|
DVS eNews - Summer 2025, Volume 1 |
|
On Friday, June 13, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission will celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army with a special ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial. The ceremony will include a recitation of General George Washington’s Farewell Speech to his troops by the actor who portrays the General at Colonial Williamsburg.
Imagine what it must have been like in 1775 when the call went out throughout the 13 colonies for men to volunteer for this new Continental Army to fight for freedom from the British and against the seasoned professional troops. We owe so much to the thousands of farmers, laborers, shopkeepers, teachers, and other civilians who left their farms, towns and cities and were willing to take up weapons and serve under General Washington.
Later this year, we will join with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission to also commemorate the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy on October 13 and the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10.
As General Washington famously said after victory over the British and as he prepared to become our first President: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”
As we note each year on Memorial Day when we honor and remember all the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice over the past two-and-a-half centuries and on Veterans Day every November when we show our appreciation for all who have worn the uniforms of one of our military branches, America can only survive and prosper as long as our young men and women are willing to serve in our Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
In times of war such as World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, America relied partly on the draft to fill the ranks of our forces. Since July 1973, all of our forces have depended completely on volunteers.
It’s more important than ever that our military can recruit the best and brightest to continue to fill the ranks. Doing so isn’t always easy as it’s estimated that only about 25% of young adults can currently qualify for enlistment.
The good news is that many of our qualified young men and women now see the advantages of enlisting directly into the military or enrolling in an ROTC program at the college or university they are attending. In fact, both the Army and Navy recently announced they have already exceeded their 2025 recruiting goals of 61,000 new soldiers and 40,600 new sailors.
In May, I was pleased to participate in the annual Military Signing Day hosted by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) at the Virginia War Memorial. At this ceremony, graduating seniors from the Greater Richmond area who have committed to serving signed their official paperwork and were inducted into various branches of service. It was a proud moment for each of them and for their families who were there to support them.
Since taking on this position, it has been a high privilege to speak with and encourage young people to consider seeking a career or even a start in our military; and to assure that as veterans, they take advantage of all the educational, financial, medical and other benefits they earned from their service. However, at this time of uncertainty and security challenges around world, our very freedoms continue to be threatened at accelerated levels. It is more important than ever to assure that our military is composed of the best young people we have to defend us. It is up to all of us to encourage our young people to consider serving our Nation by giving of themselves by enlisting. I hope you join me in this effort.
I send my sincere thank you to all our Virginia veterans and their families and remain committed to doing everything we can to assure that this Commonwealth remains the #1 state in America for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. I continue to travel throughout Virginia and always look forward to meeting and speaking with you.
Our DVS team members are always available to assist you, and I also continue to encourage you to register to become a member of the Virginia Veterans Network (VVN), our unique and comprehensive online portal for virtually all programs and benefits available to Virginia veterans and family members. To learn more about the VVN, visit vvn.dvs.virginia.gov. The registration is fast and simple. We are taking on thousands of new Virginians every month. What are you waiting for??? Sign up and give us your feedback (what do you want to be next in its development). We want to know!
Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army and to the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great Nation. HOOAH! Coming soon is our Marine Corps and America’s Navy. You can check out all of the events scheduled this summer and beyond by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission by visiting their website: https://va250.org.
As always, I welcome your comments, ideas and suggestions as to how we can serve you better.
Email me at Commissioner@dvs.virginia.gov. I promise you will receive a response. Enjoy your summer and may the Lord continue to bless and guide America and our Commonwealth.
Chuck Zingler (USN, Ret.)
Commissioner
|
|
|
 Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Amelia)
|
 Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin)
|
 Virginia War Memorial (Richmond)
|
|
On May 26, thousands honored fallen heroes at Memorial Day Ceremonies hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Events included ceremonies at cemeteries in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk, along with the 69th annual Commonwealth's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, attended by over 1,850 people; more than 35,000 watched the event via live broadcast. Over 250 people attended each of the ceremonies at Virginia's three state veterans cemeteries.
Governor Glenn Youngkin provided the keynote address at the Virginia War Memorial. He was joined on stage of the Heilman Amphitheater by First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw, and Virginia Adjutant General Major General James Ring. Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle served as emcee and welcomed all attendees.
In his remarks, Governor Youngkin said, "These heroes were willing to answer this call to serve and defend the ideas and the ideals that America was founded upon, the unshakable belief that all of God's children are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, and among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, They fought to defend a nation. They fought to defend a way of life, traditions, communities, the fabric of America, neighbors, standing for neighbors, a commitment to pursue a more perfect union that, my friends, is the American spirit, the American spirit that we know is alive and well.”
The four student recipients of the 2025 Virginia War Memorial Marocchi Memorial Scholarships were also announced during the ceremony. Read more about the scholarships and the recipients in this edition of DVS News below. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Memorial kicked off the inaugural “Say Their Names Marathon.” More about this inspiring event also in this edition.
To view a replay of the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day as broadcast on CBS6 television in Richmond, click here.
At the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Colonel Bobby Arnold served as both emcee of the annual ceremony and the guest speaker.
At the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, the guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Adrien G. Humphreys, Commander of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Captain Gary Powers (U.S. Navy, Retired) was emcee.
At the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, emcee Dave Buchy, Commander of American Legion Nansemond Post 88 introduced guest speakers DVS Commissioner and U.S. Navy veteran Chuck Zingler and Major Larry Moores (U.S. Army, Retired).
Special appreciation to the musicians, chaplains, citizen volunteers and groups, DVS team members and the many others without whose hard work and dedication these Memorial Day ceremonies would not be possible to pay tribute to Virginia’s fallen heroes and their families each year.
|
|
|
 Mary Ann Wilson, mother of the late Scott Wilson who served in the Persian Gulf War, reads the names of those who lost their lives defending our freedoms.
|
 DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler as he reads the names of fifty Virginians killed in the line of duty.
|
 Maria Briggs, Richmond area Mission BBQ owner, stands before the Shrine of Memory to recite fifty names for the "Say Their Names" marathon.
|
|
|
The inaugural “Say Their Names Marathon” held at the Virginia War Memorial on Memorial Day, May 26 was a tremendous success with 233 volunteers reading aloud the nearly 12,000 names of the Virginia heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in every conflict from World War II to today and whose names are inscribed on the glass and stone walls of the Shrine of Memory.
Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Director of the Virginia War Memorial, began the Marathon at 12:45 p.m. after the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony. Volunteers read a list of fifty names each, continuing nonstop until the last name was read shortly after midnight.
Readers included government officials, radio and television personalities, Virginia War Memorial docents and staff, Blue Star and Gold Star family members, veterans, and other patriotic citizens of all ages who volunteered to be a part of this special event. Many others not reading remained at the Shrine for the entire time to encourage those reading names and to be part of the event.
|
|
 (L to R) Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw, 2025 Marocchi Scholarship winner Owen Hoy, Governor Glenn Youngkin, 2025 Marocchi Scholarship winner Veronica Thieman, and Virginia Adjutant General Major General James Ring.
The four student recipients of the Virginia War Memorial’s 2025 Marocchi Memorial Scholarships were announced May 26 during the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Richmond. Two graduating high school seniors and two students attending college each will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
(High School Recipients)
-
Owen James Hoy, a graduating senior at North Stafford High School in Stafford, Va. who will attend James Madison University and participate in the U.S. Army ROTC program.
-
Leonardo Valli, a graduating senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, Va. who will attend the University of Virginia: College of Engineering and Applied Science and participate in the U.S. Space Force under the U.S. Air Force ROTC program.
(College Recipients)
-
Riley McDonough of Colonial Beach, Va. is currently a student at Christopher Newport University majoring in Cybersecurity and a participant in the U.S. Army ROTC program.
-
Veronica Thieman of Fairfax, Va. is currently a student at the University of Virginia majoring in Cognitive Science and a participant in the U.S. Air Force ROTC program.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw, Deputy Secretary Joyce Reed, and Virginia’s Adjutant General James Ring joined Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Director of the Virginia War Memorial, in recognizing and congratulating the winners at the ceremony.
“Educating youth is one of the key missions of the Virginia War Memorial and awarding the Marocchi Memorial Scholarships each year during the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony is always the highlight of the event for the winners, their families and the many veterans and other Virginians who attend,” said Dr. Mountcastle. “These young men and women represent the best and the brightest and have chosen to serve their Nation as members of our Armed Forces after graduation. They deserve our admiration and respect.”
“We had so many applications from such incredible students,” noted James Triesler, Virginia War Memorial Education Director. “We are thrilled to be able to award scholarships to these four exceptional candidates.”
The Marocchi Memorial Scholarships were established in 2015 in memory of the late Rear Admiral John Marocchi of Rappahannock County, Va. by his family and other donors and are administered by the Virginia War Memorial Foundation.
The Marocchi Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually by the Virginia War Memorial. Students enrolled in the senior class of an accredited public or private high school or homeschool program in the Commonwealth of Virginia or who are currently participating in a ROTC program at a Virginia college or university and who are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application may apply.
Applicants must also plan to pursue a program of study in a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at a Virginia public or private university or be currently participating in a ROTC college program that may lead to service in the Armed Forces of the United States. Applicants must also possess an unweighted minimum Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of 2.75.
Applications for the 2026 Marocchi Memorial Scholarships will open in September 2025. Complete details, including application forms and a list of required documents, will be available online at https://vawarmemorial.org/learn/contests-scholarships/ or by contacting Lizzie Oglesby, Virginia War Memorial Education Outreach and Programs Manager at elizabeth.oglesby@dvs.virginia.gov.
|
|
|
2025 Marocchi Scholarship winner Leonardo Valli.
|
|
2025 Marocchi Scholarship winner Riley McDonough.
|
|
The United States Vietnam War Commemoration has named the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) one of its “Top 50” Commemorative Partners for its ongoing efforts to honor Vietnam veterans. Activities include hosting National Vietnam Veterans Day events at various DVS locations and distributing commemorative lapel pins.
“Considering there are more than 12,000 Vietnam War Commemoration partners nationwide, this is a true honor for our agency, and we are proud that our efforts have been recognized,” said Steven Combs, DVS Deputy Commissioner. “It is our mission to continue to honor and recognize our Vietnam veterans at all DVS locations in the years ahead.”
|
|
|
On May 16, the Virginia War Memorial proudly hosted the annual Virginia Military Signing Day, celebrating high school enlistees who have committed to serving in the United States military. This prestigious event honored their dedication, courage, and willingness to uphold the nation’s values through service.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt welcome and introduction by Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Director of the Virginia War Memorial, alongside Mr. Ben King, Operations Director of the War Memorial, who also served as Master of Ceremonies.
The James River High School NJROTC presented the colors, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Heidi Taylor from The Steward School. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard conducted a ceremonial presentation, reinforcing the solemnity and significance of the occasion.
Major General David J. Sanford, Director of Logistics Operations at the Defense Logistics Agency, delivered remarks, underscoring the nation’s gratitude for these individuals stepping forward to serve. He emphasized the rarity of military service, highlighting the courage required to pursue this calling.
Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson of the Virginia Department of Education provided the keynote address, reflecting on the importance of leadership, patriotism, and duty. She acknowledged the sacrifices made not only by the enlistees but also by their families, whose unwavering support enables service members to succeed. Virginia’s Military Signing Day is an annual event that celebrates high school students who make the honorable commitment to enlist. Their decision reflects discipline, sacrifice, and character, qualities that will shape them into future leaders in military service and beyond.
In her remarks, Gullickson highlighted Virginia’s long-standing support for military-affiliated students, recognizing that over 78,000 students in Virginia’s public schools are connected to military families. Since joining the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in 2009, Virginia has worked to ensure that military-connected students receive the resources necessary for success.
The Virginia Department of Education also honored schools with Purple Star awards, recognizing 791 schools for their exceptional efforts in supporting military-connected students and families.
Additionally, Virginia continues to streamline military recruitment, making enlistment more accessible and informed through centralized student information reports. This initiative ensures that students are fully aware of the opportunities and benefits of military service.
Virginia is home to 147 active JROTC programs in middle and high schools, providing students with leadership training, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. These programs prepare students for their future roles as military professionals, innovators, and leaders. With excitement, Virginia celebrates the future leaders who will operate advanced military technologies, protect national security, and train the next generation of service members. Their contributions will build something bigger and more enduring, leaving a lasting impact on the nation.
Story written by Alytrius Bridgers, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion - Richmond
|
|
|
For the seventh consecutive year, the hills surrounding the Virginia War Memorial in downtown Richmond will again be awash in red, white, and blue with nearly 12,000 miniature American flags for the Memorial’s Hill of Heroes Celebration from June 27-July 11, 2025.
The flags will be placed to honor and remember the nearly 12,000 Virginia men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service from World War II to present day and whose names are inscribed in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory.
Volunteers from community and veterans service organizations, churches, civic groups, Scout troops, businesses and all patriotic citizens in the Greater Richmond metro area are needed to assist the Virginia War Memorial staff and other DVS team members to help place the flags on the grounds beginning at 8 a.m., Friday, June 27 and also to help remove the flags when the celebration ends on Friday, July 11. Volunteers of all ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Flag placements and removals will take place rain or shine.
“We invite everyone to come join us to help place the flags on the hillsides on Friday, June 27. We have a small staff and we depend on volunteers to make this annual event happen,” said Virginia War Memorial Operations Director Ben King. “The display of these thousands of miniature flags covering the Memorial’s beautiful grounds is truly awe inspiring and inspirational for the hundreds who visit the Memorial during this event. It is a wonderful reminder to every one of the tremendous sacrifice of our Virginia heroes who gave their all to defend and protect our precious freedoms.”
The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Va. 23220. More information at www.vawarmemorial.org and www.dvs.virginia.gov.
Individuals and groups interested in placing flags can get more information at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/hill-of-heroes-flag-installation/ or contact Director of Operations Ben King at Benjamin.king@dvs.virginia.gov or by phone at 804.786.2060.
|
|
|
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) program held their summer 2025 Suicide Prevention Symposium in Richmond on May 7 at the Virginia War Memorial.
The goal of this event is to bring together those who serve the SOS community to engage, learn, and network with like-minded organizations with a mission to support service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) in the war against suicide and opioid addiction.
There were 85 in attendance made up of SOS Grantees, Virginia's Governor's Challenge Team, regional SMVF Navigators, Veterans Affairs CEPC's, DVS, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) staff.
Megan Flaherty from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) trained all participants on VA S.A.V.E., a course to help those act with care and compassion who come across a veteran in crisis or having thoughts of suicide.
Marlise Skinner, Women Veterans Program Manager at the VA provided an update on what’s new in women veterans’ health.
Lauren Jenkins and Letitia McMillion from Journey2Well spoke about self-care and resilience followed by Dr. Jessica Truscott, Jack Johll, and Cathy Marcello with the Modern Military Association of America.
At the end of the event, SOS grantees in attendance were able to showcase how they are using their DVS grant funds to serve the SMVF population in their area. This was also a way for SOS grantees to educate themselves on some of the other services available to the SMVF community that they might not offer and how they can partner with other SOS grantees to ensure all needs are being met for the population they serve.
The next Suicide Prevention Symposium will occur September 2025 in Woodbridge and will include new SOS grantees.
|
|
|
|
Kayla LaFond (right), Military Spouse Liaison, and Amy Rodriguez (left), V3 Transition Coordinator, presented "Supporting Military-Connected Talent" workshop at the NAWDP Conference.
|
 L to R: LaKendra Hayes, V3 East Region Program Manager; Antwon Jacobs, Military Medics and Corpsmen Program Director; and Zuri Polk, Military Education and Workforce Initiative Interim Program Manager led a session entitled "Honoring Our Heroes: Veteran Services and Career Opportunities in Virginia."
|
|
|
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) held its annual conference from May 5-7 at the Virginia Beach Conference Center, gathering over 450 workforce development professionals from across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Australia. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) actively participated, presenting on topics relevant to military veterans and their spouses.
Key presentations included:
- Antwon Jacobs, DVS Military Medic and Corpsman (MMAC) Program Director; LaKendra Hayes, V3 East Region Program Manager; and Zuri Polk, Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) Interim Program Manager led a session on veteran services and career opportunities, emphasizing the unique needs of veterans and profiled successful DVS programs like MMAC and the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program.
- Kayla LaFond, Military Spouse Liaison, and Amy Rodriguez, V3 Transition Coordinator, conducted a workshop on supporting military-connected talent, discussing the contributions of military spouses and veterans, and resources available to support these groups.
The event saw participation from attendees nationwide, including discussions led by Kay Currie, Virginia Women Veterans Program Liaison.
|
|
May was Mental Health Awareness Month and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) Program participated in four weekly segments on WTKR3's Coast Live morning show.
SOS Director Dr. Angela Porter appeared with three different SOS grantees: Lightbeam Solutions, The Mahogany Projek, and the Beacon Institute: Veteran Pathways Home. Jamie Staten, DVS Peer Services Director, appeared on the final segment alongside the Center for Child and Family Services.
Each grantee shared about the services they offer to service members, veterans, and their families within the Hampton Roads community.
|
|
|
 Coast Live host April Woodard (left); Dr. Angela Porter (center); and Jason Newsome, COO of Lightbeam Solutions on set after Coast Live segment May 2.
|
 Coast Live host April Woodard (left); Nick Antis, Director of Peer Workforce Traning at Beacon Institute: Veteran Pathways Home (center); and Dr. Angela Porter (right); on set after Coast Live segment May 15.
|
 Coast Live host April Woodard (left); Jamie Staten, DVS Peer Services Director (center); and Valerie Brazzale-Russell, LPC, Mental Health Clinician and PRISM Program Manager at Center for Child and Family Services on set after Coast Live segment May 22.
|
|
Kristopher Battles
Quantico, Virginia
Please give an overview of your military service and the branch in which you served.
I originally served as a Marine Reservist from 1986 to 1996, serving first as a Computer Operator (MOS 3034), then as a Combat Correspondent (MOS 4321), and as an Admin Clerk/Chaplains Assistant (MOS 0151). I reenlisted in 2006, and was immediately called to active duty, and served in the role of Combat Artist until 2014. As a combat artist, I deployed several times to document via sketching, painting, and photography, the activities of Marines in the Global War on Terror.
What was or were your most rewarding assignments while serving?
During my time in the Marine Corps, I was always fortunate to have jobs that allowed me to express myself, have some level of autonomy and creativity, and to tell the Marine Corps' story. My most rewarding assignments were as Chaplains Assistant and Combat Artist.
What are you doing now?
I am at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, serving as the Marine Corps’ Artist in Residence.
What advice would you give to a transitioning service member?
Networking is very important, and applying to as many opportunities as possible will help your transition and give you a head start. Also, be faithful ("Semper Fi") and flexible ("Semper Gumby")!
|
|
|
Aerial Resupply Coffee | Charlottesville, Virginia
Michael Klemmer, CEO and Founder
Tell us about your business. What products do you sell or services do you offer?
At Aerial Resupply Coffee, we are proud veterans who believe in the power of coffee as the bedrock of relationships and the fuel that keeps America going. Our mission is to create a brand that includes EVERYONE, transcending boundaries with Caffeine, Coffee, and Community at our core.
We sell premium coffee, roasted right here in Virginia. Aerial Resupply Coffee offers a wide range of roasts from light, medium, dark, double caffeinated, and flavored coffee.
All of our coffee is available in whole bean, ground, or single-serving pods compatible with Keurig machines.
Where are you located in Virginia?
Charlottesville, Virginia. However, you can find Aerial Resupply Coffee online at https://www.aerialresupplycoffee.com or Amazon. We ship overseas via APO, FPO, or DPO to deployed servicemembers.
Aerial Resupply Coffee can be found on all forms of social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
When did you establish your business?
Aerial Resupply Coffee was established in 2021. We just opened our first brick-and-mortar roastery in Charlottesville in April of 2024.
Who are the veteran owners of your business?
I am the owner of Aerial Resupply Coffee - Michael Klemmer.
In which branch of service did each owner serve and during what period of time?
I spent 20 years in the United States Army as a logistics officer, supporting our soldiers with beans, bullets, and beds whenever and wherever they needed them. I joined in 2000 and retired in 2020.
What encouraged you to establish your business and do you have any advice for other transitioning service members or veterans who may be considering establishing a business?
I started Aerial Resupply Coffee because it wanted to do something that gave back to the community from which I grew up. The military had done so much for me, and while many companies talk about support to the veteran and military community, I wanted to do something that was more than just corporate talk. My advice to any servicemember who wants to start a business is to do it yesterday. Do not wait to start. You can learn much of what you need to as you go along.
Have a solid business plan, and idea, and then execute. You can get help from your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), or many other resources out there.
You already know how to do this. Your time in service taught you about how organizations, companies, and teams function. Building a company is a lot like working inside the military. The only difference is that you are selling your product or service to help people with their problems and supporting them in a different way.
|
|
Bedford County | Bedford, Virginia
Nicole Campbell, IPMA-SCP, Director of Human Resources
Please tell us a little bit about Bedford County.
Bedford County, VA is located midway between the cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We offer a variety of exciting and rewarding careers in local government having a direct impact on our community. With 21 different departments, we offer careers ranging from entry level to technical and professional levels. Our employees have excellent benefits, VRS retirement, and a variety of wellness and engagement activities available to them!
Why is Bedford County committed to hiring veterans?
The Bedford community has a strong commitment to supporting those who have served our country. We are home to the renowned “Bedford Boys” from World War II, and home to the National D-Day Memorial. Hiring veterans aligns with our workforce needs with our wide range of County departments and workforce functions. Our commitment to hiring veterans not only reflects our social responsibility but enhances our workforce culture and service to our citizens.
What advantages has Bedford County experienced in hiring veterans?
Bedford County recognizes that hiring veterans to serve our community offers numerous advantages. Veterans often bring strong leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills acquired through military training. Their ability to work in diverse teams, adapt to changing environments, and their resilience makes them valuable assets. Many veterans possess specialized technical skills, security clearances, and a sense of civic duty that align closely with our jobs. We have many veterans serving in our Sheriff’s Office and Fire & Rescue departments. Their training in handling high-pressure situations, adaptability, and commitment to duty makes them invaluable assets in maintaining public safety.
Can you tell us about the process of become a V3 Certified Partner? When did you become a V3 partner?
We became a V3 Certified Employer in September 2023. This was a straightforward process which highlighted the value and benefits of partnering with V3 to better fill our current workforce vacancies.
What advice would you give to other employers seeking to hire and retain veterans?
It is crucial to recognize and leverage the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the workforce. Providing a supportive and welcoming workplace environment is key to the employee’s long-term success. Offering opportunities for continuing education and workforce development training are important in retaining high quality employees. Additionally, employers should offer guidance to staff to better understand the challenges that veterans and their families may face during the transition from military to civilian life. Providing resources such as mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program can enhance retention and lead to a more productive employee and workforce.
|
|
|
In each edition of the DVS eNews, we profile a resident of one of our DVS Veterans Care Centers. DVS operates the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond (SBVCC), the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center in Roanoke (DMVCC), and the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach (JCVCC). For more information on DVS Veterans Care Centers, click here.
Nick Baggett | U.S. Navy
Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, Virginia Beach
In which branch of the military did you serve and during what period of time?
United States Navy - SOCM Navy Seal Master Chief 1984-2013
What was the highlight of your military service? What are you most proud of?
Well, I kept all my digits, ha-ha. Honestly, working with foreign nations and recovery of personnel as a Navy Seal were the highlights of my career. I feel like we went out there and accomplished what the American people needed and wanted us to accomplish, and I am proud of that.
What do you like about the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center?
I like the fact that JCVCC is a place to come to live and not a place to come to die. We are all glad to be here and we wake up and are so thankful for this place. The people who work here, that’s what makes it special. It is a team, and I know a little bit about what makes a team. Everyone is always helping each other. Another thing that I love is I stay busy from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Activities are so important, and they have something for everyone; PT and OT are so important, and I have the opportunity to do all of that here.
What advice would you give to a person considering serving in the military?
The military is a great start, choose your way forward from the very beginning because you can choose your path in the military. Choose something that will benefit you on the outside. Always make sure you have a parallel for your civilian career. Be proud to serve your country.
Special thanks to Kathryn Shear, CDP, JCVCC Director of Activities for conducting this resident interview and submitting the photos.
|
|
|
 |
As Fiscal Year 2025 comes to a close, the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is proud to highlight a year of growth, impact, and commitment to Virginia’s veterans. Through strong partnerships and generous support, we continue to ensure veterans and their families receive the care and stability they deserve.
Your Impact by the Numbers
Over $1.2M raised to support vital programs
567 veterans received behavioral health assistance
251 individuals supported through the VVFS homeless fund
73 student veterans received laptops in 2025 (884 total laptops distributed to date)
25 veterans gained career certifications in: IT, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Maritime
This Is Where Your Dollars Go
“We used VSF funds to keep a veteran and his family housed after he lost his job—just as his child faced a serious cardiac issue. He’s now reemployed, the child is recovering, and their home was never lost.”
“VVFS has assisted a veteran struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Initially reluctant to engage with a therapist, the VVFS Veteran Peer Specialist offered to attend the client’s intake and first (trial) clinical session to improve his level of comfort with the process (VSF funding covered these clinical services). Despite his initial hesitation, the client gave his consent to move forward. During his first session, the veteran found he had developed a strong rapport with the clinician and asked that the Veteran Peer Specialist leave. Since, he has remained engaged with the therapist and reports significant progress. Thanking VVFS for the support, he noted that he no longer feels afraid to face his fears.”
These are just two of many stories made possible by your support.
New Look, Same Mission
This year we introduced a new logo and website to reflect our evolving direction and renewed energy. These changes are part of a broader effort to grow awareness and strengthen our mission across the Commonwealth.
Thank You
Every success we’ve shared this year is because of you. As we look toward FY2026, we remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact.
Virginia’s veterans deserve the best. Thank you for helping us deliver it.
Kayla Arestivo
Executive Director
Virginia Veterans Services Foundation
|
|
|
For more than a decade, veterans and their families have been sharing their stories through the Mighty Pen Project. This Memorial Day we were proud to present not only the powerful words they've written, but also the physical reminders of their service.
The Mighty Pen Project was founded in 2014 by bestselling novelist, professor, playwright, and philanthropist David L. Robbins. Presented at no cost to all military veterans and their spouses, the Mighty Pen Project is an intensive writing class designed to teach veterans and their loved ones techniques to turn their memories and reflections into written narratives.
Visit the first-ever Mighty Pen Project Exhibit, featuring everything from the medals they received to the tools of war they carried with them — offering a profound look into the experiences behind the stories. For more information about the Mighty Pen Project, please visit https://vawarmemorial.org/mightypen/.
|
|
|
 DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler spoke at the 2025 Richmond Navy Week Proclamation Ceremony on May 13 at the Virginia War Memorial. The City of Richmond publicly recognized the Navy's 250 years of service and reaffirmed their commitment to honoring military service, educating future generations, and strengthening civil-military bonds.
|
 Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) attended a recent court date and worked with participating veterans and team members ahead of the docket session to assist in training activities for the dogs. Pictured is DVS Veteran Justice Specialist Kevin McNelis with canine, Russ. Veterans working with these dogs receive credit for community service hours for their time spent in training. WCC will now be regularly attending on docket dates, marking the first Virginia Veteran Treatment Docket to have therapy dogs join their docket team.
|
|
 DVS Cemeteries Operations Coordinator Morgan Yeager (left) and VVFS East Region Director Deidre Bryant (right) share about the services offered at DVS to veterans in attendance at the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.
|
 Rachel Davis (left), DVS Veterans Services Representative in Henrico and Kim Miles, Central Regional Director, shared information and resources at First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin’s Women+girls (W+g) of Richmond event in May.
|
|
|
|
|
