Alaska VA announces new director

WASILLA — The Alaska VA Healthcare System recently appointed Thomas Steinbrunner as the new director, overseeing statewide operations supporting Alaskan veterans through a continuum of care.

Steinbrunner has been with the Alaska VA for nearly four years. He said that he previously served as an associate director then acting director before transitioning to the full-fledged director position, giving him an adequate chance to grow into the position. He said it means a lot to be able to play a “small part in a greater cause.”

“It’s a great opportunity for me… The VA’s mission is a phenomenal one. I can’t think of a higher calling than serving those who served, and in many cases gave immeasurably on behalf of their country,” Steinbrunner said.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced Steinbrunner’s arrival to the position with a press release, stating that he’ll continue the Alaska VA’s collaboration with the Department of Defense, Tribal, and Coast Guard health care systems to deliver services for 36,000 enrolled Veterans at VA locations across the state.

“We are excited to bring Mr. Steinbrunner on board as the new director of the Alaska VA Healthcare System,” Veterans Integrated Service Network Northwest Network Director, Teresa D. Boyd stated in the press release. “His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the veterans we are honored to serve.”

Steinbrunner is bringing 34 years of experience as a healthcare administrator for the U.S. Air Force along with his burning passion to support his fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

“We have a wonderful team of veterans and family members of veterans that serve in our organization, and I think that creates a tighter connection between the staff and the veterans we serve,” Steinbrunner said.

Looking forward, Steinbrunner has numerous goals aiming to expand the Alaska VA’s statewide services, including growth at their main facility and outpatient clinic in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley VA Clinic which is slated for a multi-stage expansion over the next year.

“We want to make sure those resources are available,” Steinbrunner said.

According to Steinbrunner, the Alaska VA has administered over 8,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Alaskan veterans since the end of December.

“It’s going pretty well. The staff has a really good process,” Steinbrunner said.

Steinbrunner said the Alaska VA is taking a lot of big lessons forward by adapting to the ever-changing situation. He said that he feels confident in the network’s strong foothold on future operations, and they’re primed and ready to continue growing their public outreach efforts and overall range of services.

“This was a great opportunity to adjust… The goal essentially being, ‘how can we take the resources that we have and develop what we don’t so that we can reach the most veterans and provide the most good?’” Steinbrunner said.

Mat-Su Valley Veterans interested in setting up a COVD-19 vaccination appointment can call 907-201-3128 for more information.

To find out more about the Alaska VA, including facts about their upcoming town hall, visit alaska.va.gov.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com