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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente Jr.
This year’s Commander's Call Town Hall brought together our partners, and community leaders with a shared commitment to strengthening support for our Veterans. Our discussions centered on four priority areas that reflect critical needs for those we serve: supporting Women Veterans, advancing Suicide Prevention efforts, addressing the challenges faced by unhoused Veterans, and ensuring Veterans and their families can access the earned benefits they deserve.
By focusing on these areas, we reinforced our mission to save and transform lives while working toward our broader goal of becoming the leading state in Veteran service delivery and outcomes. I’m grateful for the dedication and insight each participant brought to this year’s meeting, and I look forward to the continued progress we will make together.
For the livestream and breakout sessions view:
Livestream
Commanders Call recap
Breakout sessions recap
As we close out the year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Veterans, their families, our partners, and our dedicated staff. Your resilience, service, and unwavering commitment inspire everything we do. May this holiday season bring you peace, connection, and well-deserved rest. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the coming year.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for a bright and hopeful New Year!
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WDVA News and Current Events
Federal VA Grant Funds WDVA’s SSG Fox Program for 2026
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is proud to announce that on November 14, 2025, their Washington state SSG Fox community-based suicide prevention program was awarded $750,000 from the Federal VA Staff Sergeant Parker Fox Suicide Prevention Grant for their fourth year of programming. The Federal VA approved the team's application and awarded funds that will maintain the program moving forward for the next year.
Through this team, the agency is able to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts, helping Veterans and their families through outreach, peer support, services, and connections to resources close to home.
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Public Invited to Veterans Holiday Remembrance at State Veterans Cemetery
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake will hold an annual Veterans Holiday Remembrance ceremony on Saturday December 13, 2025. The public ceremony begins at 12pm followed by members of the community placing holiday boughs on gravesites. The cemetery anticipates placing 3,500 boughs which is only possible through public and private donations at a cost of $15 each. Donations may be sent to the following or by calling 509-299-6280.
State Veterans Cemetery
Veterans Holiday Remembrance
21702 West Espanola Rd
Medical Lake, WA 99022
Please note, pets and the use of tobacco products on the grounds are prohibited.
Contact the cemetery for any questions.
For additional information contact (509) 299-6280 or cemetery@dva.wa.gov.
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Wreaths Across America at Veteran's Home Cemeteries
Wreaths Across America will be at Washington Soldiers Home and Washington Home Veteran's Cemetery to Remember and Honor our Veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025 (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) at 9:00 AM
Address:
1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E
Orting, WA 98360
United States
To sponsor wreaths or volunteer visit: Overview - Wreaths Across America
On December 13, 2025, at 09:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony)
Address:
1141 Beach Dr E
Port Orchard, WA 98366
United States
To sponsor wreaths or volunteer visit: Overview - Wreaths Across America
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LGBTQ+ Veteran Program Workshop Series
YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs LGBTQ+ Veterans Program is offering no-cost workshops as part of the Ally Initiative. These are interactive sessions that prepare veteran service providers with information to better serve LGBTQ+ veterans and family members.
Register: www.dva.wa.gov/lgbtq-veterans
Learn more: LGBTQ+ Veterans | WDVA
Learn more: Definition of Veteran
for the purpose of State Veteran's benefits - Definition of Veteran | WDVA
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WDVA honors the Memory of Two Cherished Team Members
Amber Cetinel served as a recruiter for WDVA and was a valued member of our team, bringing energy, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her work. She was also a Captain in the Washington Army National Guard and a part of the Guard family. Her commitment to supporting our mission was evident in every interaction, whether she was guiding a candidate through the hiring process, collaborating with staff, or offering a kind word during a busy day.
We are grateful for the time she spent with us and for the contributions she made to WDVA. Amber will be deeply missed by her colleagues, friends, and all who knew her.
Learn more about Amber: Obituary | Amber Birsen Cetinel of Port Orchard, Washington | Woodfin Funeral Chapel
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Clark Ashworth dedicated 36 years to serving Veterans through our Counseling and Wellness Program, beginning nearly at its inception. His commitment endured throughout his career, as he continued meeting with clients almost to the very end before he passed.
His steady presence and decades of service stand as a testament to the lasting impact of those who devote themselves to supporting Veterans.
Clark will be missed, and his legacy lives on through his work.
Read more: WDVA bids a final farewell to a WDVA Counselor who served Veterans and families for 36 years | WDVA
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Washington Veterans Home
If you've visited recently, you may have noticed we're well decorated for the holidays!
The tree in our lobby was decorated by our residents with the help of our wonderful activities staff. All the ornaments on the tree, (minus the globes) were made by the residents themselves!
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
Recently, O’Connor Hall was filled with warmth and gratitude as volunteers served coffee and pastries during a special meet & greet for residents of the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting.
Residents from the Skilled Nursing Home, Transitional Housing Program (THP), and Tiny Homes joined together for conversation, camaraderie, and care.
A heartfelt thank you to the Philo Affiliates and the American Red Cross for making this gathering possible and reminding us that small acts of kindness create lasting bonds.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
Students from the Liberty Christian recently performed for residents and staff. Thank you for the wonderful performance!
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Spokane Veterans Home
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is proud to announce the purchase of 41.5 acres of land to build the replacement Spokane Veterans Home, marking a major milestone in WDVA’s long-term commitment to delivering dignified, modern, and high-quality care for Washington’s Veterans.
Please stay tuned for more information on this project!
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 To learn more, visit VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
Program Videos
The State Veterans Cemetery is located 3 miles west of Fairchild Air Force Base. From the flag assembly area looking southward, Francher Butte and West Medical Lake are present. Looking northward from the Committal Shelter, military aircraft banking northward off the 90-foot flagpole with its 30-foot flag lowered to half-staff often form the backdrop to interment services and provide a serene setting for the final resting place of our nation's heroes, our veterans and their families.
Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed state holidays.
Visitation Hours:
Cemetery gates open at 8:00am and close at sunset 7 days per week.
Learn more, visit Cemetery | WDVA
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