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WDVA Veteran Voices
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June 2024
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A Message from the Director
Greetings from your WDVA Director - David Puente
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs continues to look for opportunities to engage with and serve Veterans across our great state and May was an especially busy month!
On May 22, we had the opportunity to hold a town hall in West Richland to discuss a proposed State Veterans Cemetery in the Tri-Cities area. While we are at the very beginning stages of this concept, it was wonderful to see how engaged and supportive the community is. I want to express gratitude for the Tri-Cities Communities' active participation and valuable feedback at the meeting. The town hall provided an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns, suggestions, and ideas, contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of our vibrant communities. We will be sharing information, include a section for questions and answers on our website at https://www.dva.wa.gov/tri-cities-cemetery. You can also ask questions or get additional information by reaching out to CemeteryTri-Cities@dva.wa.gov.
On May 29, Steve Gill, Interim Assistant Director Veteran Services & Counseling and Wellness, and I had the privilege of meeting with The Confederate Tribe of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of Trustees and Veterans Coordinator. The CTUIR, which represents the union of three tribes - Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla, engaged with us in a discussion regarding the possibility of establishing a Tri Cities State Veterans Cemetery. The conversation was meaningful, and CTUIR and WDVA expressed their support for continuing the conversation as the process moves forward.
I also had the privilege of participating in Memorial Day events at the Capitol. Thank you to the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA), Thurston County Veterans Council and the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club, who organized heartfelt remembrance events on Capitol Campus. The events honored and remembered the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. You can check out photos from these and other events at https://www.flickr.com/photos/98326753@N03/albums
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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, June 26, 2024, at Elks Lodge 1937, Long Beach.
This double event is presented by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC).
Women Veterans are encouraged to participate in the Women Veterans Forum to network, talk about the needs of Washington State Women Veterans in your area, and discuss how we can provide equitable access and support through ongoing outreach and engagement. The WVAC, which has 14 members, works to ensure that women veterans in Washington have fair access to VA services and benefits provided by the federal and state. Registration for the Women Veterans Forum is requested, but not required, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veterans-forum-tickets-901524141977
The VAAC is composed of 17 members and advises the Governor and the Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on issues and programs concerning veterans. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join the Town Hall livestream starting at 10am where you will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions https://www.facebook.com/wsdva
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.
Visit the WDVA website at http://www.dva.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-2308 for additional information.
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2024 Serving Those Who Served Conference
REGISTER NOW!
Get ready for this year's 7th Annual Serving Those Who Served Conference! This year we're partnering with Washington Employment Security Department and Washington State Arts Commission.
This two-day conference is designed to enhance collaboration among professionals who support veterans and their families. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge and resources, with a focus on practical solutions and impactful discussions.
Conference Highlights:
Statewide Networking: Connect with peers and experts in veteran services.
Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge on a variety of veteran-related issues.
Interactive Sessions: Participate in discussions on topics that are focused on veteran benefits, employment best practices, behavioral health, and veterans engaging with art.
The conference is open to all professionals in the field at no cost.
Clink the button below to register.
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Washington Veterans Home (Retsil) Hosts Free Family Fun Fest
Washington Veterans Home (Retsil) is hosting a Free Family Fun Fest on June 22nd and YOU'RE invited!
Bring the whole family for a day of fun activities, hotdogs and popcorn, and entertainment.
For Parking and transportation information click the button to learn more.
Don't miss out on this awesome event!
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Washington Veterans Home
The Ladies of Bremerton Elks Lodge BPOE 1181 celebrated the Ladies at Washington Veterans Home.
The ladies were honored to celebrate Mother’s Day. Many residents invited their daughters, sisters, or granddaughters to celebrate with them.
This year’s theme for tea party was springtime celebrations.
The guests had delicious refreshments and received a small gift. It is always a lovely celebration when the ladies enjoy each other’s company.
Click HERE for more photos.
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Washington Soldier's Home
The Activity Department paid room visits to the women at the Washington Soldiers Home on Mother's Day, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Engaging with our beautiful and remarkable residents and honoring their tireless efforts was delightful.
We thank our neighborhood Orting Safeway Floral Department for supplying the women of our Washington Soldiers Home with lovely bouquets of flowers.
Click HERE for more photos.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
What a beautiful day for our amazing residents at the Walla Walla Veterans Home!
They had a blast at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds, enjoying the sunshine and some incredible performances at the music festival.
Thank you to everyone who made this special day possible!
Click HERE for more photos.
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Spokane Veterans Home
The Spokane Veterans Home proudly hosted a Vietnam War Commemoration bringing together various organizations to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War.
The Navy Band Northwest, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers's Office, Combat Vets, and VFW Post 33866, and Your WDVA came together to honor 73 Vietnam Veterans who are residents at the Spokane Veterans Home.
The veterans were presented with 50th Anniversary Vietnam Veteran lapel pins and were recognized for their service and sacrifice.
Additionally, the Navy Ceremonial Guard from Washington DC performed, and officials from the Vietnam War Commemoration were also in attendance.
Click HERE for more photos.
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Hot Jobs - Incentives Available
Click the link below for available opportunities with WDVA!
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Women Veterans
Women Veterans Conference (Yakima)
June 8, 2024
To register for the conference, click HERE
To learn more about the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC) click HERE
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Happy Pride Month!
At the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, we're proud to support and celebrate our LGBTQ+ Veterans!
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that ALL who served receive the best service.
Click the link below to watch our video to learn more about how we advocate for our LGBTQ+ Veteran community.
https://youtu.be/a3iPbL-FSDA
Click the button below to learn more about our LGBTQ+ Veterans Program.
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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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YesVets Nation Hire-A-Vet Day
The National HIRE-A-VET DAY Job and Resource fair is on July 25 from 10-3!
Meet employers, state agencies, and bring your resumes!
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to connect with great job opportunities and resources for veterans.
Let's show our support and gratitude for our veterans by helping them find meaningful employment.
To register Click HERE.
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