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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director: David Puente
On March 29th, we had the honor of welcoming Governor Bob Ferguson to the Spokane Veterans Home for his very first visit. This was a momentous occasion, as the governor gained a firsthand understanding of the exceptional care our team provides to resident veterans. He also learned more about the Spokane Veterans Home Replacement Project - a critical initiative as the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs works to secure funding for a new, state-of-the-art facility.
During his visit, Governor Ferguson expressed deep admiration for the dedication and compassion of our staff. Residents were thrilled to meet him, engaging in lively conversations and sharing their thoughts on government priorities. One resident, John, spoke passionately about the incredible service provided by our team, highlighting the personalized care that makes our home truly special.
The governor's tour, led by Administrator Mark Michaels, offered him a closer look at the unique bond shared between staff and residents, a bond built on trust, respect, and unwavering commitment. This visit was a powerful reminder of the impact we have on the lives of our veterans, and it reinforced the importance of continuing to invest in their care and well-being.
To read more about the governor's visit to Spokane Veterans Home click: Governor Ferguson Visits Spokane Veterans Home Highlighting Future Replacement Plans | WDVA
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WDVA News and Current Events
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Event Recap
Celebrating Service and Sacrifice: On March 29, your WDVA proudly hosted the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on the Capitol Campus. This heartfelt event honored the bravery and dedication of Vietnam Veterans, offering a warm welcome and gratitude from the community they served so selflessly. Welcome Home!
You can find photos and videos from the event on our Flickr site: 2025.03.29 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Event on Capitol Campus | Flickr
A live stream of the event is also available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16HUkr2LVy/
 Coverage from the Yakama Warriors association Welcome Home Vietnam event:
'Talk with an open heart': Yakima event welcomes home Vietnam veterans and shares resources | Local | yakimaherald.com
Yakama Warriors Association honors Vietnam veterans during a ceremony
April 2025 Progress Report: Proposed Tri-Cities State Veterans Cemetery for Local Veteran Community
In April 2025, the Tri-Cities Veterans Cemetery project took a promising step forward as $500,000 for its pre-design phase was included in the governor’s proposed Capital Budget, as well as Senate and House versions. This funding highlights the federal VA’s identified need for a medium-sized cemetery in southeastern and central Washington. With all versions of the budget currently aligning, there’s optimism for its inclusion in the final Capital Budget.
The pre-design phase is crucial for studying potential parcels, evaluating water rights, land costs, and site improvements. Recent discussions with West Richland and Richland city leaders focused on two key parcels, each offering unique attributes and challenges, such as water availability and development requirements.
Site evaluation is underway, with criteria like population proximity, accessibility, utility availability, and soil quality guiding decisions. The legislative session concludes on April 27, and the team aims to share updates on funding finalization and initiate requests for proposals for pre-design work.
Read more: April 2025 Update to Tri-Cities Veterans Community on the Proposed Tri-Cities State Veterans Cemetery | WDVA
Questions or inquiries can be sent to CemeteryTri-Cities@dva.wa.gov
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 Starting April 1, 2025, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) expanded eligibility for veterans seeking driver license designations, special license plates, and veteran emblems. This change aligns with the updated definition of "Veteran" under House Bill 2014, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
Key updates include recognizing veterans eligible for federal VA benefits and those discharged with less-than-honorable characterizations due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Veterans can add a designation to their license or ID online at no extra cost. Additionally, qualifying veterans and their families can access special plates and emblems, with proceeds supporting veterans' programs.
For more information, visit Definition of Veteran | WDVA or watch our Definition of Veteran Video
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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Liberty Lake Launches 988 Lifeline Emblem Initiative for Crisis Support
The City of Liberty Lake is taking a proactive step in promoting mental health awareness and crisis support with their purchase of 75 license plate emblems featuring the 988 Lifeline - a vital resource for suicide prevention and crisis assistance.
Mayor Cris Kaminskas proudly placed the first emblem on a Liberty Lake Police Department vehicle, marking the beginning of this impactful initiative
Read more: State veterans organization honors city for support of 988 Lifeline resource
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Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
Residents of the Washington Veterans Home took center stage alongside foster dog Celtic and their cherished companion Meatball, shining brightly in a documentary featuring humane societies.
Stay tuned for sharing of the documentary once it becomes available.
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the High Pointe Church volunteers who generously dedicated their time and effort to cleaning a section of headstones at the Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery. Their selfless service pays tribute to our heroes and beautifully embodies the spirit of community and compassion.
To view more photos, please visit: 2025.03.29 High Pointe Church Day of Service at Washington Soldiers Home | Flickr
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
Green milkshakes, fries, music, announcements, and an epic St. Patrick’s Day trivia night hosted by Brian “Lucky the Leprechaun” Evenson and his wife Amy!
Huge thanks to our WWVH Lucky Charms staff for planning this shamrockin’ night.
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