinal changes and
addressing comfort and fit, creating, you know, instrumented
sockets so that they can be, youknow, equipped with sensors for
monitoring the, the limb health and behavior, but also as a, as
(33:24):
a, as a surface for control right to control other devices.
So there's these like sci-fi applications that are out there
that people are starting to pokeand explore, but there's,
there's definitely more work to be done.
And I, I can't, I can't miss theopportunity to, to just say
that, you know, we're doing thisbecause we create strategic
(33:45):
industry partnerships. We are not in the business.
This is not an academic exerciseand we're not in the business of
reinventing the wheel. Often times there are there are
groups out there that are prettyfar along but are not able to
make the business case or are not able to really demonstrate
the capability in the use case. In many, in many situations, we
(34:09):
can step in and and support getting it over the line or work
with them to understand where the gaps are and use our unique
operation right. The unique way that we deliver
care to veterans to help bring these the truly useful
innovations over the line and available to veterans in ways
that it may not be possible outside of the day.
(34:30):
Outstanding. I was going to give you one more
if I can. You know, that's actually like
in the near now, which is because we're digitizing this
prosthetic workflow. We can actually know about you
Joe, when you're eating pizza when you're not, right?
Like if it's cyclical and start to like look at your data over
time and start to learn insightsabout this prosthetic worked,
(34:53):
this one didn't and use AI enabled technologies to start to
design for that. Now, we can't do that now and we
might not be able to do that next year.
But in like say two to three years, as we have more veterans
involved in this who want to, you know, share out their own
experiences, we could start to really drive some very
interesting changes and and design based on real feedback,
(35:17):
which we just can't do right nowwith the plaster because we lose
it. We just kind of lose those legs
or data. So that's just another exciting.
Pile into that there's another one right with a unique
fabrication method there are youknow you you get liberated from
the constraints of carbon fiber,which is the standard way that.
These. Definitive sockets are made.
(35:38):
It's a great material, it's a great resource, It works for a
lot of people, but they're inherent in one fabrication
style. There are limitations.
And so providing another tool inthe toolbox means that you
provide a new way of doing things, which can offer new
opportunities. So like, for example, many of
our veterans talk about how it gets hot and sweaty in those
(36:00):
sockets, right? You have a silicone liner on
there and it's like, it's like wearing a wet suit over your
residual limb, right? And then and then you're moving
around in there and it gets, it gets hot and uncomfortable.
So you know, one of the things 3D printing can allow or enable
potentially the opportunity to create a perforated socket.
So a socket with with holes thatallow air flow over the surface
(36:24):
of the skin. Can you do that with a carbon
fiber socket? I mean, I guess you could get in
there with a bunch with a drill bit and go go wild, but.
Yeah, you're just creating weak points at that point.
Yeah, exactly. Don't.
Don't do that. Don't do that, right?
Oh, yeah, sorry. Don't do that.
Sorry. Yeah, don't do that.
These, these new tools enable new possibilities, right?
(36:45):
And that's exactly what we should be exploring if we're
going to support our veteran amputees and support the
industry as it grows and innovates in the future.
Well, I think it's really exciting about the advancements
and the work and really this culture of innovation that you
guys have been working on. I guess one of the questions I
(37:05):
have is, you know, obviously by the area that work in and
specifically with, you know, thematerial medical devices of of
your expertise, Alex, is that really the how the the office
thinks about innovation? Is it predominantly around tools
and material innovations becauseyou know, for example, I work in
(37:26):
in the veteran mental health andwe we think about you know,
innovation some of these innovative alternative therapies
that are coming online that are saving veterans lives. 17 to 44
veterans a day are committing suicide and and I had the
opportunity to testify last month at AUS Senate field
hearing hosted by Senator Tuberville and SO1 panel was
(37:47):
actually the office of mental health Deputy Executive Director
Elsa Weikers was there to be able to speak on behalf of the
VA. And then we had a veteran panel
and an expert scientist panel. You know, we were talking about
H bond, we were talking about some of these other alternative
therapies, breakthrough therapies like psilocybin, MGMA,
ibogaine therapy. So thinking about these, Senator
(38:09):
Tuberville asked Elsa Weikers a great question, which is how
does the VA do a better job of balancing safety and innovation?
So to me, it's like there's one conversation on the medical
device side, right? When you're thinking about a
prosthetic, you know, how is that going to be safe?
Do you guys work with the Officeof Mental Health?
Are you thinking about any innovations beyond material?
(38:32):
And what are your thoughts on that?
I'd love to hear. Yeah, absolutely.
So they are a fantastic partner.We have, you know, several
things that we've done with them.
One of them Mission Daybreak, which was a grand challenge
around suicide prevention with alot of AI enabled tools.
You know, and innovation really is just something new that
(38:55):
solves an unsolved problem. So it could be processes, it
could be alternative therapies, it could be devices.
One of the things I do want to shout out is that, Oh Hill, our
Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning, sits right next to
Office of Research and Development, which drives a lot
of the research behind it. And one of the things we've been
doing is working really closely together, kind of hand in hand,
(39:20):
so that when the best ideas comeforward from research, we can,
you know, kind of, I call it like toss it over the fence to
the innovations team to then tryto operationalize it.
And so that the researchers can keep asking the deep questions
and we can put our heads down and try to to make it happen.
So there's a lot going on in that space.
And I also did want to hit the safety because that is
(39:42):
tantamount to what we do. We spend a lot of time in our
shop understanding what quality means and safety means.
And we actually run under a quality management system and
are registered with the FDA as amedical device manufacturer.
Now that is not for the faint ofheart.
It took years of work, but allows us to understand all the
(40:06):
processes that make sure that wedon't take a drill bit to a
prosthetic, right. So we so we are very tightly,
you know, we would never want toinnovate at the cost of safety
and that that's the, that's the work we put in upfront.
And we have a lot of like quality and regulatory team
members that are there thinking everyday what is the risk and
(40:27):
how are we going to mitigate it.Well, it's really, it's really
cool to see how you guys think about that within your own
office. But then it was really cool to
hear about the, the research department too, and the
connection between the two. What's like kind of the catalyst
for something that happens within research to kind of do
you guys have like monthly meetings where you kind of have
a list of things and they're reporting where they are And
(40:48):
then like what actually brings it, you know, from one
department over to the other? Yeah.
So we have something called the Joint Awareness and Management
Board, the the jam board. So we do jam sessions weekly.
So we have weekly meetings between research and
innovations. And to your point, we're both
bringing up things that, you know, there's stuff on the
(41:10):
innovation side that we're like,we really need research help to
like ask a few more questions and things on the research side.
We've got 52 active projects right now that we're looking at
in that queue. So jam sessions weekly, again, a
new thing, but I think a lot in the mental health space projects
in there as well as, you know, other, you know, suicide
(41:31):
prevention, diabetes and and other, you know, important
issues for us in VA. It's really exciting how you
guys cast that net to be able tobe on the tangible and the
intangible, so to speak. Yeah.
Well, it's been incredible chatting with both of you, Beth,
(41:52):
Alex, Alphas. If you want to learn more about
what they are doing and their incredible colleagues are up to
in their innovation labs, visit innovation.va.gov.
And be sure to check with your primary care provider.
If you think about something youneed that would help benefit you
in your daily life and make things a little bit easier, make
(42:13):
you a little less dependent on your your loved ones around you.
This is a great opportunity to do that again.
Beth and Alex, it was such a pleasure meeting with you today.
And Alphas, please stick around for some scuttlebud right after
the break. This year we have a golden
opportunity. No, Make that a red, white and
blue opportunity to do somethingtruly special.
(42:35):
That's right Commander, this year America is celebrating it's
250th birthday. And the American Legion family
will be leading the nationwide celebrations.
The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge is a year.
Long celebration honoring our nation.
You can participate in the challenge by choosing one of the
three categories. The three categories are
(42:57):
community service, mental Wellness and physical activity.
Whether you are doing 1-2 or allthree categories, you are making
a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
Visit legion.org/USA 2:50 to learn more and register for
$30.00. For your registration fee, you
will get to choose a commutativetech shirt and your donation
(43:19):
support the American Legion Veterans and Children
Foundation. Be a part of what makes our
nation great. Help us celebrate America.
Join us in the USA 2:50 Challenge.
(43:41):
OK Alphas, I am sure you enjoyeda tremendously wonderful,
fantastic, amazing break, but now we've got some more great
content for you with the Scuttlebutt, Adam.
That's right, we're kicking things off with news from Legion
Town. In a moment that inspired an
entire community, 81 year old Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart
(44:02):
recipient Ron Cabral walked across the stage at Bristol
Community College's commencementceremony back in May, earning
his Associate in Arts in GeneralStudies.
Man, good job buddy. Ron's journey back to the
classroom after more than 5 decades exemplifies the
determination that defined his military service and his
(44:24):
perseverance and his belief thatit's never too late to pursue a
dream. His success was made possible in
part by the Mass Educate Program, an initiative in
Massachusetts that provides freetuition and fees for all
eligible Community College students, regardless of age or
income. Adult learners over 25 who have
(44:44):
not earned a bachelor's degree can attend any of the state's 15
public Community College tuitionfree with additional allowances
for books and supplies. Ron's story also highlights the
vital role of veteran support networks.
His accomplishment was supportedby a strong partnership between
Bristol Student Veterans of America SVA Chapter and American
(45:06):
Legion Post Three O 3 in Swansea, MA, where Cabral is a
member. As Ron crossed the stage to
receive his degree, he carried with him the legacy of Vietnam
Veterans and the promise of lifelong learning.
His story reminds us that education is not bound by age
and that veterans continue to serve their communities in
(45:26):
powerful ways long after their military service ends.
We'll have a link to Ron Cabral's graduation video in
Bristol YouTube channel, as wellas a link to the full story in
Legion Town, where you can see asweet photo of Ron in his
uniform alongside fellow graduate Max Poole.
He's. A.
(45:47):
Is it a sweet photo or a sweet photo?
I think. I think it's more like a sweet.
Dude sweet. The member of the Legion for 464
in Fall River, MA. Well, first of all, it sounds
like Massachusetts really has itgoing on for their education for
(46:07):
veterans, so well done, Massachusetts.
If all 50 states were like that and we would be in a better
place. I think that's incredible.
And Ron, congratulations on graduation.
I really look forward to seeing what you do with your arts
degree. And I know that had to take a
lot of patience and, you know, sitting down with other kids and
(46:28):
kids. And I say that very loosely
doing their undergrad, so well done.
All right. Great job, Ron.
Joe, what you got for us? The Porks are shortish Porsche.
The. Porks.
The pork sausage is Yeah. So you guys, you're not going to
(46:49):
believe this. Guys.
The pork sausage Patty is out and Buffalo chicken is in as the
Pentagon is set up to dish up revamped filled rations with
more protein filled snacks and caffeine starting next year.
And popular, Yeah. Wait, wait.
Yeah. They're going to put more
caffeine in the diets. Are they nuts?
I mean how many, how many RIP its did we did we consume all of
(47:13):
them? Well apparently it's still RIP
its and not ripped it because they're coming back baby.
Well, I I have, I, I listen. It always boggles the mind how
the DoD thinks because let's give up pork for chicken, but
let's add caffeine. Carry on, Joe.
(47:35):
Well, you know, I I think that unpopular there's always the the
least popular ones and, and you can tell because Adam's
picturing them now. He had a disgusted look on his
face. It might have been just because
he was looking at me. Unpopular Prepackaged items in
in MRE's or meals ready to eat will be axed in 2026 at the DoD,
(47:56):
including human flesh. Naturally.
Dog and cow Patty, No. OK, so this includes beef Taco
filling and a second meat Patty and the jalapeno pepper Jack.
I mean, I think. That's how.
How do you mess? That up.
But hey, why? Agree to disagree.
Why aren't the hot dogs on the cutting block?
Like who ate that anyway? I have so many questions.
(48:20):
So replacing these three will beBuffalo chicken, Cuban style
beef, piccadillo or piccadillo with vegetables and a Thai style
red Curry with chicken and rice.Curry last time.
Was not this. I don't know bro, I don't know.
But more snack fare packaged with protein is also on the way
in the form of new Shmores recovery bars and freeze dried
(48:42):
chocolate peanut butter bites. Bro hold on, I'm going back in.
Developers in the Army's Combat Feeding Division.
That is not a thing. It is a thing.
No. Hi, I'm Warren, Officer
Williamson with the Army's Combat Feeding Division.
I was in the feeding division. Jeez, that sounds.
Did you deploy with the feeders?I was the chump.
(49:05):
In I was the food taster. I was the food taster in Nazi.
Also in Massachusetts. You're right, Massachusetts work
to reduce weight and volume while maintaining the same
number of calories in nutritional value.
The updated Mr. ES will include new caffeinated options like
beverages, gum and Jelly beans, as well as energy chews and
(49:27):
gels. What we've oh, Julie Edwards,
sorry. What we've noticed is caffeine
is one of the least consumed items in the MRE.
Julie. Edwards.
Are you senior from the 1930s? Yeah, she's older, senior
technologist in the combat feeding division.
Combat feeding division. Man, that's just beautiful.
Every time I hear it, it sounds cooler.
(49:48):
Yeah, it does. And previous generations were
big coffee drinkers, but the newer generation of soldiers are
not. RIP it.
RIP it. Troops will receive a larger,
more resilient towelette, thank goodness.
OK, listen, is it going to be called a moist towelette?
Remember, OK, half of those are I should say almost the majority
(50:11):
of came in those little like little paper sort of foil line
packets and they were always dry.
I never had a moist towelette come out of an MRE.
I am just saying I. Think there's a pill for that?
See here. Well, I'm I'm really excited
about the more resilient towelettes.
(50:32):
I wouldn't be able to put mine like in my in my in front of my
sappy plate. The Pentagon annually assesses
and the change and changes the lineup of MRE's, but the full
process of changing out an item takes about four years before
hitting the field for evaluation.
All new items must still be edible after six months at
100°F, in three years at 80°. OK, let's just put pause, pause
(50:55):
so. Sorry, but.
Seriously you guys, if if Mr. ashave been around that long and
we're putting it in our body, Can you imagine how fermented
our cells are at this point? Like it must be like
formaldehyde coursing through myveins.
I'm just saying the feeding division really needs to look at
(51:19):
less live mummification of its truth and maybe, maybe more
healthy eating options. I think you're probably right.
So the feeding division is already working on offerings for
2027. Plant based animal crackers.
A new recovery bar, a protein bar and fruit flavored cereal
are among the possibilities, thestatement said.
(51:40):
I like fruit flavored cereals. Yeah, me too.
Is that a way of saying like what would be Fruity Pebbles or
what are some other fruities? Hopefully they go more with
like, I don't know, cuz that that's that you know, when you
eat like Fruity Pebbles, like it's very clear that it is fruit
inspired and not fruity. And so I'm hoping they go with
(52:02):
something like almost like a Cheerio with with flavoring or
something, I don't know. OK, Adam's shaking his head.
Yes, Cheerios. He hasn't he?
No, he just went straight up like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
I just. Hey, that's pretty good.
It's got a lot of thoughts once we enter into the arena of
(52:23):
cereals. Fruit Loops.
So also in 2027, plant based entrees will replace the four
vegetarian meals currently available.
Any new item that we get, any new item that we get that can
bring variety and increase acceptability is important.
All right, abandoning the voice.Abandoned.
The bit's gone, the bit is dead,Edward said.
(52:45):
We know that eating an MRE are you?
Are you accent shaming me? We know that eating an MRE isn't
everyone's number one thing, butwe want to make it safe to eat
and that's our number one priority.
But it does end up in a #2 two weeks later after you eat it
because you're going to be so bound.
Up We know it's not even the top10 things of people's thing to
(53:06):
eat, but. Yeah.
At 100°F for three years. And then after that, after the
safety, they want to, they want to try and make it taste good.
And I they're, we can't admit, all joking aside, there have
been meals that we have enjoyed.So I don't know they're out
there. Yeah.
(53:26):
We'll have links in the show notes for you.
Alphas, believe it or not, todaymarks the 78th anniversary of
the first supersonic flight by the one and only Chuck Yeager.
Jaeger was the United States AirForce whoop whoop.
He was an officer, flying ace and a test pilot.
He was the first pilot to exceedthe sound barrier in a level
(53:48):
flight, a feature which a feat which he achieved on October
14th, 1947. During World War 2, Jaeger
fought as AP 51 Mustang fighter pilot on the Western Front.
He was shot down. Oh excuse me, Correction, he
shot down 11.5 enemy planes as well as achieving the feat of
(54:09):
Ace in a day after taking out five enemy aircraft in a single
mission. Damn Chuck, you a badass.
Yeah, we call that Chuck Yeager Day in Aviation.
Yeager later commanded fighter squadrons and wings in Germany
as well as in the Southeast Asiaduring the Vietnam War in
recognition of his achievements and outstanding performance
ratings for those units. He was promoted to Brigadier
(54:32):
General in 1969 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall
of Fame in 1973 and then later retired in March 1975 for its
colloquial similarities to Mach one get it March 1st, Mach One
get it his three-year. Anyway, his three-year active
duty flying, three-year active duty flying career spanned more
(54:55):
than 30 years and took him to many parts of the world
including the Korean War zone, the Soviet Union during the
height of the Cold War, and all the other aforementioned
conflict zones. Adam, what do you think of Chuck
Yeager? He's a pretty good pilot.
He chucked him up, didn't he? I think, wait, you said Air
Force, but I'm thinking maybe hewas in the Army Air Corps in
(55:16):
1947. I would believe you're probably
you're probably right. Yeah.
But you know, to me, my, my research sucks.
Yeah. I'm only Air Force.
Give me a break. Jaeger went on to work as a test
pilot, as I've already mentioned, and he flew a number
of advanced experimental planes,including the Bell X1.
(55:37):
You flew that right at him, withwhich he broke various speed,
sound speeds, and altitude records and was pretty much, you
know, continuing his badass rate.
Jaeger once said If you can walkaway from a landing, it's a good
landing. If you use the airplanes the
next day, it's an outstanding landing. touché, my friend.
(55:59):
Jaeger is referred to by many asone of the greatest pilots of
all time and was ranked 5th on Flying's list of the 51 Heroes
of Aviation in 2013. He flew more than three. 100,
he's the he's a one of the greatest pilots of all time, OK?
Yeah, we're forgetting about thetime.
How you? Going.
To at a mar. Yeah, sorry.
(56:20):
Oh, we forgot to include him on the number one list.
He is the. Top I flew the Bell 2O6 jet
Ranger OK. OK, sorry, Rotary rang.
Whoa, whoa. Chuck flew more than 360
different types of aircraft. Adam, what about you?
3. Three different aircraft.
Chuck got 360 / 70 year period pretty even numbers.
(56:42):
You guys are, you guys are definitely in the same ballpark
I would say. And continued to fly for two
decades after his retirement as a consultant pilot for the
United States Air Force. In 2020, at the age of 97,
Yeager died in Los Angeles. So obviously had a very long and
illustrious career there's. Not going to be many things that
you can out Chuck Yeager, but I can out Apache him.
(57:07):
Oh well, I I've seen your Apache, I I see the plug there,
that's one. I'm sure.
No, I don't know set that. I didn't know that 360 different
types of aircraft. I didn't even know there was 360
types of aircraft. If you would have asked me and
put a gun to my head I would have said like 70.
Yeah, like maybe 100. Fun fact.
(57:29):
He faked fact. I know it is.
Fun fact, Yeager was a lifelong member of the American Legion,
maintaining a membership in his own hometown at the American
Legion Post 111 in Hamlin, WV. And he was he was a member for
42 years. The post later renamed itself to
the General Charles E Chuck Yeager American Legion Post in
(57:50):
his honor after his passing. So there you go, Chuck Yeager
day, guys. Nice.
Well, not Chuck Yeager day. It's, you know, somber.
Anyway, semantics. First supersonic flight by.
Supersonic. Supersonic, definitely.
Ultraviolet So no, I mean, I just wanted to to you know,
(58:13):
you're I know that you are trying to shut me down.
I know you're trying to suppressme but but I just want.
Open the next one up that's. Yeah.
OK, that's fair, that's fair. But I just want to say that that
we we've had good a good time today.
I mean, you know, the conversation was fantastic and,
and I'm personally excited aboutabout people hearing this one.
(58:35):
I think that there's some reallycool stuff going on and it's,
it's, it's funny when you ask a question like, like, you know,
what do you think's coming up? And they both go like they know.
Something they have Ndas. Probably.
But it's so exciting because like this kind of stuff is, is,
is really it, It changes normal people's lives who are, who are.
(58:57):
But what a lot of people don't realize is that when you have
something that helps people see,the people that are really
affected are the people who can't are the people that that
are having vision issues. When you have something that
makes it easier for people to tohear, it can really change the
life of someone with, with hearing issues.
(59:18):
And so all this stuff that we'redoing, you know, with
prosthetics and all this medicaladvancement, I mean, the goal
being really for me, I think is that we can use some of this
stuff to bypass some of the physical challenges that people
deal with on a day-to-day basis.I mean, what a great thing to
know that that we're on the cuspof a time when a child born with
(59:41):
no vision or low vision might beable to see as well as anyone
soon. Yeah.
And, and same thing with with hearing and things like that.
And, and a child that might be born with a, a failing, you
know, heart, we might be able toto replace that without someone
else needing to die in order forus to get a heart.
(01:00:01):
I mean, you know, all these things that are happening right
now, like we're on the cusp of some, some really incredible
stuff. And so, you know, pay attention,
You know, we, we all knew when AI started getting big, that was
going to change things. We've seen Terminator, you know.
Yeah, but I, I was. Also excited to hear that they
that they're not holding innovation only to medical
(01:00:22):
devices. And I know that we talked a lot
about the the prosthetics, you know, today and the advancements
there, how wonderful and needed that is.
But you know, when I think aboutinnovation, there's so many
innovations that are happening in this, the healthcare, the
great healthcare disruption that's been ongoing.
And then I was also, yeah. So maybe that question was, you
(01:00:43):
know, kind of funny a moment where they they pause, but to
come on and to talk about what'sgoing on there, to talk about
their processes and their systems.
Actually think we need more of that because I didn't know that
that department, you know, existed.
Where, where do you go to find their architecture, what they're
working on? I think in this information age,
if they can share more and bringus along with them to talk about
(01:01:05):
some of those things, then people are going to realize that
there's, we always say this, there's a lot going on and the
intention is there and there's some challenges, you know, that
are faced as well. So when also when I think of,
you know, technologies, the greatest technology, I believe
is like the human body or, you know, the, the living creations.
And think what we're also learning too, is there's
(01:01:26):
innovative ways for our body to be able to take care of itself
and prepare some of these. I don't think we can grow new
limbs just yet, but I'm not ruling it out.
And it's probably going to come from the health, innovation and
learning lab. If it does, I know that's what
they're working on. I don't know.
What do you think, Stacey? I think it's all very thrilling.
And the one thing I know about the VA, as you said, Adam, is
(01:01:50):
things are sometimes hard to even know exists because you
don't know what you don't know until somebody tells you.
And the fact that they came on our show today to tell us what
they're doing, I think is a stepin the right direction.
So VA do more of that. We want to know what you got
going on and what's accessible to us.
All right, Alphas, thanks for listening.
A reminder that we are now hosted on Spotify.
(01:02:13):
If you follow us on Spotify, youcan find both the audio and the
video versions of the podcast. You can subscribe to our
podcast, and you can rate and comment on our podcasts all in
one place. You can tell us how wonderful
Joe and Stacey is. You can give us 10 stars.
That would be great. You can also find us on Apple,
(01:02:33):
Amazon, iHeartRadio, and YouTubeor wherever all the best
podcasts are hosted. Because we are one of the best
podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter or
send us mail and guest recommendations.
As always at legion.org/tingo AL, we'll see you next week.
Bye.
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