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WDVA Veteran Voices
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January 2025
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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente
As we end 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous progress we’ve made together in our mission of Serving Those Who Served. It's only natural to begin looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2025. But before we do, it’s important that we take a pause and celebrate the incredible accomplishments we’ve achieved in the past 12 months.
In 2024, we faced numerous challenges, yet together we navigated them with determination, compassion and a steadfast commitment to our transitioning service members, Veterans and their families. Every step we took, every initiative we launched and every service we provided has made a profound impact on the lives of those who have served our country. Whether it was through expanding our transitional housing programs, providing critical mental health support, ensuring Veterans received their earned benefits, or strengthening relationships with community partners, we’ve proven that we are a team that works relentlessly for the betterment of the lives of our Veterans and their families. Our team includes the many community partners, non-profits, fellow state agencies, federal partners, Veteran Service Organizations and many others, who have helped make 2024 such a success in serving Veterans. You all have helped us make a difference, and it shows!
To read the full article and to view WDVA's 2024 accomplishments visit, 2024 Year in Review - A Message from WDVA Director David Puente | WDVA
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Holiday Recap
Lots of Cheer at the Port Orchard Transitional Housing Program Holiday Celebration
Our clients and staff enjoyed an afternoon of gift giving, festive gift raffles, and heartwarming moments of singing together.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this celebration special. Your generosity and support ensure that our veterans feel valued and appreciated, especially during this joyous season.
Here's to many more moments of togetherness and celebration!
View more photos here: Port Orchard Transitional Housing Program Holiday Celebration
Navy Veteran expresses heartfelt feelings about the family atmosphere at the Washington Soldiers Home
WDVA News and Current Events
2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 Legislative Session begins on January 13, 2025. You can stay connected and keep track of bills that may impact Veterans and their families through our website WDVA Legislative Updates or by signing up for Weekly Legislative e-mail Updates.
You can also visit the Legislature’s newly updated website at Bills for more detailed bill information and watch committee hearings on TVW.
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Your Brain Injury and Recovery Program is starting monthly peer groups for Veterans and military families
Our Veteran Peer Groups assist participants in overcoming obstacles by providing experienced guidance and encouraging general problem-solving abilities
Join us for the first Peer Group on January 14 from 5:30 - 7:00 at Elks Lodge #1181, 4131 Pine Rd. NE, Bremerton WA 98310.
We welcome veterans, military families and caregivers.
A trained Veteran Peer Group Facilitator will lead each group.
Monthly Peer Groups will be conducted in person on the 2nd Tuesday of each Month from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
To learn more about the Brain Injury and Recovery Program, visit Brain Injury & Recovery-TBI Program | WDVA
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Meet Meatball, the senior foster dog who found her forever home in the most heartwarming way thanks to a wonderful partnership between the Washington Veterans Home (WVH) – Retsil and the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS). Together, these two organizations have created a Senior Foster Dog Program that helps dogs like Meatball find loving homes through the dedication and commitment of the residents living at Retsil.
Meatball’s journey to Retsil started with her being a lovable dog in her “golden years,” looking for a second chance at happiness. Through the collaboration with KHS, Meatball was chosen as one of the dogs to join the Retsil community, where residents would foster her, offering love, care, and provide all the daily tasks required to keep her healthy, happy and safe while she waited for a family to adopt her. This initiative was designed to help dogs who might face challenges in finding a home, particularly older dogs, who often need a little extra time and attention.
To read the whole article visit: Meatball the Foster Dog: A Heartwarming Success Story at Washington Veterans Home – Retsil | WDVA
For more photos of Meatball visit 2024.12.09 Meatball the Foster Dog at Washington Veterans Home - Port Orchard | Flickr
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Did You hire a Veteran in 2024?
 Washington State’s YesVets program is celebrating a 30% increase in participating employers, with 2,183 businesses now enrolled. The program, which helps foster a supportive community for Veterans, encourages employers to register their Veteran hires and gain recognition for their commitment to supporting those who have served in the U.S. military.
Learn more, visit: Did You Hire a Veteran in 2024?
To register visit, YesVets veteran hiring program | Employment Security Department
Washington Veterans Home
One of our favorite traditions at the Washington Veterans Home is the Academy of Dance performance featuring selections from "The Nutcracker."
The combination of music and dancing, along with the joyful presence of children in the building, truly brings the spirit of the season to life!
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Washington Soldiers Home
From festive decorations to heartfelt music and delicious treats, it was a celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and gratitude at the Washington Soldier's Home.
It’s moments like these that remind us of the true spirit of the season.
Wishing all our veterans, families, and staff Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
This year's Holiday Celebration with the Volunteers Love Serving Veterans team was nothing short of amazing!
Residents, staff and volunteers enjoyed music, gift bags, delightful refreshments and memorable conversations.
A huge Thank You to Volunteers Love Serving Veteransfor making this a wonderful and heartfelt event.
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Spokane Veterans Home
What a fantastic holiday party we had at the Spokane Veterans Home! The smiles and laughter were contagious as we celebrated with our wonderful residents. From festive decorations to delicious treats, every moment was filled with joy and camaraderie.
A big thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made this event so special. Your dedication and hard work truly shone through. And to our incredible veterans, we are so grateful for your service and loved celebrating this season with you.
Here’s to more heartwarming moments and cherished memories.
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Hot Jobs - Incentives Available
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to a diverse workforce, and an inclusive workspace and understands that diversity and inclusion are essential for delivering the best service to Washington State’s veterans. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) community is a vital facet of our veteran population. Each day we are advocating, celebrating diversity, and promoting inclusion and equal protection.
To learn more visit, LGBTQ+ Veterans | WDVA
Learn more about the changes to the Washington State's Definition of a Veteran - for the purpose of State Veterans Benefits - Definition of a Veteran | WDVA
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