New COVID Vaccination Tool Available

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set up a special national online tool called “Keep Me Informed” to inform veterans about what they can expect over the next several months regarding the COVID vaccines and the phases in which they can be administered to veterans. Please feel free to sign up for this tool, which asks veterans to input their demographic information and indicate whether they are interested in receiving the vaccine. Individual veteran […]

A Holiday Message from BVA’s Executive Director

To our valued members, volunteers, staff, friends, and partners: Another year has swiftly passed, bringing us to the brink of a new year, a year that will bring significant challenges to which we will, no doubt, rise above. This year has offered solid proof that, despite the enormity of the challenges facing us due to the global pandemic, we are resilient and will remain so. I echo what the optimists continue to say: We will […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

BVA To Host State of the Organization Virtual Town Hall

The Blinded Veterans Association’s National Board of Directors and National Headquarters have scheduled a 90-minute virtual Town Hall meeting for Wednesday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. EST to address the current state of the organization and its activities on a national level. BVA members, their families, and other interested stakeholders are invited to attend the Town Hall, which will feature BVA’s national leadership and the leaders of the Association’s special interest groups. National leadership areas […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Give the Gift of Hope to Blinded Veterans this #Giving Tuesday!

Today is the day! Take part in #GivingTuesday and help us support all blinded veterans. Every donation counts. Even if you were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still support us! Visit our Facebook page and share our #GivingTuesday posts with your friends and family. By spreading the word you’re helping us reach every blinded veteran who would benefit from our support. When you donate to BVA you’re helping us provide opportunities to […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Give the Gift of Hope to Blinded Veterans this #GivingTuesday!

This year has been hard on all of us, but together we are getting through it. While you’re shopping for your holiday gifts this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, give the gift of hope to blinded veterans. By supporting BVA, you’re supporting veterans like Monaca Gilmore. Monaca sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her convoy. The aftereffects of the TBI resulted in the loss of her eyesight. […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

VA To Present November 30 Community Town Hall

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host a free hour-long event for veterans, families, caregivers, communities, service providers, Veterans Service Organizations, and partners. Please mark on your calendar a 1:00pm Eastern Standard Time start for the event on the Monday following Thanksgiving (November 30). The town hall will feature VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. Dr. Lynda Davis, VA’s Chief Veterans Experience Officer, will moderate the program. A Q&A segment will address important questions from the […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Elizabeth Holmes Honored as Women’s Veteran of the Month for November

Elizabeth “Liz” Holmes, Georgia Regional Group, is an Army veteran. During her career, she attended both the Basic and Advance Ordnance Course and Airborne School. In 1976, she was commissioned to a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance specialty. Following her military service, Ms. Holmes became a United States Postal Service employee, serving in a variety of capacities until she was forced to retire in 2014 due to her vision loss. She left USPS with 36 […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Abraham Castro-Pena Honored as District 3 Member of the Month for November

Having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, Abraham Castro-Peña started his first assignment in the Republic of Vietnam. He extended his tours for three years as a helicopter pilot with the 1st Air Cavalry, where he obtained experience and gained long-lasting friendships that he admires. Further in his military career, Castro-Peña confronted medical conditions such as vision loss, which has been the most difficult to accept and adapt to. He is currently receiving treatment […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Blinded Veterans Praise Bipartisan House Approval of Accessibility Legislation

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) today recognized the bipartisan effort to pass legislation that will facilitate access to and navigation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) online resources and forms by disabled veterans. The new law, approved by the full House of Representatives on November 16, will assist veterans in better understanding the benefits they have earned and how to complete the relevant online forms as they apply for them. The bill has already passed […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

BVA Recognizes Vietnam Veterans Memorial Anniversary

On this very special day marking an extraordinary milestone for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, BVA National Headquarters extends its sincere thanks to the members of the organization who have sacrificed so much in defending our freedoms. We thank you as well for your membership, your leadership, and all other service rendered to BVA over the years. Interestingly, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s 38th anniversary today represents just slightly more than half the age of the Blinded […]