This week, BVA Executive Director Dr. Vernon Humphrey and Legislative Director Lea Rowe participated in this year’s Meta (formerly Facebook) Connect event by virtue of the Association’s interest in Ray-Ban Meta Glasses that support blind and low vision veterans. BVA is developing a guide to teach veterans how to use AI Glasses to help with daily living and to navigate the world with greater autonomy, confidence, and connection, complementing other skills learned at Department of […]

As tropical storm/hurricane season begins, VA is concerned that veterans prepare themselves to accomplish whatever is necessary to deal with such a storm. Facing the onset of a natural disaster as weather reports are released can bring some of the most stressful moments imaginable. With adequate preparation in the areas of evacuation plans, emergency supply kits that include prescription medications, and plans for pets can alleviate that stress in the short run. Other long-range concerns […]

Patriot Day events took place yesterday at more than 60 VA national cemeteries to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. The effort was consistent with Public Law 107-89, which encourages all Americans to do the same each year on that same date. Patriot Day is a national day of remembrance honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001, as well as the countless first responders and service […]

Findings released in October 2024 from a valuation study conducted by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Otsuka), revealed that if family caregiving was a business entity, it would be the largest revenue-generating company in the world, exceeding the revenue of Apple, Amazon, and Walmart. Estimates suggest that there are 44.58 million caregivers in the United States performing the equivalent of an estimated $873.5 billion worth of labor […]

In the newest episode of Visions of BVA, the Association’s monthly podcast, program host Steve Baskis and guests Tina Lemus and Celiann Gonzalez reflect on a Team River Runner (TRR) experience near Grand Junction, Colorado, in mid-August. Paddling with Purpose: Blind Veterans and Team River Runner went live on September 1. Steve, Tina, and Celiann (TRR staff and a veteran herself) come together to share personal stories of overcoming fear, building trust, and rediscovering confidence […]

World War II demonstrated how valuable air power was and the need to change the organization of the nation’s military forces. This resulted in the creation of a single Department of Defense with strong Joint Chiefs of Staff with Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs. The National Security Act, signed by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1947, established this new defense organization and the United States Air Force as an independent service, equal […]

BVA members and their families and friends who browse BVA Happenings are likely aware of the scores of entries that have been included regarding VA’s Whole Health initiative 2-3 weeks per month. A vital component of Whole Health is remaining socially connected, even when unique challenges related to sight loss can make sharing a hobby, catching up with a friend, or trying something new a little less comfortable at first. Perhaps even more since the […]

Building on its foundation as a beacon of hope and advocacy for more than 80 years, BVA will resume its efforts to empower the Association’s membership to make a difference in their communities by launching a new virtual Ambassador training class next Tuesday, September 16. Program participants will meet via Zoom on the first three Tuesdays of each month until February 24, 2026, with classes scheduled from 2:00-3:30pm Eastern Time. BVA Ambassadors and Requisite Training […]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has deemed more than three-fourths of all Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) to be worthy of four or five-star ratings as part of the 2025 hospital quality ratings, VA announced last week. More than 90 percent of the rated VAMCs maintained or improved their 2024-star rating. No VAMC received a one-star rating. The ratings are based on five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient […]

Patriot Day, known officially as National Day of Service and Remembrance, will be observed next Thursday, September 11, 2025, just as it has been every year since 2001 in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of terrorist attacks on September 11 of that year. Although not a federal holiday, Patriot Day is observed with ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services nationwide. Because Patriot Day has been added to the Flag Holidays […]