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Tomorrow’s Korean War Armistice Day Offers Time for Reflection, Remembrance

Each year, both the United States and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27. The observance began as a way of commemorating and recognizing the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in a longstanding war. The Korean War is a significant chapter in American history in which approximately 50,000 American troops died. More than 100,000 were wounded, among them thousands of eye casualties. Thousands more were held captive as prisoners […]

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Two Historical Highlights Recognizing BVA

At various points during its 79-year history BVA and its members have received special recognition from the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. One of the more noteworthy, 15 years ago, acknowledged the anniversary of BVA’s founding while the other occurred during one of the six national conventions held in or near the Nation’s Capital. On April 7, 2010, President Barack Obama signed House Resolution 80 congratulating BVA on its 65th anniversary. The […]

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OrCam to Assume Spotlight at Next Week’s VetTech Webinar

Please join the VetTech and Educational Series Team next Wednesday, July 24, at 3:00pm Eastern Time as Michelle Mendez, National Sales Director for OrCam, returns to the Weekly Webinar. Michelle will highlight the OrCam Read 3 that is now accompanied by an AI-powered Smart Reading Magnifier and featured in the Exhibit Hall at the recent BVA 79th National Convention. OrCam Technologies was founded in 2010 with the goal of empowering people who are blind, visually […]

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Father Carroll Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Sponsored by DOT Inc

Convention attendees recognized the legacy of BVA’s first National Chaplain (1946-1971) and blind rehabilitation pioneer Thomas J. Carroll while receiving inspired direction from BVA member and guest speaker Matthew R. Bradford, USMC (Ret). Matthew invited BVA members to “love being blind” and to share that passion with others. Reader’s Digest Grant Program Manager Dianna Kelly-Naghizadeh also described a recent grant awarded to BVA’s Ambassador Program. Annual award winners announced at the luncheon are listed below. […]

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Happy Independence Day 2024 from the Blinded Veterans Association

Another Independence Day is upon us, a holiday that I look forward to more than any other! I enjoy the summer reunions with family and friends, and the many festivities that go along with this special day in our nation’s history. This year I have the privilege of spending the holiday in Jacksonville, Florida, as we prepare for BVA’s 79th National Convention, which kicks off this coming weekend. I consider Independence Day, or the Fourth […]

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VA Aims to Expand and Improve Suicide Prevention Strategies

Through cooperative agreements to better publicize veteran suicide prevention strategies, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week $10 million in new funding and technical assistance for eligible states, territories, and Tribal governments to establish, coordinate, and manage suicide mortality review committees. For more information on the funding, click on the button below. The committees identify and characterize suicide deaths, bringing about an increase in understanding of suicide in a given local community, identification […]

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Highlight July 16 on Your Calendar for Next Dog Handlers Meeting

Join the virtual meeting of the Dog Handlers Outreach Program scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, at 4:00pm Eastern Time via Zoom as attendees recap the BVA 79th National Convention. Plans for other activities, including a guest speaker, are also in the works by Program Chair Michaun Harrison and will be announced as the date approaches. Although the meeting is still three weeks away, the button below and additional joining information here will serve as your […]

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This Week’s VetTech and Educational Series to Host Glidance, Guaranteed Rate Coming July 17 at New 3pm Time

Join the BVA’s VetTech and Educational Series Team on July 3, in the customary 2:00pm Eastern Time slot for a special pre-Independence Day Weekly Wednesday Webinar featuring Amos Miller from Glidance. Amos will introduce and explain Glide, a cutting-edge device that combines navigation robotics and Artificial Intelligence to provide the user with an intuitive and comfortable guided experience. Glide uses real-time data from an array of advanced sensors to steer the way in any direction. There will […]

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Breaking the Barriers to Successful Healing from PTSD

During this Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month (June), Dr. Debra Atkisson, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Connections Wellness Group, discusses how trauma has no boundaries. She also names several treatment offerings available to those affected by trauma. Trauma knows no boundaries, but you’re not alone in your fight for healing By Dr. Debra Atkisson June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding about a mental health condition […]

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Federal Charters: What Do They Mean

BVA is one of a handful (roughly a hundred) of organizations that have been granted a “federal” or “Congressional” charter. This concept is somewhat puzzling to the public and sometimes even mystifies government officials. BVA Executive Director Don Overton has compiled a few clarifications to common misconceptions about Congressional charters. Who came up with the idea of a “federal charter?” The federal charter as it exists in the United States appears to be a direct […]