News Archives 2026

Sharing His Story
(Phi Delta Theta - The Scroll News, March 13, 2026)

Willie Geist, Vanderbilt ’97, is the host of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, which turns ten in April. He is also a co-host of MS NOW’s Morning Joe, and a regular host and contributor to TODAY. Geist also contributes to the NBC Sports Group, where he has hosted coverage of several Olympic Games. Geist is the author of three books, including the New York Times bestsellers Good Talk, Dad, and American Freak Show. He lives in New York with his wife and their two children. 

"Another organization I am proud to invest my time in is Operation Mend at the UCLA Medical Center. Because my dad was in the military (he fought in Vietnam), veterans’ issues have always been very important to me. My wife, Christina, and I both serve on the board of advisors. This partnership between the UCLA Medical Center and the US military was established to provide advanced surgical and medical treatment, comprehensive psychological evaluation and support, and Intensive Treatment Programs for symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury for post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their caregivers."

Ten years of serving wounded veterans
(UCLA Health Magazine | Winter 2026, March 12, 2026)

UCLA Health Operation Mend is a founding partner of the national Wounded Warrior Project Warrior Care Network. In August 2008, SGT. 1ST CLASS (E-7) Anthony Mitchell — then 38 years old and serving as a U.S. Army infantry senior sergeant and team chief — was traveling with a convoy to the city of Gardez, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device tore through the patrol.

When Mitchell and Jocelyn — his wife and primary caregiver — eventually joined Operation Mend for care in January 2019, they were quickly encouraged by the compassion and support of their care team. “I got to UCLA, and for the first time, I sat down with somebody who actually made sense of what was going on,” says Mitchell. “It just put me on my knees. It really humbled me that there are people out there who care because when you come here, the doctors engage you.”

Working to understand the minds of wounded service members and veterans
(UCLA Health Newsroom, January 15, 2026)

UCLA Health Operation Mend neurologist Kevin Bickart, MD, PhD, loved playing football growing up because of the mental aspect of the game and the tight bond with his team.

He continues that early drive for collaboration and understanding of the human mind in his close work with veterans, as well as athletes.

At Operation Mend, Dr. Bickart is the lead neurologist for the Brain Health Intensive Treatment Program for active-duty service members and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).