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In this edition:
Greetings from your WDVA Director:
David Puente Jr.
Honoring Women Veterans Day on June 12 | WVAC to host Women Veterans Celebration Luncheon
Each year, WDVA celebrates Women Veterans Day alongside the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC). This year, we are excited to invite Women Veterans to a Women Veterans Celebration Luncheon where we will honor their service, strength, and contributions.
This year’s theme, “A Salute to Sisterhood,” celebrates the unity, resilience, and shared experiences of women who have served, and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“To honor those who have gone before, we must support those now serving to ensure great women warriors in the future,” said WVAC member, Carrol Stripling.
This celebration builds on the spirit of Women Veterans Day, observed annually on June 12 to commemorate the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. The day recognizes the long-overlooked contributions of women who served throughout U.S. history, often without equal acknowledgment or access to benefits.
Read more: WDVA Announces 2026 Women Veterans Celebration Luncheon: “A Salute to Sisterhood” | WDVA
View my short video message: (81) Women Veterans Day Message from WDVA Director - YouTube
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WDVA News and Current Events
Celebrating June as PRIDE month: Connecting to WDVA LGBTQ+ Resources
June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual individuals, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride Month serves as both a celebration of identity and community, and a reminder of the ongoing work to advance equality, dignity, and inclusion for all.
At WDVA, we remain committed to fostering a workplace and community where all employees, Veterans, and families feel respected, valued, and supported. We encourage everyone to take time this month to reflect, learn, and engage in ways that help build a more inclusive environment for all.
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National PTSD Awareness Month
June is National PTSD Awareness Month a reminder that many veterans and service members live with invisible wounds that are often deeply connected.
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can share many overlapping symptoms, including memory and concentration challenges, sleep difficulties, irritability, anxiety, depression and emotional regulations changes. Because these conditions can look so similar, many veterans may not realize they are experiencing the effects of TBI, PTSD or both.
For the military and veteran community, understanding the connection between brain health and mental health is critical. Awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages support and reminds veterans and families that invisible injuries are real and no one should navigate alone.
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Hundreds gather to honor fallen Veterans on Memorial Day
Memorial Day Ceremonies Honor the Fallen Across Washington
On Memorial Day, we paused to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. We remember not only past generations, but also our most recent fallen in conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and operations involving Iran—service members who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to protecting others live on in the freedoms we hold today. We honor their families, we honor their service, and we ensure their legacy is never forgotten.
Washington Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake news article via KXLY.com
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 Memorial Day ceremonies took place across the state at each of our Veterans Homes.
Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
A huge THANK YOU to the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor and all the incredible volunteers who showed up today to honor our Veterans at the Washington Veterans Home Cemetery.
The grounds were absolutely beautiful, with perfectly kept landscaping, towering trees, and rows of headstones shining in the sunshine. With clear skies and great weather, volunteers worked diligently across the cemetery, carefully placing a flag at each headstone.
It was a privilege to stand alongside today's service members and volunteers in the solemn duty of serving those who served.
View more photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ECRUJQCKh/
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Walla Walla Veterans Home
Chrome, Community, and Commemoration at the Walla Walla Veterans Home
The Memorial Day 2026 Car Show at the Walla Walla Veterans Home brought together residents, families, staff, and community members for a day filled with sunshine, chrome, and heartfelt remembrance. The Walla Walla Cruisers Car Club rolled in with an impressive lineup of beautifully restored classics, muscle cars, and crowd‑favorite vintage rides.
Veterans and guests enjoyed strolling through the display, swapping stories, and reminiscing about the cars they once owned—or wished they had. It was a joyful celebration wrapped in gratitude, honoring those who served while creating new memories with friends old and new.
Thank you to the Cruisers for making this year’s event truly special.
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Washington Soldiers Home in Orting
Memorial Day Program Brings Community Together at Washington Soldiers Home
Residents, staff, family members, and community guests gathered in Chilson Hall on May 25, 2026, for a meaningful Memorial Day Program honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Tina Orwall, State Senator, 33rd Legislative District and Scott Drennen, City of Orting Mayor were present at the event.
The ceremony featured patriotic music by the Puyallup Valley Community Band, the Presentation of Colors by the Graham-Kapowsin High School Army JROTC Color Guard, and inspiring remarks from Washington Soldiers Home Administrator Dan Smith and guest speaker Terry Westhoff, WDVA Chief Financial Officer and U.S. Army Veteran.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this Memorial Day observance a memorable and heartfelt tribute. Together, we remember, honor, and celebrate the service and sacrifice of those who have protected our freedoms.
PHOTOS: 2026.05.25 Washington Soldiers Home Memorial Day Ceremony | Flickr
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Spokane Veterans Home
Two Decades of Compassion: Celebrating the Red Cross Tradition at SVH
For the past 20 years, the American Red Cross Northwest Region has carried on a remarkable tradition at the Spokane Veterans Home — one built on gratitude, fellowship, compassion, and unwavering support for the men and women who served our country.
As our Veterans enter their golden years, these moments of joy and connection become even more meaningful. The kindness shown by the American Red Cross Northwest Region and its volunteers provides more than hospitality — it provides dignity, comfort, companionship, and love.
Twenty years of service is an extraordinary milestone, and we are profoundly grateful for every volunteer, every meal served, every conversation shared, and every smile created along the way.
From all of us at the Spokane Veterans Home — and especially from the Veterans whose lives you have touched — thank you for making such a lasting difference.
More Photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18z1anAXoR/
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WDVA Job Opportunities
Are you a Registered Nurse looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Washington Veterans?
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a part-time Medical Recuperative Care Nurse (RN2) to support Veterans participating in the Transitional Housing Program in Port Orchard. This role helps Veterans recovering from medical conditions by providing care coordination, health education, medication monitoring, and support as they work toward stability and wellness.
If you're passionate about serving those who served and want to be part of a team dedicated to improving Veteran outcomes, we encourage you to apply.
Register now for the 2026 Serving Those Who Served Conference in Wenatchee
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Serving Those Who Served Conference, taking place 19–20 August 2026 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
This year’s theme, "Save and Transform Lives," reflects our shared commitment to strengthen the network of support for Veterans and their families. This two-day conference brings together Veteran-serving professionals from across Washington State to deepen collaboration, expand knowledge, and deepen impact.
Event Details: 📅 Date: August 19th & 20th 📍 Location: Wenatchee Convention Center 🕒 Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 🎯 Audience: Veteran resource providers and professionals serving the Veteran community. REGISTER HERE
Attendees will engage with experts from state agencies, community organizations, and Veteran-focused programs. Past sessions include:
- Employment partnerships
- Understanding the WorkSource system
- Creative and arts-based therapies
- VA Regional Office updates
- Veterans Benefits
The 2026 program will build on this strong foundation with sessions designed to inform, inspire, and equip those who serve our Veteran community.
Registration is now open at the link below: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=31431
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76th Anniversary Commemoration of the Start of the Korean War
We would like to invite the Veteran community and active service members to participate in the 76th Anniversary Commemoration of the Start of the Korean War. This event honors the nearly 17,000 Korean War veterans residing in Washington State.
The commemoration will take place on June 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00pm at the Korean War Memorial in Olympia. This occasion coincides with the 33rd anniversary of the memorial's dedication on July 24, 1994. We will gather community leaders, veterans, families, and supporters to remember the sacrifices made during the Korean War.
76th Anniversary Commemoration of the Start of the Korean War | WDVA
Additional Women Veterans events:
Connect with VA Puget Sound Health Care System providers, community partners, and wellness resources designed specifically for women Veterans. Come learn about available services, ask questions, and build community.
Veterans Training Support Center - Upcoming workshops
WDVA Program and Campaign Videos
Rural Area Access to Service Survey
Washington Veterans—we want to hear from you.
Access to care shouldn’t depend on where you live, but for many Veterans in rural communities across our state, it still does. We’re working to better understand the real barriers Veterans face when trying to connect with services in Washington.
The Rural Access Survey is part of a collaborative effort that grew out of the Washington Suicide Prevention Think Tank—bringing together partners committed to strengthening support systems for those who have served.
Your voice matters. Your experience helps identify gaps, shape solutions, and improve access to care for Veterans statewide.
Take a few minutes to share your input: https://forms.office.com/g/Vpq0QixFEu
Please consider sharing this with other Veterans in your community—especially those in rural areas.
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Attorney General's releases new Veterans legal resource guide
The Attorney General’s Office released a new resource guide today for military service members in Washington informing them of their rights and protections. The guide includes information about state and federal laws that affect military service members in Washington and where service members and their families can go for more help or information about their rights.
“Our office wants to do everything we can to help service members and their families thrive,” said Attorney General Nick Brown. “There are many state and federal laws and programs to protect and support those who serve our country and their loved ones, but navigating them can be challenging. This guide has important information about these rights and resources.”
The guide, called Your Rights as a Service Member in Washington, is the counterpart to Your Rights as a Veteran in Washington, released in November. The Attorney General’s Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance (OMVLA) created both guides to help veterans, service members, and their families understand their rights and find resources in their community. Both guides are available on OMVLA’s website or as PDF downloads.
View the full release: Attorney General’s Office releases resource guide for service members in Washington
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America’s 250 | Honoring June 14 for Day of Service:
June 14 (Flag Day) has been designated as a statewide Day of Service as part of America’s 250th in Washington State.
The Day of Service is about volunteering where you live. Communities around the state can participate by identifying a project that is meaningful to them and encouraging all community members and organizations to participate. Projects can be big or small. They can be specific to your community or part of a larger national volunteering effort. They can be one individual, a small group, or a whole town. The most important point is to volunteer in some way during 2026 and let us know about it. Day of Service - Washington State Historical Society
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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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