In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente
I’m proud to share that your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has formalized two significant agreements that strengthen our commitment to serving Tribal Veterans.
On April 16, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), paving the way for CTUIR’s Veterans Services to seek federal accreditation under WDVA. The CTUIR agreement allows their Tribal Veterans Representative to be accredited by both WDVA and the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), ensuring that CTUIR Veterans can be served regardless of which state they live in. This partnership will streamline the process for CTUIR Veterans living in Washington to access the benefits they’ve earned.
Just days later, on April 28, we established another MOA with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR). This collaboration enhances support for Tribal Veteran Service Officers by providing training, accreditation, and direct access to WDVA’s resources. These officers play a vital role in ensuring culturally appropriate services for Tribal Veterans, bridging the gap between tribal and non-tribal communities.
Both agreements reinforce WDVA’s mission of “Serving Those Who Served” by expanding training, technical assistance, and resource-sharing. We are strengthening the health, financial security, and overall well-being of Veterans in Indian Country.
The CTCR MOA marks the tenth partnership of its kind, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact these initiatives will have on the communities we serve.
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 Read more:
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs: A New Partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to Support Veterans and their families | WDVA
CTUIR - CTUIR, Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs Sign Accreditation MOA
WDVA News and Current Events
Island County VAAC Town Hall and WVAC Veterans Forum Recap
Our recent community visits in Island County reinforced the importance of collaboration in serving veterans and their families.
We began at the Whidbey Island Veterans Resource Center, learning how they connect Veterans with focus groups, transportation assistance, counseling referrals, and more. On day two, we engaged with the Whidbey NAS Base Transition & Employment Programs, paving the way for deeper partnerships during their TAP classes for transitioning Navy service members.
We also met with the Island County Veterans Program and the Opportunity Council Veterans Services Office to explore how they support veterans and address challenges in the community. Lastly, we attended a PNW Vets meeting at the American Legion in Oak Harbor, hearing firsthand about local initiatives and veteran engagement.
The visit ended with the VAAC Town Hall and Women Veterans Forum bringing together community partners and service providers to discuss support for local Veterans and their families. Attendees learned about available programs and services. Women Veterans connected at the WVAC Women Veterans Forum, sharing their needs and exploring ways WDVA can enhance equitable access and support through ongoing outreach.
The VAAC continues advising the Governor and WDVA Director on Veteran-related issues and programs in Washington State.
These visits are essential for understanding unique regional needs, fostering connections, and building strategies for continuous improvement in Veteran support.
From Service to Sacrifice: A WDVA Employee’s Personal Ties to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
Jennifer McDaniel’s work at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) isn’t just a job, it’s personal. Her story is a powerful reminder that for many, serving veterans isn’t just about duty; it’s about deep, personal connections that make the work even more meaningful. For Jennifer, the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is more than just a professional commitment. Her family long believed that her uncle, Donald Raymond Vogel, was unrecoverable after his plane crashed during World War II. However, new information suggests that his remains may still be found, offering hope where there was once acceptance of loss.
DPAA recently held a Family Information Meeting in Washington, bringing together loved ones of missing service members. DPAA Principal Deputy Director Fern Sumpter Winbush personally invited Jennifer. The event highlighted the DPAA’s unwavering mission: to fulfill the promise of never leaving a fallen comrade behind. With advancements in forensic anthropology and international cooperation, the agency continues to bring closure to families like Jennifer’s, ensuring that those who served are never forgotten.
You can read more about the event and Jennifer’s story here: Defense Department agency helping families identify veterans’ remains missing in action – KIRO 7 News Seattle
To learn more about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) visit: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
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Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
Our most recent foster dog, Celtic, has been adopted! WVH's own Denise Sanchez took her home, and on April 10th, we celebrated her adoption in style.
Activities director Tami Reuter served cookies, and Celtic received lots of love from residents and staff. Stay tuned for updates on future foster dogs as we continue to work with the Kitsap Humane Society!
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
The residents of Washington Soldiers Home in Orting are diving into the world of ceramics at our Wednesday ceramics group!
Thanks to the amazing partnership with The Mad Potter and the support of the Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) grant via Washington State Arts Commission, our residents have discovered a vibrant outlet for creativity and self-expression.
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ADDITIONAL WSH CONTENT: Check out the photos and winners from this year's Washington Soldiers Home Fishing Derby
Thank you & big shout-outs to the following volunteers: Tacoma Hogs for donating worms and volunteers, the Western States Carpenters Union Participation Program who brought volunteers and also donated meals, & WDVA Executive & Communications staff and their spouses who volunteered, as well as all the individual volunteers.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
It was a perfect day for Tammy (WWVH Activities) and resident, U.S. Army Veteran, Beverly, to embark on a long leisurely golf cart ride around the Veterans Home and VA campuses.
They thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and embraced the warm sun, fresh air, interesting conversation, lots of laughs, and the beauty and fragrance of all the fresh spring blooms
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