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VA Makes Historic Commitments to Hire and Support Military Families

Acting on President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14100, “Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors,” VA signed and became part of the 4+1 Commitment, a partnership between government and private employers developed by Blue Star Families, Hiring Our Heroes, and the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership to hire and support military spouses, who current face an unemployment rate of 21 percent.  The 4+1 Commitment, signed by VA on […]

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Kent Barking It Up over Convention Bow Wow Lounge, Treats for BVA Ambassadogs

Kent, a brown dog with floppy ears, looking at the camera with puppy dog eyes. My tail is wagging with happy excitement about the 2024 Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, in July. Due to “pup-ular” demand, the Bow Wow Lounge, sponsored by Waymo, will be returning. Last year, the lounge served as both a respite and play area for all of us working dogs who were busy guiding our veterans. My dad, Rob, and I spent […]

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Registration Now Open for 79th National Convention

BVA members and their families may now register for the 79th National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. The registration includes all of the BVA-specific activities and meetings that will occur July 7-10, 2024. To begin the registration process, visit the National Convention page here and then locate the Register Now button. Please note that all offsite trips and activities associated with the convention are being coordinated by the American Council of the Blind and will not […]

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BVA Notes Passing of Longtime New Orleans Member

Earl Louis Forstall, Sr., very likely BVA’s longest living member in its 79-year history, passed away on March 6 at the age of 104 as an active, admired, and beloved member of the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group. Born September 23, 1919, Earl was a World War II veteran and lifelong New Orleans resident.  One of seven children, Earl entered the military at age 22 as a Private in the Army Air Corps. As an engine specialist […]

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Next Week’s VetTech: Vispero’s Desktop Magnifiers

Join BVA’s VetTech team this Wednesday, March 13, at 2:00pm Eastern Time, for our Weekly Wednesday Webinar. We will welcome Vispero’s Liz Whitaker, the company’s Product Manager for User Education and Outreach, and James Bailey, Sales Director for Vispero’s Southeast Region. The two will present and discuss Vispero’s wide variety of desktop magnifiers, ranging from the Onyx and Rub to the Freedom Scientific ZoomText and Open Book. On Thursday, March 14, also at 2:00pm, join […]

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G.I. Bill Capabilities Transitioning to Single Digital Platform

To help prevent improper payments and fraud that can harm veterans, and to help ensure that VA can provide payments on time and without error, VA will no longer permit benefit payments going to more than one bank account after April 20, 2024. G.I. Bill capabilities will be consolidated into a single digital platform, simplifying user processes, and eliminating the need to navigate multiple systems. The change will improve access to benefits, claims processing, and […]

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Ambassadog for March: Presenting Kent

Kent, a brown dog with floppy ears, looking at the camera with puppy dog eyes. My name is Kent and I have been working with my veteran, Rob Sanchas from Rhode Island, since June of 2023. I refer to Rob as my dad, two-legged feeder, and my poop picker-upper.  I was born in Smithtown, New York, on October 20, 2021. I have lived in New York City, Georgia, and Boston during my puppy-raising time. I […]

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BVA Earns Three-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator Three Star logo. We are excited to share some news! BVA has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Three-Star Rating!  Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.  This milestone achievement for BVA couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support help us make a […]

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BVA Joins VA in Honoring Native American Women during Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. This year, the VA Office of Women’s Health honors Native American women veterans. VA recognizes the impact that women’s advocacy, contributions, and sacrifices have made on U.S. military history and what they now accomplish as veterans. Native American women veterans have had an exemplary tradition of military service for more than 200 years, overcoming adversity and serving at a higher rate compared to any other demographic, demonstrating dedication to our […]

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K-9 Veterans Day: Recognizing Our Guide Dogs

K-9 Veterans Day is celebrated this Wednesday, March 13. On this day, K-9 breeders and handlers honor the service of their furry companions. K-9s serve vital roles in the military and law enforcement. They get embedded in border patrol and customs, airports, the Coast Guard, the FBI, the police, and even the Secret Service. More important perhaps to BVA members, especially those who have had a guide dog, this special day also recognizes other service […]