Greetings from your WDVA Director: David Puente Jr.
Honoring Veterans Day - Thanking Veterans for their Service
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of the individuals who have worn our nation’s uniform. Veterans and their families have carried responsibilities and challenges that many never see, yet their strength continues to shape our communities and safeguard our freedoms. We are deeply grateful for every mission served, every burden carried, and every contribution made in the name of protecting others.
The freedoms we enjoy today exist because generations of Veterans stepped forward with unwavering commitment. Whether serving in combat, supporting critical missions, or standing watch here at home, each Veteran’s story strengthens the fabric of our state and our nation.
Today is more than a moment of gratitude. It is a reminder that honoring Veterans means action. It means ensuring access to healthcare, education, employment, and strong community connections. It means showing up for the Veterans in our neighborhoods, including those who may feel unseen. And it means working together so no Veteran walks their path alone.
To every Veteran and every military family across Washington, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your enduring dedication to our nation.
May our service continue together,
Happy Veterans Day. WDVA Director David Puente Jr.
Click on the image to the right or visit this YouTube video link to watch a short video greeting from David wishing everyone a Happy Veterans Day.
Happy Veterans Day from Doug Baldwin
Grandson of two Veterans and former Seattle Seahawks player, Doug Baldwin, wanted to send a short video message thanking Veterans and their families for Veterans Day. Thanks, Doug, for always supporting our military community!
WDVA News and Current Events
2026 Veterans Day Proclamation, Events & Observances
Proclamation, Deals & Discounts, Official Veterans Day Poster, Events and Observances
Click on the links below for more information on Veterans Day resources across Washington State.
2026 Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards Highlight Exceptional Commitment Across Washington
The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that exemplify extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of Washington’s Veterans and their families.
2026 Outstanding Service to Veterans Award Recipients
Superior Service Award
Dr. Roberto Valdez, Ph.D – Recognized for his exemplary leadership and clearly superior contributions supporting Washington’s Veteran community.
Distinguished Service Award
Michael Ensor – Honored for significant accomplishments and meaningful, sustained contributions to Veterans and their families.
Team Awards
Spokane Veterans Forum – Recognized for exceptional teamwork and impactful community engagement benefiting local Veterans.
Veterans Legislative Coalition – Honored for their collective commitment to advancing policies and initiatives supporting Veterans statewide.
Legislators of the Year
Representative Hunter Abell – Recognized for outstanding legislative leadership and advocacy on behalf of Veterans.
Senator T’wina Nobles – Honored for her steadfast support and impactful legislative contributions improving the lives of Veterans and their families.
Recognizing the Unique Contributions of Native American Veterans - November is Native American Heritage Month
As Veterans Day approaches, we would also like to acknowledge that November is Native American Heritage Month.
This is an opportunity for us to recognize the unique contributions Native American men and women have made to our nation while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Native Americans serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group and Native American women also serve in the Armed Forces at a higher rate than other group of women.
Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month allow us to reflect on this and honor these warriors. With this in mind, we invite you to visit the online exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian titled Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces.
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to serving all Veterans and their families in a culturally appropriate manner, including the approximately 4,500 American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans in Washington. WDVA has entered into memorandums of agreement with 12 federally recognized Indian tribes to allow us to collaborate on the training, accreditation, and technical assistance provided to Tribal Veterans Representatives and Tribal Veterans Service Officers.
For more information on these agreements, and how we work to support American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans and their families, please contact our Tribal Liaison, Steven J. Gill, at steveng@dva.wa.gov.
WDVA partners with Fed VA host Suicide Prevention Think Tank
The recently held Suicide Prevention Think Tank meeting held at American Lake VA underscored rising suicide risks among unenrolled, rural, and unconnected Veterans despite progress among those engaged in VA care.
Along with the Federal Va, our WDVA Suicide Prevention team and community leaders emphasized the need for a statewide, data driven needs assessment combining quantitative trends with lived experience to identify gaps and guide targeted action towards identifying the needs of Washington State’s Veterans to promote and impact suicide prevention efforts.
Washington State Military Community Engagement Liaison Olivia Burley Selected for George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
WDVA is proud to announce that Olivia Burley, Washington State’s Military Community Engagement Liaison, was selected to participate in the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. Burley has spent the past five months engaging with national leaders across sectors to strengthen her capacity to advocate for military families and Veterans in Washington and beyond.
“Her participation in the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program reflects the innovation and dedication she brings to her role every day,” said WDVA Director David Puente Jr. “Olivia’s work not only strengthens the support available to military spouses here in Washington, but also sets a national example for how states can better welcome and empower those who serve alongside our service members.”
This October, a beloved favorite made its long-awaited return, and it was a strike with our residents! Rock and Bowl brought together great music, tasty snacks, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter for an afternoon packed with fun. As classic rock tunes filled the room, Veterans took to the lanes, cheering each other on and celebrating every successful throw. Whether they were seasoned bowlers or just there to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone had a fantastic time.
The energy was contagious, and the smiles said it all. By the end of the event, many Veterans were already asking when Rock and Bowl would be scheduled again. The combination of music, camaraderie, and recreation created a memorable experience that reminded everyone how much fun it is to reconnect with favorite activities. Based on the enthusiastic response, it's safe to say that Rock and Bowl has made a successful comeback and remains a resident favorite!
Challenge Coin Display Case Installed in WWVH Lobby
After months of thoughtful design and planning, the Walla Walla Veterans Home proudly unveiled its new challenge coin display case in the main lobby.
The beautifully crafted case was generously donated by Volunteers Love Serving Veterans, and we are deeply grateful for their support.More than just wood and glass, this gift serves as a tribute to the stories, sacrifices, and camaraderie represented by each coin. Challenge coins symbolize missions completed, friendships forged, and milestones achieved.
With this new display, these symbols of honor now have a dedicated place to be showcased and remembered for generations to come.We also extend our appreciation to Jerry Cummins, U.S. Navy Veteran and long‑time supporter of the Walla Walla Veteran community, for bringing forward the idea of installing a challenge coin display case at WWVH. Mr. Cummins has served on Washington’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and continues to champion veteran-centered initiatives. His ongoing support of the Walla Walla Veterans Home is sincerely appreciated.As Mr. Cummins shared, “Every coin tells a story. Every story deserves to be seen.”
The Washington Soldier Home residents celebrated Halloween with a Cowboys & Aliens-themed party.
Residents picked costumes out of cowboy hats, bananas, & alien antenna giveaways to join in the costume fun. There were plenty of sweet treats, assorted-shaped balloons & even a “Guess How Many Alien Candies” contest to add to the Halloween festivities.
Thank you to the residents, staff & Simmons Family for your contributions & participation in this exciting Halloween event!
Spokane Veterans Home
Spokane Veterans Home Residents Take Part in Meaningful Honor Flight
On October 13–14, several Spokane Veterans Home residents traveled with Inland Northwest Honor Flight for an unforgettable journey to Washington, D.C. The group departed before dawn for a warm airport send‑off, sharing stories and building connections on the flight. After arriving at Dulles, they visited the Marine Corps Memorial, the WWII Memorial, Women in Military Service Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Navy & Air Force Memorials and more.
The experience concluded with an emotional 9 p.m. homecoming filled with cheers, hugs, and even a traditional tribal welcome for Jerred. One resident reflected, “I left with sorrow and came back more light‑hearted.”
This trip was made possible thanks to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, the coordination of Sandi Meikel, and the dedicated leadership of Jeanette Sauer‑Smith, Recreational Therapy Director, who supported residents throughout the 36‑hour journey. As Mark shared, seeing residents connect and revisit memories was “deeply meaningful—and something they’ll carry with them forever. ”We are grateful to all who helped make this powerful experience possible and proud of the veterans who participated.
Working at a Washington State Veterans Home is more than a job - it's a fulfilling career serving those who served our country.
In the above video, nurses who have graduated the CNA to LPN program talk about their experience working with Veterans and just how special it is. To see our open positions for nursing visit: dva.wa.gov/careers
Register Now: Virtual Veterans & Family Peer Group
Connection and support can make all the difference when navigating life after military service! Join the Virtual Veteran and Family Peer Group to connect with fellow Veterans and family members, share experiences, exchange resources, and learn strategies for navigating life after service.
Inspired by the 2026 Veterans Day theme, “Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families,” this peer group is an opportunity to build community, find support, and remind one another that no one has to navigate the journey alone.
2026 Commanders Call
The 2026 Commanders Call is coming on Dec. 8 to the Thurston County Readiness Center in Tumwater.
The meeting will include a representative from the Governor’s Office, as well as reports from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC). Leaders from your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), the Veterans Health Administration from VA Puget Sound, Veterans Benefits Administration from Seattle VA Regional Office, National Cemetery Administration from Tahoma National Cemetery will provide updates and information on their organizations.
In addition, each Veteran Service Organization will be invited to have one-representative share their top priority and top challenge with attendees.
Help Honor Washington’s Veterans This Holiday Season: Donations Needed to Place Holiday Boughs at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery is inviting community members, organizations, and patriotic supporters across the state to help ensure every Veteran laid to rest is remembered this holiday season.
The Official Veterans Holiday Remembrance event will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., where volunteers and families will gather to lay wreaths in honor of the brave men and women who served our nation.
Each $15 donation places a bough on a Veteran’s gravesite—symbolizing remembrance, gratitude, and the enduring respect of a grateful community.
How to Donate Donations may be mailed directly to: WDVA Cemetery (VHR) 21702 West Espanola Rd Medical Lake, WA 99022
Or, donations may be made through the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, supporting the shared mission of honoring and remembering Washington’s fallen servicemembers.
Holiday Remembrance - Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery's Wreaths Across America Placement
On Saturday, December 19, 2026 (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) at 9:00 AM, Wreaths Across America will be at Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery to Remember and Honor our Veterans. This takes place through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every Veteran aloud.
Holiday Remembrance - Washington Veterans Home Cemetery's Wreaths Across America Placement
On Saturday, December 19, 2026 (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) at 9:00 AM, Wreaths Across America will be at Washington Veterans Home Cemetery to Remember and Honor our Veterans. This takes place through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every Veteran aloud.
WDVA Launches New Self-Service and Virtual Appointment Options
WDVA's Olympia Service Center is expanding access to benefits assistance with new virtual and self-service appointment options now available to Veterans and their families statewide.
The WDVA Service Center, located in Olympia, provides comprehensive support throughout the entire claims process. Benefit Specialists work directly with Veterans and families to help file and manage claims. WDVA also partners with County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers who can provide local, accredited VA Claims Assistance. Contact information for county partners is available on WDVA’s County Map website.
State and Federal Benefits Overview for Veterans already receiving VA benefits
Additionally, the WDVA website offers step-by-step guidance for filing a claim, as well as instructions for appealing a denied claim. Along with the new self-service options, Veterans may also call the WDVA Service Center at 1-800-562-2308 for scheduling assistance.
