Thank you for having allowed me to share tidbits and “tails” during the month of August, National Dog Month. I have enjoyed sharing my adventures and advocacy efforts with my dad, National President Paul Mimms, serving as an example of independence, and collaborating with the Dog Handler Interest Group. Although my current tenure is over, I feel that my work is not yet done and I am looking forward to sharing more in the future. […]
Lawrence Harrison, a member of the Washington, DC Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, took third place in two categories of art at last Monday’s local judging of the National Creative Arts Competition at the DC VA Medical Center. Lawrence competed in the oil-based and acrylics categories as a legally blind contestant. Lawrence painted his cousin, Rosemary (oil-based), and his brother, Chester (acrylics), both pictured here. His work now advances to a national judging process […]
In celebration of National Guide Dog Month, BVA’s podcast series “Visions of BVA” will release on Sunday, September 1, its newest episode “Dogs Inc and Sheldon McKinney – Empowering Independence: The Impact of Guide Dogs on Blinded Veterans.” The episode offers an insightful look at the life-changing influence of guide dogs, blending expert perspectives with personal stories. The transformative world of guide dogs is described in the episode by Jennifer Johnson, Guide Dog Program Director […]
Labor Day weekend means picnics, beaches, and the unofficial end of summer. Although it is not necessarily a day off for service members throughout the world, several factors connect Labor Day to those on active duty and to our nation’s veterans who have served in the past. For example, throughout history, few have labored more or under more adverse conditions than those fighting to defend freedom. “Rosie the Riveter” was an iconic image used in […]
Army Veteran and VA Whole Health partner Peter Steciow is a testament to the benefits of growing healthy food in the fresh outdoors and among good friends. Blind and low vision veterans looking for a way to connect with others and boost their health at the same time should investigate community gardens, several of which VA operates in local areas. Still a somewhat well-kept secret, community gardens encourage well-being through exercise, nutrition, and camaraderie. Recent […]
Two paws up for Genevieve Timpone, Marketing and Communications Specialist and Advancement Associate for the Paws for Purple Hearts’ Southeast Region, and Danielle Stockbridge, Southeast Regional Director. The two joined the Dog Handlers Interest Group meeting this past Tuesday. Paws for Purple Hearts improves the lives of America’s Warriors facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury by providing the highest quality Assistance Dogs and Canine-Assisted therapy programs. […]
The United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR), also known as the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), celebrates its birthday next Thursday, August 29. USMCR’s primary purpose is to support and strengthen the Marine Corps active-duty units during expeditions. Reserve Marines maintain civilian commitments but are ready to support their Corps in major combat assignments, humanitarian efforts, and national emergencies. They are considered Marines and are thus expected to live up to the same standards as all Marines, regardless of […]
Left to right outside Foster’s Grille: Lawrence Harrison, James Baldwin, Klinton Anselm, Michaun Harrison, Carol Coney, and Claudia Baldwin. BVA members from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group gathered August 16 for an afternoon and evening of fundraising at the ever-popular Foster’s Grille just four blocks from BVA National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Klinton Anselm of the New York Regional Group also traveled more than four hours from Brooklyn to crash the event and spend some time […]
Donned in their red dresses, Carl Arredondo, left, and Joe Burns with his adult beverage, brace for Red Dress Run in the sweltering summer heat of New Orleans Carl Arredondo, on the air for more than 27 years as a meteorologist (the majority of the years as Chief Meteorologist) for WWL-TV and a beloved figure in the City of New Orleans, ran the downtown streets of the city on August 10 with several BVA members […]
As a guide dog, I play a critical role in providing increased independence, enhanced mobility, and reliable navigation. Dad and I have traveled to Cancún four times, each time visiting our timeshare. Early on, I learned the routes to dining facilities and various places on the resort campus. This preparation has helped us reach our destinations much more quickly, conveniently, and safely. My favorite thing to do in Cancún is bask in the sun on […]
