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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente
It was an honor for me, alongside several WDVA leaders, to represent our state and agency at the National Association of State Veterans Homes' annual winter conference. This key gathering brought together Veterans Home professionals from across the nation to engage with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and learn about significant regulatory and oversight changes that will directly impact the Veterans and families we serve at our four State Veterans Homes.
During the conference, we had the privilege of meeting with members of our Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Rep. Dan Newhouse, Representative Rick Larsen, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Rep. Emily Randall, and Congressman Smith. These discussions allowed us to share WDVA priorities on both the state and federal levels.
We also had the opportunity to meet with staff members from other offices within our Washington delegation. We're confident that these efforts will lead to significant developments for Washington state, including the replacement of Veterans Homes on two of our campuses and the creation of a new State Veterans Cemetery in the Tri-Cities. We're excited for the future and the positive impact these initiatives will have on our Veterans.
For a list of current Legislative Updates on Veteran related bills, visit WDVA Legislative Updates
To receive WDVA Legislative Update e-mails visit: WDVA Legislative e-mail updates
Click the link below for an update to Tri-Cities Veterans Community on the Proposed Tri-Cities State Veterans Cemetery.
Feb 2025 Update to Tri-Cities Veterans Community on the Proposed Tri-Cities State Veterans Cemetery | WDVA
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WDVA News and Current Events
Brain Injury Awareness Month
 March is a special month dedicated to raising awareness about brain injuries. Established in 1980 by the Brain Injury Association of America, formerly the National Head Injury Foundation, Brain Injury Awareness Month educates, advocates, and brings attention to the challenges individuals with brain injuries face.
This year's theme is Reconnecting: Life After Brain Injury.
Click the link to watch our Brain Injury Awareness Month Video
To access the Brain Injury and Recovery Toolkit click: Brain Injury and Recovery Toolkit
Boost Your Brain Power Live Webinar!
In honor of Brain Injury Awareness month, we are hosting a variety of activities!
We are cohosting with Michelle Wild from BEST to offer a 2-part Lunch & Learn Webinar Series; Boost Your Brainpower: Executive Function in Action.
In this 2-part series, attendees will be provided practical skills to help their clients manage their time effectively, organize their daily life, and handle emotional responses when routines change. Learn to help empower your clients to increase their independence and confidence!
Check out our website for more information and to access our Brain Injury and Recovery Toolkit.
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Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Join us on March 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building as we honor our Vietnam Veterans and warmly welcome them home.
Commemorative pins will be presented to all Vietnam Veterans and their spouses. If you’ve already received one, we encourage you to wear it with pride!
For any questions, please feel free to email us at communications@dva.wa.gov.
To view the event on our calendar visit: Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you!
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LGBTQ+ Veteran Allyship Workshops
Your WDVA LGBTQ+ Veterans Program is offering no-cost workshops as part of the LGBTQ+ Veteran Ally Program.
These workshops are interactive sessions that prepare Veteran service providers with information to better serve LGBTQ+ Veterans and their families.
Space is limited. Register today!
To learn more and register visit click the link below.
LGBTQ+ Veteran Allyship Workshops
For more information on how the state definition of "Veteran" has expanded state benefits to include any Veteran already eligible for federal Department of Veterans Affairs monetary benefits, please visit our Definition of a Veteran | WDVA webpage.
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Washington Veterans Home
Congresswoman Emily Randall visited the Washington Veterans Home to deliver heartfelt Valentine’s cards created by local elementary students for our Veterans. A beautiful way to show appreciation and spread love to those who have served
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Washington Soldiers Home
Washington Soldiers Home in Orting honored residents and their families gathered for an unforgettable Super Bowl LIX celebration featuring the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The Activity Room was football themed creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
Thank you to all the amazing volunteers with Volunteers Love Serving Veterans who helped make the Valentine's parties a heartfelt success with music, refreshments, balloons, special treat bags, and meaningful conversations.
We're deeply grateful for the support of community organizations that helped make these events possible.
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