Blinded World War II veteran Eugene (Gene) J. Baltes, a member of the Illinois Regional Group, died this past weekend (December 28-29) at his home in River Forest, Illinois. At age 110, Gene had been the oldest living male on record residing in the United States since last June. BVA offers deepest condolences to Gene’s wife, Zenaida (Zenny), and his entire family. Gene’s vibrant personality as well as his age had recently endeared himself to […]

Leaders and members of the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group are off and running in early 2025 with the gift of two Braille Tactile U.S. Flags this Saturday to the Friends of Jefferson Parish Eastbank Public Library in Metairie, Louisiana. A presentation of the flags will consist of a 2:00pm dedication ceremony at the library that will include one cast in bronze and another in polymer. The flags feature a three-dimensional design with the Pledge of Allegiance […]

Louis Braille was born in France on January 4, 1809, 216 years ago as of tomorrow. Although more than two centuries had passed at the time, the United Nations in 2019 adopted World Braille Day to emphasize the importance of Braille in promoting accessibility, independence, and dignity for people with visual impairments. The annual observance on January 4 highlights the global need for inclusive education, communication tools, and policies that uphold the rights of visually […]

I hope that the holiday season has been a most enjoyable and pleasant one for our BVA members and their families. This same hope extends to our many friends, supporters, and other readers of BVA Happenings. On behalf of our entire National Headquarters staff, I wish you a happy and prosperous 2025. Although we live in trying times, there is much to look forward to in 2025 as we serve one another in our individual […]

Last week’s BVA Happenings referenced this week’s 5th anniversary of the U.S. Space Force, established on December 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law with bipartisan support. The action created the first new branch of the armed services in 73 years in response to widespread recognition that Space was a national security imperative. The service’s motto, “Semper supra,” Latin for “Always above,” is a phrase that encapsulates the Space Force’s […]

For veterans with sight loss, the end of the calendar year can also present unique problems and challenges. Although bright decorations, crowded gatherings, and busy environments can make people look happy, sometimes they feel awkward or are lonely and suffering inside. Festivities and feelings associated with the various holiday season celebrations can be joyful, warm, and filled with opportunities to connect with families and friends. Thoughtful planning can often turn awkward social situations into positives. […]

The Louisiana/Mississippi BVA Regional Group, Inc. held its annual holiday social event last Saturday (December 14) at Noah’s Café in Lafayette, Louisiana. More than 30 BVA members and friends enjoyed the hospitality of Noah’s Café—hospitality that included a delicious gumbo, potato salad, and various appetizers and desserts supplied by BVA members. The group reported an afternoon spent renewing old friendships, creating new ones, and sharing ideas for the next regional group get-together, very possibly a […]

Thanks to BVA’s recent advocacy efforts and additional support from at least six other Veterans Service Organizations, a bipartisan bill has been reintroduced to provide veterans with service-connected disabilities such as blindness with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s Pre-Check program. The legislation, The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act, will make TSA PreCheck benefits available at no cost. The benefits allow flying and passing through airport security checkpoints much simpler and […]

Recognizing the connection between financial stability and mental well-being, VA recently launched the National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET), a comprehensive online repository created with support from the VA Office of Suicide Prevention.  FINVET helps mitigate suicide risk by connecting veterans to trustworthy financial tools and advice, information, videos, calculators, and worksheets. Following military service, most veterans are motivated to work toward financial success. Because they are relocated throughout the country, however, locating the needed […]

Tomorrow, December 14, is National Wreaths Across America Day. Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” at more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad. A nonprofit organization in its own right, Wreaths Across America has a short but storied history since its official beginning in 2007. Since then, its popularity has multiplied exponentially with the involvement of individuals and […]