The BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) is comprised of family members, caregivers, friends, and supporters united in the just cause of ensuring our country keeps its promises to those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms — offering a community of lifelong friendships and encouragement when facing adversity.  “We invite you to attend our very first BVAA Town Hall on February 20 at 8:00pm Eastern Time via Zoom.” Said Robert Murphy, newly elected BVAA National President. The […]

Jane Flower, Youth Outreach Specialist for Guide Dogs for the Blind, will address the organization’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Immersion Program and independent travel with a guide dog at the monthly BVA Dog Handlers Group meeting next Tuesday, February 20, at 4:00pm Eastern Time.  All past, present, and prospective dog handlers among BVA’s blind and low vision veterans are invited to attend. The session also includes dog trivia and a few door prizes. Please share […]

VA has recently worked to better serve its older patient population by adopting accredited geriatric emergency departments in an increasing number of its medical centers. More than 60 of VA’s 111 emergency departments already earned Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians. With more than 50 percent of all VA enrollees at 65 years of age or older, VA plans to expand the program to most of its medical centers […]

Guide dog Tavi sitting and looking at the camera. He is wearing his harness. Earlier this week many of you celebrated Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped treats and boxes of chocolate.  February 14 is all about love, but I wanted to send another important message.  More than half of humans in the U.S. receive chocolate for Valentine’s Day. While humans love chocolate, it can be easy to forget how toxic it can be for dogs like me. Even […]

BVA National President Paul Mimms will present the Association’s legislative priorities for the current fiscal year in a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs on Wednesday, March 6. The BVA Government Relations Team is currently putting together a full written document from which Paul will likely draw many of his oral remarks.   The annual hearing, convening at 10:00am Eastern Time in Room SD-G50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building adjacent to […]

David Barrett looking on as Chess Grandmaster Rashad Babaev makes his next move. David Barrett, Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, recently played against Chess International Grandmaster Rashad Babaev of Azerbaijan in a simultaneous chess exhibition on January 27 at an indoor shopping mall in Manassas, Virginia. To prepare for the match, David used a Chess board made for the blind and provided to him by his Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, Courtney Whatley of the Washington, DC […]

Teresa Galgano (left) standing with her skibike next to her guide, Mark Struss. Both are wearing snow gear and identifying orange vests. BVA Director of Member Relations Teresa Galgano offers her assessment of a modern, nontraditional means of traversing a ski slope.  Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of skiing but felt intimidated by the traditional method? Or are you perhaps looking for a new challenge on the slopes? If so, then skibiking […]

The holiday on the third Monday of February each year is most often called “Presidents’ Day” to recognize all American Presidents, the first of whom, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732. Most calendars have the “Presidents’ Day” designation because each state has the freedom to determine its legal holidays. Retail sales advertisements in February almost always use the name Presidents’ Day, perhaps in part because another revered President, Abraham Lincoln, was also born […]

BVA is pleased to highlight again the elections for Directors of Districts 2 and 4. As outlined in Article 6 Section 2 of the BVA National Bylaws, these crucial roles represent the voices and needs of members residing in their respective districts. Nominations for the Directorships will remain open until March 1.  Who can run? As per Article 6, Section 2, Paragraph B, “Candidates must be members of the Association residing in the territorial boundaries […]

A series of virtual Town Hall meetings will again this year prepare Association members for the annual national convention. The first in the series kicks off on Thursday, February 22, at 2:00pm Eastern Time via Zoom. The purpose of the Town Halls revolves around the important details associated with dates, events, registration procedures, and upcoming deadlines and key actions. Prospective attendees will also receive answers to important questions during the relevant sessions.  The upcoming Town […]