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WDVA Veteran Voices
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October 2023
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A Message From the Director
Greetings from Your WDVA Director - David Puente
Your WDVA is participating in Veteran Stand Downs throughout Washington State, providing crucial resources and services to those in need. Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which Veteran Service Organizations, nonprofit community providers, VA staff, and volunteers provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services.
It is our honor to be invited to participate in these events and I want to extend my thanks to the organizers who spend countless hours preparing to serve Veterans in their communities. Your WDVA team is ready to assist and provide resources and information during these events.
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 Connect with us to learn more about what we can do for you and your family. Please visit our calendar below for dates and locations of Stand Downs coming up in October and November. You can also visit our website at www.dva.wa.gov. or call 1-800-562-2308.
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WDVA News and Current Events
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) will host a Women Veterans Forum from 8:30 to 9:30 and a Veterans Town Hall from 10:00 to 12:30 on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1435, 212 S David Road Spokane Valley, WA 99212.
This double event is presented by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC).
During the Veterans Town Hall, community partners and service providers will discuss how they are helping local veterans and their families. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the programs and services available to veterans, families, and resource providers.
MORE INFORMATION: Information on the WVAC: Women Veterans | WDVA (wa.gov) Information on the VAAC: https://www.dva.wa.gov/councils-committees/governors-veterans-affairs-advisory-committee-vaac
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Veteran Stand Downs
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Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
Sailors from the USS Turner Joy recently visited the Washington Veterans Home to conduct a community service project. Twenty-six volunteers helped clean up the grounds around the home and at our cemetery.
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
What an amazing day at the fair with the wonderful residents and staff of the Washington Soldiers Home! It was a day full of smiles, laughter, and fun activities for everyone!
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Spokane Veterans Home
Our residents and staff at our Spokane Veterans Home had a fantastic time at their first annual car and bike show. We want to thank everyone who came out and showed off their impressive wheels!
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Hot Jobs - Incentives Available
 Click the link below for available opportunities with WDVA!
VetCorps
The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) Vet Corps program is funded by AmeriCorps.
Established in 2005, the program stations individuals, referred to as Vet Corps members (VCMs), at colleges, universities, and community organizations throughout Washington state. The program is designed to help veterans and their family members navigate their journey from military to civilian/collegiate life. As part of the program, a Vet Corps member, typically a veteran or a military-connected family member, provides a peer connection for veterans to help answer specific questions or concerns they may have as they transition and assists with connecting them to federal, state, and local veteran benefits. Additionally, Vet Corps provides training and support to faculty, staff, administration, and community members to increase awareness of veterans’ needs.
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If you're serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve with federal pay, you may be eligible for VA benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. If you're a traditional or technical member of the National Guard and Reserve, you may also be eligible for some VA benefits. Find out which benefits you may qualify for—and when to apply. You'll also learn about these benefits in your required Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing.
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Registration is now open to attend the 2023 Hire-A-Vet Washington Virtual Job Fair!
YesVets is hosting a statewide virtual job fair with the support of the Seattle Seahawks and #TaskForce12, for Veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses. This event is dedicated to support our local military community. There will be 50+ employers and 15+ Veteran resource and support organizations. The event will be held on Nov 7th from 10AM to 2PM online.
To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y8w7847b
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Click Here for a PDF of this Newsletter
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We Want to Hear from You
Please take a few moments and provide us with feedback to make us better at serving you for our email distribution.
Your feedback is instrumental in the continued improvement of your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. It will help inform us on topics and subjects we should include in the future.
Please email us at communications@dva.wa.gov with any feedback you may have.
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