September 2023

Announcing the Women Veterans Registry 

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and we want to raise awareness on how you can protect yourself, and the veteran in your life, from this complex and tragic health issue. If you or someone is having a crisis, dial 988, then press 1, to get connected to the veteran crisis suicide prevention line.

Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.

Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).

More information can be found here. 

The Veteran Crisis Line offers 24/7, confidential crisis support for the Veterans and their loved ones. 

**You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.**

Nominations Now Open!

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs 2023 Woman Veteran of the Year nominations are now open. 

To complete the nomination form online click here!

Starting in 2008, the WDVA has annually recognized women veterans who have compiled records of exemplary service as a military service member, a veteran, and an outstanding member of the community.

Veterans, family members, friends, veterans service organizations, County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers, other veterans groups, and those in the community are encouraged to submit nominations to be considered in this year's process. 

The 2023 Woman Veteran of the Year will be selected by a panel based on a set of criteria.

Nominations will be accepted until October 13, 2023. Questions about the nomination process should be directed to WomenVets@dva.wisconsin.gov.

On March 29, 1973, the last American combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and Wisconsin was there in more ways than one. Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for their annual Talking Spirits: Forest Hill Cemetery Tours, now celebrating its 25th year, to see, hear, and experience how the Vietnam War changed the lives of thousands of Wisconsinites for decades to come. These tours will feature 4 vignettes along the tour route, as historical actors portray veterans’ experiences in Vietnam, as well as the policymakers who brought the war to conclusion, and the important mission of bringing our MIA’s home.

Register for the public candlelight or daytime tours here.

For all information about these grants, including evaluation criteria, application materials, and tips for applying, *please see the WDVA Grants Page. If you have questions, please contact the WDVA Grants Unit at: vetsbenefitsgrants@dva.wisconsin.gov.