Army Vet Valerie Lavin Finds Top Care at Bay Pines VA | Women Vets

BAY PINES, FL — Retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Valerie Lavin is no stranger to navigating adversity. From experiencing her family’s evacuation from Saigon, Vietnam, to forging a successful 22-year career as a woman in uniform, Lavin has dedicated her life to resilience and service. Today, as an entrepreneur and advocate, she has found a welcoming home and a space to "breathe easy" at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

Enrolling in the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in 2019, Lavin notes that the quality of care has consistently exceeded her expectations. “From the moment I enrolled, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality of care I’ve received,” Lavin said. “I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve had to wait more than 10 - 15 minutes for an appointment. Every person I’ve interacted with has been pleasant and helpful.”

Lavin’s upbringing in Missouri was framed by the accountability and discipline of her father, a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. Taking a break from college, she listened to an inner voice that pushed her toward military service—a decision that shaped the rest of her life. “As hard as it was, it was the best 20-plus years of my life, and I don’t regret any of it. It prepared me to be the woman who I am now.”

Today, the "Lavin of today" is a trailblazing entrepreneur deeply devoted to her Veteran community. She is a proud partner in three military and Veteran-focused businesses and is currently developing a fourth: a dedicated podcast designed for women Veterans and former first responders. Her ultimate goal? “I want to be a woman in our community who other women Veterans know they can come to,” she shared.

As she continues to build spaces for women to thrive after service, Lavin is a vocal advocate for the Bay Pines VA’s Women Veteran Program (WVP). She praises the program for offering connection, support, and education, particularly for women who may not have felt fully supported during their active duty service.

Lavin’s message to fellow women Veterans who have yet to access their benefits is simple and powerful: “To women who aren’t enrolled in VA healthcare, I would say just give it a try. VA health care is a benefit you deserve because you earned it.”

For more information about the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and the Women Veteran Program, please visit VA Bay Pines Health Care.

This post is based on the original story by Medina Ayala-Lo, Public Affairs Officer at VA Bay Pines Health Care.

Luminary Global is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company founded in June 2016 by retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Valerie Ellis Lavin. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company provides high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Committed to duty, discipline, and dependability, Luminary Global operates independently with no affiliations to other entities. Expect the Unexpected – Be Prepared. Learn more at luminaryglobal.com. Follow our AI Transparency statement for brand integrity details.