As we move into the month of May, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past month of April, which honored The Month of the Military Child. Celebrating the contributions of military children throughout the year, not only in April. These incredible children make sacrifices for our country and are courageous, proud, and powerful. Purple Up for the Month of the Military Child

As we enter May, we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

During Military Appreciation Month, we pay tribute to the brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. It is a time to express our gratitude for their selflessness and unwavering commitment. From the servicemembers on the front lines to the veterans who have served in the past, we honor their sacrifices and recognize the immense impact they have made.

In addition to honoring our military personnel, I also want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Veterans Cemetery. Throughout the year, our team tirelessly maintain the final resting places of our fallen heroes. Especially during Memorial Day, they go above and beyond to ensure that our fallen are honored with the utmost respect and dignity. Their commitment to preserving the memory of our brave servicemen and women is truly commendable.

As we reflect on the past month and look ahead to May, let’s remember the sacrifices made by military children, veterans, and all those who have served. Their courage, pride, and power inspire us all. I hope you’ll join me in taking the opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

State Veterans Services Officer Joins Kittitas County

PRESS RELEASE

Public Health

Kittitas County, WA - The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is adding a State Veterans Service Officer in Kittitas County. The new State VSO joins the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) local VSO Timothy Paxton. Both VSO positions are available to assist veterans along with their dependents and survivors. The office is open Monday through Friday at the Morris Sorenson building located at 507 N Nanum Street in Ellensburg, Washington.

Eddie Vader's hiring, along with three additional Veteran Service Officer positions in other locations, comes as a result of the State Legislature's allocation of funding to support the state's ongoing efforts in connecting Veterans and their families to the newly available benefits under the Federal PACT Act.  This legislation, which expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, aims to ensure that generations of Veterans and their survivors receive the care and benefits they have rightfully earned.

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

Contact: Cemetery@dva.wa.gov

Share your Memorial Day Events for Veterans and Families 

Click Here to View Upcoming Events

Washington Veterans Home

The residents at Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard recently made the most of the sunshine, thanks to the Hughes Group's generosity!

The Hughes group sponsored their outing to the Tacoma Rainiers game. Veterans and their family members were guests in the USO suite. The food and beverages provided were a delicious treat for everyone.

Click HERE for more photos. 

Washington Soldier's Home

There was a lot of excitement at the pond as residents participated in the Washington Soldiers Home 2024 Annual Fishing Derby. The fish were jumping & biting ambitiously, which added to the enthusiasm!  

Thank you to the Tacoma Washington Chapter of H.O.G members, the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters with the Carpenters Union Participation Program, the VFW Auxiliary Dept. of WA, individual volunteers, David Puente, WDVA Director, Dan Smith, WA Soldiers Home Administrator, WA Soldiers Home Departments, and family members for all your contributions toward making the WA Soldiers Home 2024 Annual Fishing Derby an outstanding experience for the residents!  

Click HERE for more photos. 

Walla Walla Veterans Home

What a weekend at Walla Walla Veterans Home!

Our amazing residents had a blast during Little League weekend, and to top it off, they were treated to dilly bars courtesy of the snack house.

It was all smiles and laughter as our Vets enjoyed the festivities. Thank you to everyone who made this day extra special for our heroes!

Click HERE for more photos. 

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.

Stay tuned for the Women Veterans Advisory Committee Quarterly Lunch and Learn 

May 22, 2024

11:30am –1:00pm

Topic: Military Women’s Memorial

Speaker: CW5 Phyllis Wilson, USA Ret.

To learn more about the lunch and learn visit: Women Veterans Advisory Committee Website

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Suicide Prevention Team was honored to participate in a recent Olympia City Council meeting where the city unveiled plans to place 988 Lifeline Emblems on its vehicles.  WDVA thanks the city of Olympia for leading the way in the fight against suicide and for setting an example for cities and counties across the state.

The City of Olympia has taken the proactive step of purchasing 200 988 Lifeline Emblems to add to their fleet of vehicles. These emblems are a symbol of support and solidarity, raising awareness about suicide prevention and crisis support in the community.

By purchasing a 988 Lifeline Emblem, Washington residents are not only showing their support but also contributing to a special fund. This fund will be used to provide community-based grants to organizations that offer suicide prevention through peer support for transitioning veterans, military members, and their families.

To learn more, click the button below. 

Veterans Training Support Center Workshop 

Join us for a 3-hour workshop on 'Effective Treatment Intervention for Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders; What Works?'. During the workshop, we will cover screenings tools for assessing, evidence-based interventions, and treatment modalities.

Seats are limited! 

Feel free to REGISTER for this no-cost workshop &/or SHARE with your networks.

To register click HERE