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WDVA Veteran Voices
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April 2024
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A Message From the Director
Greetings from Your WDVA Director - David Puente
Your WDVA is thrilled to announce that the application process for the Suicide Prevention Community Based Services Grant is now open. This grant opportunity aims to support peer support models that utilize evidence-based, research-based, and/or promising practices in suicide prevention.
Ideal candidates for this grant are encouraged to visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's website for more information on Culturally Competent Approaches.
The grant application request can be accessed through the following link: Suicide Prevention Community Based Services Grant Application Request
We are excited to share this grant opportunity with community providers. By offering grant funding focused on peer support, we hope to help build resilient communities that are prepared to provide support and resources before a Veteran, service member, or family member reaches a crisis point.
The selected non-profit organization will be awarded a $11,000 grant to further their efforts in implementing effective suicide prevention initiatives. To receive the Application Packet, interested applicants must complete the Request form. The application timeline is as follows:
- March 26 – April 8: Solicitation Period - April 9 – April 26: Evaluation Period - April 27 – May 6: Award Period - Inaugural Grant Awarded: No Later Than May 10, 2024
WDVA encourages all eligible non-profit organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Veterans, service members, and their families. Together, we can build stronger and more supportive communities.
For more information on the Suicide Prevention Community Based Services Grant and the eligibility criteria, please visit Suicide Prevention Community-based Services Grant Account
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WDVA News and Current Events
Stevens County: 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, May 1, 2024, at Mistequa Casino Hotel, 2555 Smith Road Chewelah, WA 99109.
This double event is presented by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC). Click below for more information.
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WDVA Hosts Gold Star Coordinator and Stakeholders Meeting
Your WDVA had the privilege of holding a quarterly meeting with partners serving families of Veterans and Veteran survivors.
Representatives from the Department of Licensing Special Plates Unit, Survivor Outreach Representatives from JBLM, Navy Region NW, and Fairchild Air Force Base met with the WDVA Team who assists with programs providing Gold Star License Plates and referrals for property tax relief and tuition waivers. Find out more about these programs at www.dva.wa.gov or email us at benefits@dva.wa.gov
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Washington Veterans Home
The residents and staff at Washington Veterans Home had the privilege of showing off their home to the VFW Auxiliary National President, Carla Martinez.
Carla is traveling nationwide, visiting veterans’ homes, and stopped to see us. The Washington State VFW Auxiliary president, Rose Green, coordinated a donation of leather working tools and supplies, which were used to show our guests what our leather working groups look like.
Many of our Local VFW and VFW auxiliary Members joined the Presidents for the day, learning a little about our facility and how to do leatherworking. After touring our home, the group headed across the bay on the foot ferry to tour the Turner Joy.
Click HERE for more photos.
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Washington Soldier's Home
For Cash Bingo, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 11-9 went all out for the residents of the WA Soldiers Home.
After more than a year, they came back to wow the residents with this exciting bingo game! The residents were overjoyed to see the members of CVMA 11-9 and to get their fantastic cash bingo prizes!
We appreciate the CVMA 11-9's ongoing support to the residents of the Washington Soldiers Home!
Click HERE for more photos.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
The return of the Pony Express was fantastic thanks to our new partnership with Blue Mountain Therapeutic Riding!
This Pony Express was the first of many to come; complete with custom 'saddlebags' for two adorable mini horses ("Buttons" & "Coco") to carry and deliver mail throughout each WWVH house - stopping to make many special friends along the way.
Needless to say, huge smiles, laughter, and uniquely heartwarming connections were abundant, and we can hardly wait for Coco and Buttons to return next month.
Click HERE for more photos.
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Spokane Veterans Home
Spokane County Cattlemen recently delivered 300 pounds of beef to our Spokane Veterans Home.
This is the fourth year the Cattlemen have donated, and we are extremely grateful for their continued support!
Click HERE for more photos.
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Hot Jobs - Incentives Available
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Click the link below for available opportunities with WDVA!
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Women Veterans
Women Veterans Conference (Yakima)
June 8, 2024, Washington State Women Veterans Conference
To register for the conference click HERE
To learn more about the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC) click HERE.
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The Federal Veterans Benefits Administration offers a variety of benefits and services to spouses, children, and parents of Service Members and Veterans who are deceased or totally and permanently disabled by a service-connected disability.
To learn more, click the button below.
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Tri-Cities Veterans Cemetery Town Hall
Join us on Wednesday, May 22 in West Richland to discuss the plans for a new Veterans Cemetery in the Tri-Cities area.
Your WDVA and local officials will be there to share important information and answer your questions.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to Join the Conversation!
When: May 22, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: West Richland Police Department, 7920 W Van Giesen West Richland, WA 99353
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LEARN Suicide Prevention Training
Your WDVA Suicide Prevention Program is offering LEARN suicide prevention training. This class, taught by veteran peer specialists equips you with essential skills and knowledge to support those in need.
Join is in fostering a community where empathy and understanding are the keys to preventing suicide.
For more information contact connect@dva.wa.gov.
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Washington State Government Hiring Event
Veteran and Military Spouse Recruitment
Hosted by the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG)
April 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, BLDG 6224 Aviation Readiness Center, Washington Army National Guard, 98443
For questions and information contact: VERG.information@dva.wa.gov
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Nine9Line Veteran Resource Fair
Mark your calendars everyone!
#YourWDVA is partnering with Nine9line Veteran Services, partner agencies and community partners for the largest stand down event for military personnel, veterans, and their families west of the Mississippi.
June 1, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
Don't miss it! We hope to see you there!
For more information visit www.9linevets.org
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