The May 1 episode of Visions of BVA is now live via Apple Podcasts and Spotify, podcast host Steve Baskis announced this week. In this most recent episode, Steve is joined by BVA National Secretary Tracy Ferro and National Membership Coordinator Teresa “Terry” Galgano. Together, the three explore the evolution of BVA. Tracy and Terry begin describing the humble beginnings of the organization in supporting combat-blinded World War II veterans exclusively. They then move to […]

A handful of BVA awards honoring both the extraordinary professional accomplishments of blind and low vision veterans, as well as the dedicated service they offer one another, will be presented at the upcoming 80th National Convention. Although most of the awards recognize veterans, a few may come from BVA staff and VA personnel, depending on the specific accomplishments or services provided. Nominations must be submitted electronically and are due 60 days prior to the opening […]

A series of BVA awards honoring both the extraordinary professional accomplishments of blind and low vision veterans, as well as the dedicated service they offer one another, will be presented at the 80th National Convention. Some of the recognitions can include BVA staff and VA personnel, depending on the accomplishments or services provided. Nominations must be submitted electronically and are due 60 days prior to the first day of the convention. The due date prior […]

The RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute is a free repository of scholarly research and data about veterans and the programs and policies that affect them. The mission of the Institute, which is housed within RAND—a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization—is to leverage decades of research, expertise, and strategic partnerships to enhance the lives of America’s veterans, their families, and their caregivers. RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute The Institute’s approach is grounded in empirical data […]

National Silver Star Service Banner Day is next Thursday, May 1. The designation recognizes the sacrifices of the ill, wounded, and dying members of the U.S. Military. The day also honors those who have been awarded with the Silver Star Medal and their families—those who have demonstrated distinguished valor in combat, specifically courage and resilience. The Silver Star is the third highest decoration in the Armed Forces. The Silver Star Banner itself has blue stars […]

The Renee Feldman Scholarship Program of the BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) awards three scholarships per academic year, two for $2,000 and one for $1,500 made in two installments, fall and spring.  Applicants must be a spouse or a generational child (child, grandchild, great-grandchild) of a blinded veteran who is or has been a BVA member. Applicants for the Sue Cantrell BVA scholarship are also eligible to apply for and receive a BVAA Feldman award. Renee Feldman […]

This Wednesday, April 23, marks the 117th birthday of the United States Army Reserve with its official origins dating back to 1908. In an increasingly complex global environment, today’s Army Reserve is a critical component in supporting and sustaining the Army as it responds to acute threats from across the globe. There are Army Reserve communities located in every state in the Union, plus the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the […]

With the arrival of spring and the enjoyment of longer days, warmer weather, and the budding of leaves and flowers, it seems fitting to reflect on the many religious, spiritual, and cultural holidays that are part of this season—and, albeit in different ways, their importance to BVA members and their families. Understanding the traditions and values that others consider sacred is vital to tranquility and harmony in all organizations and societies, and in all settings […]

For the third year running, BVA hosted a meeting of the VIPs (Visually Impaired Participants) at the 39th annual VA National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) in Snowmass Village, Colorado, March 31-April 5. The purpose of the meeting, originally organized in 2023 by Illinois Regional Group President Anthony Woodson and supported by VA Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist Barbara Fultz, was to address mobility issues at the event, promote BVA, and provide a forum in […]

Following several delays and postponements, due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced earlier this week that full implementation of the 2005 REAL ID Act would begin on May 7 at TSA checkpoints nationwide as an additional security and safety measure. BVA members planning to fly to Dallas, Texas, for the Association’s 80th National Convention should be aware that all airline passengers 18 years and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification […]