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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

Take in the Depth and Breadth of Independence Day, Enjoy a Fabulous Fourth

BVA National Headquarters extends best wishes to all for an enjoyable Independence Day. Military.com reports that if there is a group of people who know how to do patriotic holidays with flair and style, it is military and veteran families. The site has a top ten list of what is most fitting for service members and veterans to do on Independence Day. To access the list and read more about the importance of Independence Day, […]

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

Women Veterans Outreach Program to Brainstorm Upcoming Activities

The BVA Women Veterans Outreach Program will meet via Zoom next Thursday, June 27, at 6:00pm Eastern Time. The meeting will be conducted in the format of a roundtable in which participants will share ideas and suggestions for upcoming meetings and activities for the next fiscal year beginning July 1. Bring a few of those creative ideas with you to the meeting!  All blind and low vision women veterans are encouraged to attend this Thursday […]

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

WayAround Highlights Next Week’s VetTech

Join the Blinded Veterans Association’s VetTech Team for next week’s Weekly Wednesday Webinar (June 26) via Zoom at 2:00pm Eastern Time. We will welcome Neva Fairchild of WayAround as she discusses the WayAround mobile app with a special focus on its use at the upcoming 79th National Convention.  WayAround is an app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. […]

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

Honoring Service: Veterans’ Option for Burial at Sea

For veterans seeking a final resting place that reflects their deep connection to the ocean, the U.S. Navy offers the distinguished service of Burial at Sea. This ceremonial tradition allows eligible veterans, active-duty members, and certain family members to be committed to the sea with full military honors.  The process begins with a request from the veteran’s family, who must provide essential documents, including a copy of the death certificate, discharge papers, and a completed […]