Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
After more than three decades of dedicated service to the nation’s Veterans, Dr. Rebecca Stackhouse has retired from the Salem VA Medical Center.
Stackhouse’s 34-year career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs included 13 years of leadership at the Salem VA, where she served as both associate director and executive director. Her final day at the medical center was marked with a heartfelt retirement ceremony celebrating her service, leadership, and impact on Veterans and staff alike.
Under Stackhouse’s leadership, the Salem VA Health Care System expanded access to care by opening new clinic locations throughout the region, added new services and facilities to improve Veteran comfort, and strengthened partnerships with community organizations. She also guided the facility through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping it achieve the prestigious 5-star Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rating for three consecutive years.
VISN 6 Interim Chief Nursing Officer Michael Rumensky presented Stackhouse with a commemorative plaque during the ceremony, recognizing her dedication to veterans across Southwestern Virginia.
Colleagues and veterans shared personal stories of Stackhouse’s leadership, noting her ability to inspire staff and her unwavering focus on putting Veterans first.
“At Salem, the Veteran always comes first. They served us, it’s our duty and honor to serve them,” Stackhouse said. “The best part about the VA is that heroes walk our halls every day.”
The center said her legacy will be remembered for both the system’s growth and the personal care she brought to every interaction with Veterans and employees.
