U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CWV - News Update

Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) announced it is advancing employment opportunities for military spouses through by joining the Department of Defense (DOD) Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).  MSEP is a career program connecting military spouses with more than 390 affiliated employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses in portable careers. [From VAntage Point]

All roles in the British armed forces, including the Royal Marines and elite special forces Special Air Service, known as the SAS, are now open to women, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced Thursday.  Starting Thursday, women across the British armed forces can begin moving into infantry jobs, and new potential recruits can apply for the positions in December. [From Military Times]

The Army announced Thursday the names and cutoff scores of soldiers who are getting good news for November.  The promotions for active-component soldiers and AGR soldiers are effective Nov. 1. [From Army Times]

VA has selected Delta Dental of California and MetLife to once again offer private insurance coverage for the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).  Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and beneficiaries and their dependents of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) can enroll in the program beginning Monday, November 12, 2018, for coverage to start December 1, 2018. [From VAntage Point]

Sgt. Bailey Weis didn’t set out to be a trailblazer, but she became one late last month when she completed the second phase of the arduous selection process for Marine special operators, a feat no other woman has accomplished. [From Military Times]

Jackie Munn and her husband quietly said their last goodbyes before she boarded the C-17 headed to Afghanistan and her Cultural Support Team assignment. [From The War Horse]

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VCB) were encouraged to wear purple on October 10 in order to help raise awareness about the serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans.  Veterans Medical Centers across the country did the same as a statement of unity and solidarity for victims of Intimate Partner Violence, commonly referred to as IPV. [From VAntage Point]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and VA employees, interns and volunteers were encouraged to wear pink on October 17 to support both females and males who have experienced breast cancer.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organizations, to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research. [From VAntage Point]

Watch your military email carefully over the next few weeks.  You may be among the 400,000 service members chosen to participate in a Defense Department web-based survey about health topics such as diet, exercise and sleep habits; alcohol and tobacco use; and sexual behavior. [From Military Times]

The 43rd Marine Corps Marathon will be the first marathon that 30-year-old Kevin Rodriguez, an active-duty Marine, will run in his life.  Susanna Rodriguez used to be an active-duty Marine, too.  In fact, that’s how the two met; and it’s why they chose to run this race together. [From Marine Corps Times]