This Sunday, May 11, is a day to celebrate moms nationwide and in several other parts of the world. First and foremost, don’t forget the day and its importance! For those with mothers still living, this holiday offers opportunities to share heartfelt thoughts and feelings that hopefully extend beyond merely wishing them a Happy Mother’s Day. Some tips for putting these thoughts into words include being specific when mentioning a particular memory or quality you […]

BVA is excited to share an innovative new service from Uber that aims to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments: the Uber Call to Ride option. This initiative is designed to provide a more straightforward and user-friendly way for blind and low vision veterans to access rides without the need to navigate the Uber mobile application. What is the Call to Ride Option? Uber’s Call to Ride option allows users to request a ride […]

There is an easy and impactful way for you to support BVA—by following the organization on Facebook! When you follow the page, or “like” the BVA Facebook posts, or engage with the content through comments, you help BVA expand its reach and connect with more veterans in need. Why is this so important? Many of the approximately 1.2 million veterans who live with low vision may not be aware of the resources and assistance available […]

As Military Appreciation Month, May is host to several military holidays and observances in the United States and overseas. Just as BVA’s founding goes back 80 years to reflect the end of World War II, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day, should also be recognized for doing the same. Others include Military Spouses Appreciation Day, Children of Fallen Patriots Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. BVA Happenings will recognize […]

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 […]