Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

KOMO News Team Recognized for Veterans Documentary

2012-02-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

(Photo by Steven Stelter)

WDVA Director John Lee recently took the opportunity to recognize the leadership of KOMO News for creating a special news feature detailing the challenges faced by our returning military veterans.

This production was made possible by the commitment and professional leadership of Senior VP and General Manager James Clayton, VP of News Holly Gauntt, Executive Producer Nathan Wilson and Problem Solver Eric Johnson. The entire KOMO team is to be congratulated for helping our community better understand the range of issues Washington’s warriors (and their families) deal with and for recognizing local organizations that help on the homefront.

We also want to thank Tami Michaels, whose energy and enthuriasm is what sparked and kept alive the documentary!

While at the KOMO offices in Seattle, John also took a moment to thank several radio hosts including John Carlson, Ken Schram, Herb Weisbaum and Jane Shannon, who helped inform the listening public not only about the special, but also about the Veterans Raffle that was being conducted through Veterans Day last year.

If you haven't had the opportunity to view documentary, we encourage you to take some time to watch it! Help on the Homefront.

Photo Left to Right: James Clayton, Tami Michaels, John Lee, Nathan Wilson, Holly Gauntt, Eric Johnson

Celebrating 10 Years of the Special Employees at the Spokane Veterans Home

2012-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Spokane Veterans Home celebrated its TEN year anniversary last week by holding its tenth annual employee recognition.

Staff were recognized by WDVA director John E. Lee and WDVA deputy director Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos (Alfie) for their many, many accomplishments and had the honor to celebrate those employees who have been with the Spokane Veterans Home since it opened its doors in Sept. 2001.

DIRECTOR’S AWARD: Steve Housholder:

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS: Ginny Fabbe, Michelle Boehmer, and Pam Hankins

TEAM AWARD: Activities Dept. – Shane Price, Jeanette Sauer-Smith, Catherine Schnell and David Morton

In a message to all the Spokane Veterans Home staff, Alfie summed up the day's event by saying:
"I know sometimes we get caught up in the daily race and we don’t say thank you enough for the work that you do on behalf of our residents. I need to take this opportunity to do just that. I see on my daily rounds and at the standup meetings the volume of work that keeps our residents cared for and our facilities maintained. The regulatory requirements are unbelievably complex and numerous, but you manage to keep things going because it’s for our veterans and because you are professionals.

Thank you for doing your best and for serving those who served."

Welcome New VAAC Leadership and Members!

2011-12-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

During the October 2011 Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) meeting, committee members welcomed their new leadership and three new members to the Committee.

Gary Pearson officially took the gavel as the Chairman, and Kathy Hobbs accepted the role of Vice Chair! Congratulations to the new VAAC leadership, and many thanks to outgoing Chairman Lloyd Burroughs.

Three new members were also welcomed to the committee.

Alfred ‘Tito’ Medina was a submariner with eight years’ active duty and continued his service in the Reserves. He is currently working on his MBA and is a service officer with American Legion accreditation.

Owen McCurty is a retired, Army non-commissioned officer. He is also a Veterans Employment representative with the Department of Employment Security in Lakewood. Owen says he is ready to roll up sleeves and help the committee.

Ann Lawson is a resident of the Washington Soldiers’ Home. She is also the Vice Chair of the home’s Resident Council and a veteran of the Army.

The next VAAC meeting will be held on February 23 in the Tacoma area. Additional information on the meeting location will be posted to the WDVA Public Events page as soon as it’s available.

For more information on the VAAC, visit http://www.dva.wa.gov/advisory_committees.html or e-mail April at april@dva.wa.gov .

Navy Band Northwest Brings Holiday Cheer to Veterans

2011-12-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

Navy Band Northwest Brings Holiday Cheer to Veterans

Looking Forward to 2012!

2011-12-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

Last year, we were faced with an incredibly difficult situation. Our Veterans Innovations Program, which provides assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, was running out of money. With huge cuts being taken in the state budget, we knew there was no money available to replenish this incredibly successful program.

Thankfully a creative lawmaker, Senator Steve Conway, and our tenacious Veterans Legislative Coalition got together with WDVA and Washington’s Lottery to create a way to keep the Veterans Innovations Program funded for years to come.

In the span of just a few months, legislators passed a bill, Washington’s Lottery created new program, and together we generated enough awareness and interest to sell 292,841 Hometown Heroes Raffle tickets. Our goal was to sell 300,000 tickets but even though we fell just a little bit short, the results are impressive.

This past Veterans Day, we marked the first drawing of the Hometown Heroes Raffle. We’re still waiting on the final figures to see how much the raffle generated, but I am thrilled with what we were able to accomplish. I want to personally thank those of you who helped by purchasing tickets and by letting your friends, families and organizations know about this great program. I also want to remind you to look for the Veterans Raffle again in 2012!

This is just one of the many significant accomplishments for 2011. Add to this our progress in ending homelessness among veterans, the twenty-two higher education institutions who have signed on as Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses, the first Missing in America Program at the State Veterans Cemetery, and the fact that we are currently designing the 4th State Veterans Home to be located in Walla Walla, and we’ve had quite a successful year.

To the Staff and Partners who make up the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs - Thank You – for yet another year of getting things done for veterans and their families. I look forward to continuing our work in 2012!

Focus on Employment Helps Veterans Combat Homelessness

2011-12-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes coming home from war isn’t as easy as just unpacking the bags and getting on with life. Challenges like Traumatic Brain Injuries caused by repeated explosions, issues with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or complications from battlefield injuries can change life quickly and even lead to homelessness.

Providing housing is certainly one of the many ways we help veterans break out of homelessness. But it’s not the only way.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) operates a federal grant program called the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, and its focus isn’t on housing, it’s on employment.

The grant allows us to provide employment related services to honorably discharged veterans who are able to work. We do things like help a veteran through a training program that will lead to a job. We can assist a veteran with transportation to his or her job, buy tools, work clothes, and take other steps to eliminate whatever barrier was holding that veteran back from gainful employment.

And while the grant can’t pay for housing, our case managers can help veterans secure housing through special veterans housing vouchers or by tapping into other housing options in their community.

Employers who hire these veterans get employees who are self-starters and have an outstanding work ethic. Just think about the training they received in the military: navigating sophisticated computer systems, interpreting technical data and focusing on important deadlines. Imagine the dedication and commitment it takes to put your country above yourself. That sense of purpose and duty is an asset to any business. (Visit our Hire Vets First site for more!)

Veterans get the specialized, intensive assessment, referrals and counseling they need to secure and keep jobs and ultimately secure their place back in their community.

So if you or someone you know is a homeless veteran, or if you are an employer who is interested in hiring a veteran, give us a call at 1-800-562-2308 or send an email to benefits@dva.wa.gov.

An HVRP Success Story:
When a disabled woman veteran came to WDVA for help, she was unemployed and living in a shelter.

She also had significant dietary needs which meant she couldn’t use the food bank.
She had marketable skills but hadn’t been able to transfer those skills into a job, especially in a rural community near Spokane.

The HVRP connected her with experts who helped with her resume and interview skills.

HVRP bought food and the tools she needed to start an apprenticeship at $16 per hour. (Without her own tools, her wage would have been $12 per hour.) She worked with her HVRP case manager to save for a deposit and rent and moved into her own apartment.

One year later, she is still working, has her apartment and is doing very well!

Vietnam Memorial Flagpoles and Inscription Project

2011-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

For several years, WDVA has been working with a group of Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese American Veterans and Community Members on a project to install flag poles to fly the U.S., State of Washington, and POW/MIA flags, and an inscription to offer gratitude to soldiers of the Republic of Vietnam and the United States for fighting together for freedom and democracy.

During the course of the project, objections were raised by some Vietnam Veterans who felt strongly that the placement of the inscription was inappropriate near the existing Vietnam Memorial.

WDVA committed early on that we would not allow this issue to become divisive among the Vietnam Veterans Community, and after several attempts to reach a consensus with the interested groups, it became clear that the project could not move forward.

Because the flag poles were not a point of contention among the Vietnam Veterans community, we have been asked to proceed with this portion of the project, so we are exploring how best to proceed.

We would like to thank those individuals and organizations who have worked with us to provide their input and opinions. Please contact us at communications@dva.wa.gov or 1-800-562-0132 option ‘1’ if there is additional information that we can provide.

Building 9 For Veterans or 12th MAN?

2011-11-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 13, residents of the Building 9 for Veterans Transitional Housing Program became part of the 12th Man as the Seahawks took on the Baltimore Ravens.

The day was made possible thanks to our partners at Washington's Lottery who graciously extended the opportunity for 18 lucky Building 9 Veterans to attend the game.

The Seahawks took it one step further by whisking the veterans down onto the sidelines to watch both teams warm-up. Comments like "I can't remember the last time I was on a football field" and "I don't believe we're actually down here" were heard from more than one veteran as the players warmed up in the background.

We were even able to catch a glimpse of Warren Moon on the sidelines!

Prior to the game starting, the Seahawks had pre-positioned cards at many of the fans' seats, which when held up during the National Anthem said "Thank You Veterans". The national anthem was performed by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and then there was a C17 flyover. The 12th MAN Flag was raised by George Hickman, one of the six known living Tuskegee Airmen who calls Seattle home.

Add to all of this the fact that the Seahawks beat the Ravens 22 to 17... and the day was a complete success!

WDVA sends its thanks again to Washington's Lottery and the Seattle Seahawks!

Korean War Veterans Welcome Special Visitors at the Soldiers Home

2011-11-10T08:53:00.001-08:00

Korean War Veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home were visited by the Republic of Korea’s Consul General, Young Wan Song and his wife Mrs. Sang Mi Hwang on November 9, 2011.

Consul Yeonghan Choi was also in attendance as were several other Korean Dignitaries and Korean Veterans.

The Consul General visited to convey the thanks and gratitude of the people of the Republic of Korea.

The Consul General spoke of the enormous sacrifice that was made 60 years ago by United States military personnel on behalf of the people of South Korea.

He reiterated that their sacrifices and dedication have never been forgotten in the minds of the South Korean people. The Consul General brought with him musicians and performers to help convey their message of thanks and treated the veterans to a traditional Korean lunch. One Soldiers Home resident summed up the visit by saying to Consul General Song “You are as welcome here as any place!”.

Soldiers Home Superintendent Gina Ryan and the staff of the Washington Soldiers Home and WDVA send a special thank you the Consul General for bringing such a meaningful presentation to the Korean War Veterans at the Soldiers Home.

Introducing the Physical Disability Board of Review

2011-11-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Veterans who have been medically separated from the U.S. Military between September 11, 2001 and Decemeber 31, 2009 now have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed by the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) to ensure fairness and accuracy.

What The PDBR Does:
The Physical Disability Board of Review, or PDBR, was legislated by Congress and implemented by the Department of Defense to ensure the accuracy and fairness of combined disability ratings of 20% or less assigned to service members who were discharged between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009.

The PDBR uses medical information provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the military department. Once a review is complete, the PDBR forwards a recommendation to the secretary of the respective branch of the armed services. It is up to the individual service branch to make the final determination on whether to change the original disability determination.

Eligibility:
To be eligible for PDBR, a service member must have been medically separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less, and not found eligible for retirement.

To help determine if you meet the criteria and are eligible to apply for the PDBR process, answer the following questions:

■Were you permanently separated from military service AFTER September 10, 2001 but before January 1, 2010?
■Was the reason for your separation from military service due to a disability?
■Was the disability level awarded by your military department at the time you were permanently separated for your disability(s) less than 30% combined?
■At the time you were permanently separated from your military service by reason of disability, you were not otherwise eligible for retirement from your military service.

If you answer 'yes' to all of these questions, you are eligible to apply to the PDBR to have your disability rating determination at separation reviewed.

If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions, then you are not eligible to have your disability rating determination reviewed by the PDBR. However, you should consider other options for review, including your military department’s board for correction of records.

How to Apply for the PDBR:
If you are eligible for the PDBR, download the DD Form 294 and VA Form 3288.

The forms are to be completed and mailed to the PDBR at:

SAF/MRBR (CITU)
550-C Street West, Suite 41
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4743

Please mail the forms even if you do not know or have all the information.

You can also download the PDBR brochure for your reference and visit the PDBR website for more information.

If you need assitance with this or any of your other veterans benefits, please contact a WDVA Benefits Specialist at benefits@dva.wa.gov or 1-800-562-2308.

Building 9 for Veterans Transitional Housing Program Expands to Serve More Veterans

2011-11-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

In March the staff at Building 9 were excited to officially open twenty additional beds in the Transitional Housing Program, bringing the facility total to 60 beds. Currently there are 57 veterans who are receiving services at Building 9.

The Building 9 for Veterans Transitional Housing Program has been serving veterans since 2007 and is the only grant and per diem program operated by a State Department of Veterans Affairs. The facility is located at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil and provides stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and assistance in securing employment and / or regular income in the form of VA disability compensation or other benefits. Veterans are surrounded with supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community.

Since opening, the program has helped 174 veterans transition from homelessness to stable housing.
Building 9 for Veterans focuses on three goals:
• Increased residential stability of participants
• Greater self-determination of participants
• Increased skill level and income potential of
participants

Eligibility for Admission
• Served in any branch of the US Armed Forces
• Received an Honorable or General Under Honorable Discharge
• Homeless for one or more nights
• Clean and sober for at least the last 30 days
• Desire to lead a clean and sober lifestyle
• Desire to make meaningful life changes leading to independent living
• Willing to undergo criminal background check

Most veterans are referred by the Federal VA Medical Center Homeless Liaison Officer Erin Horner. Veterans may reach Erin at the American Lake VA Hospital (253) 582-8440, Press “0”, and ask for the Homeless Liaison Officer, Erin Horner. Because Building 9 is a VA Grant and Per Diem Program, Erin screens applicants at the Federal VA level and routes them to Building 9. We also accept community referrals through Ray Switzer. Veterans may contact a Building 9 at 360-895-4393 or 360-895-4394, you may also email Building9@dva.wa.gov or visit our website for more information.

World War II Memorial Wheat Stalks Repair

2011-10-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Repairs to the World War II Memorial are planned to begin 10 a.m. on Nov. 1 and continue through at least Nov. 3 – weather permitting.
http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/ww2/ww2.htm

Fabrication Specialties of Seattle will be making needed repairs to the wheat stalks. Eighteen broken stalks will be re-installed, and 40 or more stalks, at the ends of the wheat field and in certain locations around the sides, which are especially vulnerable to bending and breakage, will receive reinforcing ‘collars’ at the base.

The work may be noisy. A generator is needed to power equipment for sanding and grinding to prep for the repairs, and then the new stalks will be welded into place. Protection for the welding site will likely include a small pop-up tent and some plywood sheeting.

Access to the memorial will be impeded only where the contractor is working at any given time, with the immediate work area cordoned off. Otherwise, visitors will have access to the site.

The contractor will also apply a protective maintenance coating of wax to the memorial’s blades. The repair work can proceed if there is light precipitation, but heavy rain or wind will delay the work.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

The 10th annual Staff Kids trick-or-treat event was enjoyed by Washington Veterans Home Residents on Oct. 27th.

Children and grandchildren of our residents and staff visit to trick –or –treat, going room to room of every resident who wants to give out treats.

The evening begins with everyone gathering in the Lower activity room, where there are Halloween coloring sheets for everyone to enjoy.

Then, the children have a costume parade through the dementia unit.

Next, the big event is candy gathering. All of the candies the residents pass out come from donations brought in by volunteers and staff.

Residents are given a bowl of candy and sit just outside their room waiting for the kids. The children stop by every resident and trick-or- treat, say thank you, and move on to the next. Many of the residents remember when these same children first visited 10 years ago and are astonished by how fast they've grown!

Another successful evening of smiles and laughter for our residents, staff and families!

WDVA’s Deputy Director welcomed to the Association of Washington Generals

2011-10-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

On October 11, Alfie Alvarado-Ramos became the newest member of the Association of Washington Generals.

As Commanding General Bill Sperry completed the pinning ceremony, Alfie shared her excitement about the opportunity to provide more collaboration between WDVA and the Association of Washington Generals.

Even though prior military service isn’t a requirement for becoming a Washington General, several of the current board members are military veterans and have worked closely with WDVA on a variety of projects and events.

Alfie anticipates that her appointment will serve to bring even greater awareness to the many opportunities all Washingtonians have to serve veterans and their families in their own communities.

The Association of Washington Generals is a service organization initiated in 1970 by a group of Seattle area business people in alliance with Lt. Governor John Cherberg. Patterned after similar associations in other states, the founding purpose of the AWG was to provide a way to recognize the outstanding service of individuals in the state of Washington, and to bring them together into a service organization.

Formally established by state legislation in 2005, the Generals act as official ambassadors of trade, tourism and goodwill for the state. The Generals hold monthly Board of Directors meetings, an annual meeting in February to elect leadership, and social events for all membership support the organization's civic projects and recognition events for outstanding service to the state of Washington.

Each year the Association of Washington Generals pays tribute to a citizen of Washington state for outstanding community service and in 2011 Mack and Zoe Strong were the recipients of the Washingtonians of the Year award.

Find out more about the Association of Washington Generals.

Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs Hearing at the Washington Soldiers Home, Orting

2011-10-06T13:51:00.001-07:00

WDVA and the Washington Soldiers Home welcomed the Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs on October 3, 2011.

The committee held a hearing in Chilson Hall on topics such as veterans employment and mentoring; services to homeless veterans; Joint Base Lewis McChord Congestion Relief; and what is being planned for the future of the Soldiers Home.

Following the hearing, the committee members toured the campus and several of its buildings.

The Soldiers Home, which has been serving veterans since 1891, is home to veterans and their spouses or widows.

Find out more about Washington State's Veterans Homes.

Find out more about the Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.

62 "Unclaimed" Veterans Receive Military Funeral Honors at Washington State Veterans Cemetery

2011-09-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

All photos courtesy of Diana Postlewait

The State Veterans Cemetery - Medical Lake held its first annual Washington State Missing in America Program Ceremony on Monday, September 12.

During the past year, the remains of 62 unclaimed veterans and two veteran’s spouses were located and recovered throughout the state by many veteran organizations. Funeral homes, coroners and medical examiners partnered with the organizations to identify these forgotten heroes.

Each Veteran's cremains were placed by a member of the military branch in which they served.

During Monday’s ceremony, all five branches of the military simultaneously folded United States Flags and presented them to the cemetery to be flown on scheduled honors holidays to represent those not yet recovered.

Staff of the State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake deserve recognition for the dedication, time and caring that is required to verify the veteran status of those identified for interment at the State Veterans Cemetery. They will continue to work with the Missing in America Project to identify unclaimed remains of veterans, and arrange to have them brought "home" with Military Honors.

To find out more about this program, contact the State Veterans Cemetery - Medical Lake at 509-299-6280.

WDVA and the DSHS Mobile Community Service Office Reach Out to Washington’s Veterans

2011-09-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time, as the DSHS Mobile Community Service Office is illustrating by connecting veterans and their families with the benefits and services they earned.

Staff members in the DSHS Mobile CSO now ask visitors whether they served in the military or are a dependent of a Veteran. Those who say yes are asked whether a WDVA Benefits Specialist can give them a call to them find out whether they’re missing out on any benefits earned through their military service.

In the first three weeks, WDVA received eighteen referrals and immediately began contacting each veteran. WDVA will track all referrals to ensure we have successfully connected Washington’s veterans with all appropriate services.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Social and Health Services have been partnering for several years in an effort to reach more of Washington’s 670,000 veterans. We know there are thousands of veterans who may be entitled to federal, state or local benefits, but in many cases, they simply don’t know the benefit exists.

The Mobile CSO visits communities throughout the state and in August visited Clarkston, Quincy, Rochester and Orting to name just a few. Find out more online, including a list of upcoming Mobile CSO sites at http://www.dva.wa.gov and http://www.dshs.wa.gov/mobileoffice/

WDVA is committed to serving Washington’s Veterans and their Families! If we can serve you or a veteran you know, please let us know how to reach out to them. Call 1-800-562-2308 or e-mail benefits@dva.wa.gov .

Seattle's Nisei Veterans Tour Army Vessel Named For One of Their Own

2011-08-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

August 24 was a very special day for a group of Nisei Veterans as well as Nisei Veterans Committee and Foundation Members. They were welcomed by Brigadier General Michelle Compton, Commander of the 9th Mission Support Command in Hawaii and Colonel Weakland with the Army Reserve’s 805th Transportation Detachment.

The group toured an Army Logistics Service Vessel, LSV-7, named in honor of Staff Sgt Robert T. Kuroda, a WWII veteran and Medal of Honor recipient.

The LSV-7 is normally stationed in Hawaii with the 548th Transportation Detachment but will spend the next several months in Tacoma while the crew from Hawaii deploys and the Tacoma crew trains to replace them next year.

State Representatives Sharon Tomiko-Santos and Bob Hasegawa attended the ceremony and took time to individually recognize each Nisei Veteran and Community Member.
Members of the ships’ crew read the Medal of Honor Citation awarded posthumously to the ships’ namesake as well as the history of the highly decorated 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team that was comprised of Nisei Soldiers. Thomas Kometani, Chairman of the Nisei Veterans Committee, thanked the Army Reserve for opening their doors to the Nisei Veterans and Community for the day.

Take a moment to view the news story done by Komo 4 News! http://www.komonews.com/news/local/128357293.html

Washington's Missing In America Program Recovers 13 Veterans

2011-08-26T08:10:00.001-07:00

On Monday, August 22, a team of fifty Missing in America Program volunteers, from the Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders, recovered thirteen veterans and one spouse in Pasco and Moses Lake.

This is all part of the Washington State Missing in America Program whose mission is to recover veterans and their spouses who have been unclaimed, sometimes for years, in funeral homes or Coroner’s Offices throughout the state.

The State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake is gearing up for their first annual Washington State Missing in America Program Ceremony. At the ceremony, each veteran and spouse will be placed in the Columbarium Wall and provided with the Funeral Honors each veteran deserves. The ceremonies will always occur on the 2nd Monday in September, so this year it will be September 12 at 11:00am. Find out more at http://www.dva.wa.gov/PDF%20files/MIAP%20Invite.pdf

VETCorps Members Serve at the Orting Soldiers Home

2011-07-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

On a recent Saturday morning, members of the VETCorps descended on the Soldiers Home and spent their day repairing a brick pathway that leads to the Home’s gazebo.

Bricks were originally sold to community members helping the Home’s Residents raise the funds needed to build the gazebo.

The weather had taken its toll on the bricks leaving some cracked and many in need of repainting. Several weeks ago, Soldiers Home staff members replaced much of the mortar and grout surrounding the walkway but needed some additional hands to complete the project.

VETCorps members answered the call and spent several hours painstakingly painting each brick with bright colors that draw attention to the individuals or organizations who originally donated the bricks.

Our thanks goes to the Resident Council for providing the funds needed to complete this project and the VETCorps for taking time to serve the veterans and spouses living at the Soldiers Home.

Fundraising for Vietnam Memorial Flag Poles and Inscription

2011-07-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Fundraising continues for the addition of flag poles and an inscription at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Campus.

Our thanks goes to Skip Dreps and the Association of Washington Generals who contributed $3,100; members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who contributed over $1,300 at their annual convention in Yakima; and attendees of the 45th Anniversary of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces who raised over $800 at their Seattle event.

As of July 5, far we’ve received $11,335 in contributions, so we’re on our way to raising the $50,000 we need to move forward. But we need your help to get the word out to other veterans or supporters who can help.

Has your VSO post or chapter gotten involved by sending a donation or posting flyers?
Do you know a business or individual who might be interested in donating?
Do you have an upcoming event where donations could be collected?
Let us know! Call Committee Co-Chairman Dale Parsons aka ‘Sgt Bilko’ at 253-208-7791 or e-mail heidia@dva.wa.gov.

Keep track of our donation status and see whether your organization has contributed here: http://www.dva.wa.gov/VietnamMemorialFundraising/VietnamMemorialFlagpoleProject.html

Eagle Scouts Complete Projects at State Veterans Cemetery

2011-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

The State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake dedicated two Eagle Scout projects on July 4, 2011. The Scouts spent countless hours and coordinated volunteers to make their projects a reality.

Zach Taylor, of Troop 340 Spokane, completed a Scattering Garden project by raising just over $5,000.00 for materials and providing the labor and coordination to renovate and enhance this area. It now represents a place of reflection and beauty that will only be enhanced through the years as the hundreds of flowering plants and 25 new trees grow to maturity.

A stone placed at the Scattering Garden Entrance welcomes our visitors and families with the inscription, “We honor here those that rest upon these hallowed grounds”.

Chris Taylor, also of Troop 340 Spokane, adopted a project to install a 6 foot wide concrete walkway to improve access from the Honor Guard room to the back of the Committal Shelter. 30 box dogwood plantings were also placed on each side to provide a hedge which will fill in and outline the steps. This walkway has been in use for several weeks and the Honor Guard teams are extremely grateful to the Scouts for considering their needs for this project.

The walkway project also was just over $5,000.00 and was funded through the generous donations of Veterans Service Organizations, Clubs, Spokane Rotary Club 21 and many other individuals.

“These projects will be a part of the cemetery for many generations and are appreciated by our staff and more importantly those that use this facility to honor their loved ones,” said Rich Cesler, Cemetery Director.

Already, another scout has begun the task of securing donations for another 50 flagpoles for our Avenue of Flags. We look forward to this project as well as it will be part of a total of 106 flagpoles along this avenue when completed.

Find out more about the State Veterans Cemetery at: http://www.dva.wa.gov/eastern_wa_vet_cemetery.html

How the Discover Pass Affects Veterans with Free Camping Passes:

2011-06-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

What is the Discover Pass? The Discover Pass was created to generate money to keep our state’s recreational lands open. Budget cuts have significantly reduced or eliminated state funding which keep these areas open to the public. The Discover Pass legislation may replace much of the lost General Fund, but not all, and the agency will still need to make serious service level reductions. A Discover Pass will be good for one year and cost $30. For persons not wanting to purchase an annual pass there is a $10/day option.

Do veterans holding a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass have to purchase a Discover Pass to use State Parks? No. Veterans may continue to use Washington State Parks free of charge if they hold a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass. The Commission is honored to provide admission to the state parks at no cost to qualified Disabled Veterans. This is allowed under RCW 79A.05.065, which provides camping, boat launching, moorage, trailer dump use, park access, and use of the reservation system. The Commission adopted rules to guide the program in WAC 352.32.251.

Do veterans holding a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass have to purchase a Discover Pass to use other state recreational lands? Yes. If Veterans want to use lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources or Department of Fish and Wildlife, they must purchase a Discover Pass.

What can the Veterans Community do to help?The Parks Commission hopes the Veterans Community will support Disabled Veterans who qualify for the free passes and help maintain state parks and other recreational lands by:
* Purchasing a Discover Pass. There are wonderful opportunities to recreate in the outdoors on lands managed by the departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife.
* Donating to State Parks when you register a vehicle. The donation program will be crucially important during the next several years.
* If you are a Disabled Veteran pass-holder, you can help State Parks reduce the cost of this important program. If you make a reservation, be sure to use it! Or cancel with plenty of notice. Of the more than 700 reservations cancelled by Disabled Veterans in 2010, almost a third were cancelled on the scheduled day of arrival. In another 200 cases, Disabled Veteran pass-holders did not show or call to cancel their reservation. Not only does that mean that another family was unable to use the site, it also means that no fees were collected and potential revenue was lost.

How can I find out more?For information about the pass programs, please visit Washington State Parks online at www.discoverpass.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8844. If you want to learn more about the Discover Pass, please visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/.

State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake marks its one year anniversary on June 7, 2011.

2011-06-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Staff members and community volunteers gathered for a BBQ and took some time to recognize the volunteers who have provided exceptional services for veterans and their families. All continuous volunteers were awarded a one year service pin and the Cemetery Honor Guard Support Team received a special Honor Guard one year pin as well.

(Fred George receives the “Volunteer of the Year” award from John Lee and Rich Cesler during the ceremony and presentations.)

Since opening on June 7, 2010, the cemetery has interred 581 veterans, spouses and eligible children.

Families have a number of placement options including, in-ground casket, in-ground cremation, columbarium wall, and scattering garden.

Cemetery staff serve veterans and families by applying for the Federal VA plot allowances and ordering the headstones and markers. Families also have the option of pre-registering at the State Veterans Cemetery ensuring all necessary documents and paperwork are already on file.

The Cemetery also has several very active volunteer groups who assist by providing Military Funeral Honors, serving as Ladies and Gentleman of the Cemetery, providing Rifle Team Honors and serving as Cemetery Advisory Board Members.

(Below, Philip Kowzan, LTC, USAR (Ret.) receives his one year pin and certificate and our grateful appreciation for playing TAPS at over 50 services.)

Our thanks goes to each and every volunteer and community member who has helped to make our first State Veterans Cemetery a magnificant tribute to veterans.

The State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake receives most of its operational funding through the sale of the Armed Forces License Plates. Each time a plate is purchased or renewed, $28 goes to support cemetery operations.

Click to find out more about the State Veterans Cemetery .

Click to find out more about the Armed Forces License Plates.

WDVA Welcomes 20th Higher Education Partner for Veteran Supportive Campuses

2011-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

For veterans just returning home from combat zones, making the transition from boots to books sometimes presents challenges.

While our military personnel are well trained in military survival skills, they aren’t necessarily experts at surviving on a college campus.

Thanks in part to Washington state’s Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses campaign, colleges and universities across Washington are today providing veteran students with programs and resources to help them succeed in their higher education pursuits.

The Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses campaign began in 2009 when Governor Gregoire and her veteran, military and higher education agencies and college and university presidents organizations came together to pledge their support for veterans pursing higher education. The campaign coincided with the start of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and helped focus attention on how individual campuses could support their veteran students.

Since that time, twenty schools have joined as Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses.
In order to become a Partner for Veteran Supportive Campus, colleges and universities must demonstrate they have programs or supportive services in place, and must complete a Veterans Cultural Competency Training. The training provides faculty and administrators an overview of how military service plays into a veteran’s overall college experience.

The Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses Initiative gives colleges and universities an opportunity to publicly pledge to support their student veterans and a list of all partner schools is available at http://www.dva.wa.gov/veteran_campuses.html. In addition, resources-including best practices and classroom guidelines - are available online for those interested in becoming a partner.

In May 2011, Whatcom Community College, WSU Tri Cities and Olympic College all signed Partner Certificates and joined seventeen other schools in pledging to support their veteran students.

Find out more online at http://www.dva.wa.gov/veteran_campuses.html or call 1-800-562-0132 option ‘1’.

Veteran Bills Signed Today by Governor Gregoire

2011-05-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today the Veterans Legislative Coalition celebrated the signing of the last five veteran / military bills of the 2011 Legislative Session.

Among the measures signed into law today were:
• HB 1000 and SB 5171, allowing electronic voting for servicemembers while they are overseas.

• HB 1237, making it possible for males between the ages of 18 and 26 to register for the selective service while they are applying for or renewing a drivers license.

• HB 1418, which asks the Department of Licensing to review professional licensing requirements in several areas to evaluate whether military training will meet the state’s licensing requirements.

• And finally SB 5806, which creates a Veterans Raffle through Washington’s Lottery and directs the proceeds to a fund providing financial assistance to Returning Veterans. The Raffle will provide a sustainable funding source for this very important program. Raffle tickets will go on sale on Labor Day of each year and the drawing will be held each Veterans Day. Stay tuned for more on the Veterans Raffle!

Click to find out more about these and the other veteran / military bills that passed during the 2011 Legislative Session.

4-H Club Dedicates Veterans Home Meditation Garden

2011-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

In February, Kitsap County 4-H’s Teen Action Group held a public forum at the Washington Veterans Home at Retsil to ask residents “What can we do to make your home more beautiful”?

Armed with the suggestions and a $2,000 grant that was part of the Engaging Youth, Serving Communities program, these young people spent many long hours during their weekends in March and April creating a meditation garden for the residents.

They also built five benches, two picnic tables, reset walking stones, refurbished and replanted gardens and hauled out weeds and garbage to beautify the area.

Then they planned and executed a ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with the Mayor of Port Orchard, to honor the residents and veterans of the Washington Veterans Home!

To read more about the Ribbon-cutting, Click Here.

Still Wondering How You Can Help?

2011-05-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and Oprah Winfrey are all telling us to do it!

To ask what the veteran and military families in our communities need, and then to offer our help.

No, they’re not asking us to become experts on the VA or to learn how to file a claim for disability benefits!

Their request is really pretty simple.

If you’re an accountant, offer to help a military family with their taxes or create a family budget. If you’re a carpenter, offer to fix a railing or deck. Whatever talent or vocation you have, just let someone know that you want to help a military family in your community.

It’s as easy as that.

On April 12, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched Joining Forces, a national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our servicemembers and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

Like Oprah’s show in January, which highlighted that our military personnel make up only 1% of our Nation’s population, the First Lady and Dr. Biden are reminding American’s that it’s up to all of us to show our military members and their families that we support them.

If you don’t know how to start, we can help! The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs can help connect you with organizations in your own neighborhood that can make use of your services! E-mail us at communications@dva.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-0132 option ‘1’.

WDVA also has a website with ideas on how to volunteer or donate in Washington State.

End of Session Update

2011-04-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Regular Legislative Session has ended; however, lawmakers have been called back for a Special Session in order to pass the 2011-2013 Operating and Capital Budgets. In addition to the budgets, they will consider bills that are necessary to implement some of the budget reductions that will be taken to close the $5.3 billion budget shortfall.

This means that WDVA has not yet received word on what our final agency budget will look like for the upcoming two years. The House and Senate have released their own Capital and Operating Budgets, the next step is for the two sides to agree upon a Conference Committee budget that can be passed by both the House and Senate and then signed by the Governor.

In the House Capital Budget, an appropriation of $2.4 million is included to design a State Veterans Home in Walla Walla. In the Senate, the full $11 million is included that will allow for the design and allocates the state’s portion of the construction funds. Once funding is received, WDVA will apply for the remaining 65% matching funds through the Federal VA’s State Veterans Home Grants Program.

This year, there were nine bills, six resolutions and one memorial passed that impacted veterans or military personnel and their families. (View a summary of each measure.) Five of the bills are awaiting the Governor’s action. Among them is SB 5806 which caught the attention of many veteran advocates, particularly those who serve veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator Conway introduced Senate Bill 5806, entitled Authorizing a statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families. The bill asks Washington’s Lottery to conduct a raffle on Veterans Day 2011, with proceeds of the raffle going to the Veterans Innovations Program.

The VIP provides emergency financial assistance and longer-term financial assistance to veterans and families suffering from financial hardships due to extended deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The VIP has assisted hundreds of veterans since it was created in 2007 and focuses on helping them achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.

You can keep track of this and other veteran related legislation by signing up for e-mail alerts through the WDVA ListServ and selecting the Legislative ListServ option!

2011-04-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you’ve visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Olympia, you know what an incredible tribute this memorial is. The polished granite bears the names of our fallen, an inscription honors our brothers and sisters who made it back, but never truly made it home, and a crack in the curved granite takes the shape of North and South Vietnam, symbolizing how the circle of life is broken by war. The Memorial is tucked into the landscape and as a Vietnam Veteran, it’s impossible to miss the sense of solitude and quiet reflection the designers intended.

A few years ago, I was contacted by two groups of people. Both visit the Memorial several times each year and hold statewide ceremonies honoring their fallen. Each group had a request for an addition to the Memorial.

Vietnam Veterans, who wondered why there were no flag poles and felt strongly that the Memorial should fly the National, State and POW/MIA flags.

And the daughter of a Republic of South Vietnam soldier, who wondered whether an inscription could be added to offer gratitude from the South Vietnamese soldiers and pay tribute to the sacrifices of both Republic of South Vietnam and United States military personnel.

Since that time, the Vietnam Veterans and South Vietnamese community have worked together on a project bringing flag poles and an inscription to the Memorial.

The committee, known as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee of Washington, is now raising the funds needed to bring these wonderful tributes to our State’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

I hope you will consider getting involved either by donating, requesting that your organizations donate, or by sharing information on this wonderful project with other veterans.

Thank you,
John E. Lee
Director, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Tax-Deductible Donations can be made to:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Flag/InscriptionProject
c/o Washington State Department of Veterans Aff airs (WDVA)
PO Box 41150
Olympia WA 98504-1150
For additional information or to be added to project update list,
please contact WDVA at 1-800-562-0132, option 1 or email colleen@dva.wa.gov
Click Here to find out more!

2011-04-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today, volunteers from the Patriot Guard Riders and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association helped bring home 17 unclaimed veterans, allowing them to finally be laid to rest in a Veterans Cemetery. In addition, the volunteers recovered two eligible spouses.

Rich Cesler, Director of the State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake, coordinated the recoveries and met the volunteers at the Pierce County Coroner’s Office. Rich will transport the cremated remains to the State Veterans Cemetery.

The remains of the veterans and spouses had been unclaimed, leaving funeral homes to store the remains and hope a relative would someday contact them. They were identified when records were shared with staff at the State Veterans Cemetery and compared with records from the VA.

In 2008, a formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed between WDVA and seven other organizations including the Tahoma National Cemetery and funeral home and cemetery directors. Since that time Rich and his staff have been diligently working with Missing in America Project volunteers, funeral homes and County Coroner’s to help bring these veterans home.

The veterans and spouses recovered today were from Sumner, University Place, Spanaway, Tacoma, Vancouver and Marysville.

WDVA has established partnerships with five County Coroner Offices including; Spokane, Pierce, Clark, Snohomish and Walla Walla.

Now when these Counties have an individual pass away in their County who is unclaimed by family or friends, they contact the State Veterans Cemetery - Medical Lake and we’re able to determine whether that person is a veteran or spouse eligible for burial in a Veterans Cemetery.

When we find a veteran or spouse, we reach out to our partners through the Missing in America Project and arrange to transport the veteran to their final resting place, where they will receive the military funeral honors they deserve.

WDVA is looking forward to partnering additional Counties and Funeral Homes. Please contact the State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake at 509-299-6280 to learn how you can help. Visit the State Veterans Cemetery - Medical Lake.

Accountability and Performance

2011-03-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

One of our goals at WDVA is to make sure we are providing the best possible services for the best possible value. During tough economic times, even more focus is given to evaluating the results and cost-effectiveness of our programs and services. For several years, WDVA has participated in the Governor's Accountability and Performance sessions, but we've also re-started an internal Veterans Management Accountability and Performance review.
During these reviews, program managers bring data and budget information and give the Senior Leadership Team a snapshot of where the program is and how it's doing. The team then has the opportunity to ask questions about program outcomes and direction and collectively discusses whether our direction is working or needs some adjustments.
In addition to measures at the program level, each of WDVA’s 700 employees has a Performance and Development Plan or PDP which outlines how their work fits into the overall mission of WDVA.
Throughout the year, employees and their supervisors review the plans to determine whether the individual goals and objectives are being met. I’m proud to report that 100% of WDVA’s PDPs were reviewed with employees and closed-out for 2010. And we’re nearing the 100% complete mark for completing our 2011 plans.
"You won't be surprised to hear that I think WDVA employees are the best anywhere! I am fortunate to work with dedicated and compassionate individuals and thank each of them for their continued commitment to Serving Those Who Served" said Director, John Lee.