What would likely be a cover photo and feature story in The Bulletin today was but a small photo of less than a quarter page and a brief caption in the issue of August 1954. The caption outlined a brief visit of Helen Keller with BVA pioneer and World War II blinded veteran David Schnair, who, for the better part of four decades, served in BVA leadership roles and managed the BVA New York City […]
BVA has received periodic updates this week from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that confirm active monitoring and responses to the various consequences of Hurricane Helene. The focus is ensuring the maintenance of critical operations and safety for veterans and VA employees. Despite its proximity to the center of the greatest damage and number of casualties, the Asheville, North Carolina, VA Medical Center remained open and was functioning as a hub for coordinated outreach […]
Earlier this week, VA uploaded a new webpage dedicated to families who have lost a loved one to suicide. The information presented includes access to health resources, burial and memorial services, and benefits information. After losing a loved one to suicide, survivors inevitably struggle to cope and deal with what comes next. VA offers survivors help during this profoundly difficult time. While each person has a unique grief experience, survivors should know that they are […]
In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance continues today but includes the entire family, now officially designated as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by proclamation of President Barack Obama in 2011 to honor parents and families of service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of their country. The 2024 observance is this Sunday, September 29. The Gold Star is the […]
In the newest episode, BVA’s bi-monthly podcast series “Visions of BVA” features “Empowering Veterans: The Impact of BVA’s Ambassador Program.” The episode will be released on Tuesday, October 1. Host Steve Baskis sits with BVA National Program Coordinator Vernon Humphrey to explore how BVA Ambassadors make a difference every day as they connect blind and low vision veterans to the crucial VA services and benefits that bring resilience and eventually change lives! Vernon reveals personal […]
VA last week announced several new initiatives in its overriding and ongoing quest to eliminate veteran suicide. In addition to $52.5 million in grants to 85 organizations that serve veterans in underserved geographical areas and populations of 41 different states, suicide prevention efforts will now include free emergency suicide prevention care to all veterans regardless of enrollment status. Help to veterans in urgent need of help will also include streamlining access to the Veterans Crisis […]
The 39th National Disabled Veteran’s Golf Clinic was held in Riverside, Iowa, September 8-13, 2024. The clinic unites veterans of all ages, disabilities, and branches of services. It is designed to challenge participants physically, mentally, and emotionally by offering a variety of adaptive sports and healthy food preparation classes. BVA National Administrative Coordinator Michaun Harrison, also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, offers her perspective of this historically popular event: We enjoyed not only adaptive golf […]
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter after Congress passed a resolution designating the third Friday in September as a special day of remembrance. The actions responded to the push for full accountability on the part of the families of more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs at the time. The National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag symbolizes the U.S. resolve to never forget Prisoners of War […]
Earlier this week, BVA National Executive Director Donald D. Overton, Jr. joined four members of Congress and other proponents of the bipartisan Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act in expressing support for the pending legislation. The House bill, H.R. 9525, requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants in the amount of $10 million annually to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans. S. 2067, […]
Just as older veterans are redefining what it means to live as a senior citizen, VA, since 2021, has been reconstructing the landscape of health care for the nation’s veteran population. The future of health care requires bold approaches that truly value older veterans, consider their wishes, address their unique needs, and provide them with the best care possible. VA’s concern for older veterans has motivated the Department’s Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care to […]
