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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente Jr.
Last week I had the opportunity to join colleagues from across the country at the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) conference, where state leaders came together to collaborate on strengthening services and support for Veterans nationwide.
I’m honored to share that I was elected Junior Vice President of NASDVA. It is a privilege to help guide the organization’s work on behalf of state Veterans agencies across the country. I’m also proud to see Rudy Lopez, Cemetery Director with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed to the NASDVA Memorial Affairs Committee representing the Far West District.
During the week, NASDVA leadership also participated in the United States House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Joint Hearing on March 4, where national Veteran Service Organizations presented their legislative priorities to Congress. NASDVA President Terry Prince testified on behalf of state Veterans agencies. Other organizations presenting included Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Wounded Warrior Project, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and Mission Roll Call.
Conference attendees also heard from VA Secretary Doug Collins, who reinforced the importance of strong federal–state collaboration in delivering benefits and services to Veterans.
I also had the chance to highlight some of the innovative work happening in Washington. In partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, WDVA secured a $400,000 Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) grant to expand creative arts programming at four Veterans Homes and two transitional housing programs across our state. These programs give Veterans opportunities to engage in music, painting, woodworking, gardening, and cultural outings that support healing, connection, and overall well-being.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated leaders across NASDVA who remain committed to serving those who served.
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Brain Injury Awareness Month reminds us that healing is not a journey Veterans should walk alone. By strengthening the connections between Veterans, their families, and our community partners, we create the support network every Veteran deserves.
At WDVA, we are dedicated to making sure every Veteran living with a traumatic brain injury has access to compassionate, informed, and coordinated care. This month is an opportunity to reaffirm that commitment and expand the bridges that lead to recovery.
The WDVA TBI Toolkit provides practical tools for Veterans, families, caregivers, and community partners to recognize symptoms, navigate services, strengthen communication, and support daily functioning and long‑term recovery.
Veterans deserve care that honors both their service and their stories, and Brain Injury Awareness Month underscores the importance of providing support that is compassionate, informed, and accessible. Healing from traumatic brain injury is strengthened through connection—building bridges between Veterans, families, caregivers, and community partners helps address the invisible wounds that often accompany TBI.
Learn more: WDVA recognizes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month with tools of support | WDVA
WDVA News and Current Events
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) will host a Tri-Cities Cemetery Project Community Town Hall on March 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Richland Readiness Center, 2655 1st Street, Richland, WA. Community members, Veterans, families, and local leaders are encouraged to attend.
This town hall offers an opportunity to learn more about the future State Veterans Cemetery, Tri-Cities, to hear updates on the project’s progress, and share community perspectives as planning continues.
Read more: Community Invited to State Veterans Cemetery, Tri-Cities Project Town Hall | WDVA
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WDVA is proud to announce Olivia Burley as the 2025 SHRM Foundation Military Community Ambassador of the Year. In her role as Washington State’s Military Spouse Liaison at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Burley – also a military spouse and active member of the SHRM Snohomish County Human Resources Association – leveraged SHRM programs and resources to reach more than 700 individuals in 2025. Her efforts advanced military-connected talent through statewide advocacy, employer education, and cross-sector collaboration.
Read more: WDVA's Military Spouse Liaison Olivia Burley receives the 2025 Military Community Ambassador of the Year: | WDVA
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Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
The Veterans and staff would like to thank the artists associated with South Kitsap Artists who recently joined the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard for an art show.
During the event, attendees spoke with visiting artists Kerri Garman Mueller, Cristine Hella Cott, Jlouis King and Phoebe Siemion. Our residents enjoyed viewing the beautiful art and talking art shop with these artists!
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KHQ Highlights Future Spokane Veterans Home
Thank you to KHQ for highlighting this important conversation about the future of the Spokane Veterans Home.
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs appreciates the continued community interest and support for a new, modern facility that would provide Veterans with more living space, enhanced amenities, and high-quality care in a comfortable environment.
We are grateful to the Veterans, families, and community members whose voices help guide these discussions as we work to meet the evolving needs of those who have served.
Read the full story here: https://www.khq.com/.../article_6d4758c1-99a3-4a85-a94a...
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
Winter Olympics fun at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
Recently, our residents showed off their teamwork and competitive spirit during the Snowball Toss Olympics-style event, where they enjoyed passing “snowballs” back and forth with plenty of laughs along the way. Every participant earned a medal, with special certificates for gold, silver, and bronze.
And of course, the grand finale was a crowd favorite, where residents joyfully launching soft snowballs at staff members.
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
Thank you, to Washington State VFW and Auxiliary Department Commander Drew James and 2025-26 Department President Robyn Sterrett for the generous gifts you delivered for the Veterans living at the Walla Walla Veterans Home, and their families.
We look forward to sharing with our friends and community about how these gifts, and the donations from others, are blessing our Veterans' lives every day and night. To learn more about how to donate to any of our Veterans Homes, please visit: Donations | WDVA
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Transitional Housing Program
Veterans in the WDVA Transitional Housing Program (THP) at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard - Retsil are strengthening more than just their living stability - they’re building coordination, focus, and confidence through hands-on activities that require concentration and focus (like LEGO building and craft-making.)
These activities help improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive engagement — all important for recovery, rehabilitation, and daily independence. For many Veterans, practicing these skills supports everything from personal care tasks to future employment readiness and overall wellness. Just as important, these sessions foster connection, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment in a supportive environment.
Our THP provides short-term housing and supportive services for Veterans experiencing housing instability, helping them work toward permanent housing and greater self-sufficiency.
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WDVA Job Opportunities
Veteran Conservation Corps Current Internship Openings
Grays Harbor Conservation District (Elma)
Lewis Conservation District (Chehalis)
Thurston Conservation District (Tumwater)
Since 2016, the YesVets hiring program has helped employers hire thousands of veterans in Washington.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of YesVets, the state’s Employment Security Department, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Society for Human Resource Management will host a celebration event.
About YesVets
YesVets is an initiative between ESD, WDVA, SHRM, the state Department of Commerce, The state Military Transition Council and chambers of commerce across the state.
Since its inception, YesVets has helped more than 2,500 employers hire more than 9,000 veterans.
“Employment plays a vital role in a successful transition from military service and strengthens the entire military family,” WDVA Director David Puente Jr. said. “Through YesVets, WDVA has also been able to help employers better understand the earned benefits and wide range of federal and state programs available to support Veterans.”
Learn more: NEWS RELEASE - YesVets hiring program to celebrate 10-year anniversary milestone | WDVA
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Save the Date - Serving Those Who Served Conference is coming to Wenatchee on 19 & 20 August
 Learn more and stay updated with the conference by visiting: Serving Those Who Served Conference | WDVA
WDVA warmly invites Vietnam Veterans, their spouses, all Veterans, and the public to join us in honoring and celebrating Vietnam Veterans at a special indoor ceremony in the Columbia Room, Capitol Campus, Olympia.
Event Details:
This event will call upon Vietnam Veterans to briefly share their personal experiences. We are proud to present Commemorative Pins to Vietnam Veterans and their spouses. For those who have already received pins, we encourage you to wear them with pride.
This ceremony is a heartfelt opportunity to express gratitude and formally welcome home those who served during the Vietnam War. We look forward to honoring our Vietnam Veterans and celebrating their legacy with you!
For questions or additional information, please contact communications@dva.wa.gov.
Veterans Training Support Center - Upcoming workshops
WDVA Program Videos
Women Veterans
March celebrates Women's History Month and your WDVA is sharing resources for Women Veterans. The mission of the WDVA Women Veterans Advisory Committee shall be to ensure that Washington's women Veterans have equitable access to federal and state Veterans' services and benefits.
- Connect women to their identity as Veterans
- Change the public perception of what Veterans look like
- Connect women veterans to benefits
- Connect women veterans to community
The committee provides assistance to women who served in the United States Armed Forces or in forces incorporated as part of the United States Armed Forces.
Learn more: Women Veterans | WDVA
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If you would like copies of this document in an alternate format, please contact communications@dva.wa.gov
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