BVA Executive Director and Army veteran Don Overton, Tennessee Regional Group Secretary/Treasurer and Navy veteran Calvin Poole, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Group President and Army veteran Michaun Harrison appeared on last Sunday’s Operation Confidence “America’s Invisible Heroes” Talk Show, available now as a podcast on YouTube. The three together used the balance of the program to promote BVA’s mission, programs, and current initiatives. They also discussed the BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) and other opportunities to volunteer and […]

Dive into the opportunities offered by BVA’s Kathern F. Gruber Scholarships – a chance like no other for spouses, dependent children, and grandchildren of blind and low vision veterans seeking support for their higher education tuition. Five awards valued at $2,000 each are available for the 2024-25 academic year. The scholarships are a valuable resource for your family’s educational aspirations.  The application process is straightforward with applicants evaluated on merit by a select committee. Although […]

This weekend and on into next Monday’s federal holiday, the leadership, staff, and membership of the Blinded Veterans Association will pause to reflect on the humanitarian service and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would be his 95th birthday.  As the country honors the memory of this renowned civil rights leader, we recognize one of Dr. King’s oft quoted statements that “anyone can be great, because anyone can serve … and all […]

BVA’s regional group chaplains, either elected or appointed, are invited to attend an hour-long multi-faith group meeting via Zoom on Thursday, January 11, at 11:00am Eastern Time under the direction of National Chaplain Kennith Harvey.  Those present in the virtual meeting will discuss how BVA members can reach out to their fellow veterans. They will also draw on previous discussions regarding spiritual outreach and the means for supporting and maintaining religion as a visible component […]

New to BVA Happenings in 2024 starting today, the Ambassadog Scoop Series features guide dogs that have become significant in the lives of Association members and their families. The series offers news, tips, and guidance for dog handlers and others who spend time in the company of guide dogs. First up in the series is Donald of Fort Myers, Florida, serving BVA Director of Member Relations Teresa Galgano or, in his case, “My Veteran” or simply Mom. […]

Women Veterans Group (WVG) Chair Yoneka Trent has announced that the regularly scheduled monthly WVG meeting via Zoom on the fourth Thursday will go on as scheduled next week. All women BVA members are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the December 28 meeting at 6:00pm Eastern Time. Participation in past WVG meetings or activities is not a prerequisite for attendance. Joining information and a direct Zoom link can be found below. The Blinded Veterans […]

The Veterans Health Administration has announced an update to Beneficiary Travel (BT) reimbursements for eligible veterans. Effective mid-January 2024, BT payments will transition from paper checks to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you already receive other VA benefits electronically, your BT payments will automatically switch to EFT. Information can otherwise be updated by calling 1-800-827-1000 or visiting https://va.gov/change-direct-deposit.   This shift ensures timely and secure BT reimbursements for our fellow blind and low vision veterans. […]

The first edition of the long anticipated BVA Store is now a reality here! The official link to the items is https://supplyroom.com/bva/. As the Association works with the new vendor, The Supply Room, the items available will expand. For now, there are a few items ready for purchase during the holiday season. A portion of each sale is donated back to BVA. If you have problems of any kind on the site, you can also […]