Blind Rehabilitation Service (BRS) of the Bay Pines, Florida, VA Health Care System recently distributed valuable information in its Spring 2025 newsletter about diet and maximizing eye health. The focus was on the content of Vitamin A, C, and E in food and how each type of vitamin can impact remaining sight. Vitamin A, for example, is an essential, trusted source for good vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the […]

April is National Financial Literacy Month, an opportunity to review and upgrade our financial smarts in the quest to build wealth or release ourselves from excessive debts or financial obligations. Ironically, National Financial Literacy Month is here as we face what is, at least for some, the ominous federal income tax filing deadline of April 15. Although financial literacy is especially important for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, its relevance extends to veterans […]

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 29, is the eighth anniversary of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed into law during the first Trump Administration. The recent legislation designates each March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. To our now thousands of BVA members who served during the Vietnam War era, the National Board of Directors and National Headquarters once again offer a much belated but sincere “Welcome Home” and “Thank You for Your […]

The BVA National Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Vernon F. Humphrey, PhD, as the Association’s 17th National Executive Director. Vernon’s new assignment is effective immediately. Vernon became active in BVA after enrolling in the Ambassador training course. During the intensive training in 2021, he learned more about the organization, which “lit a fire in him” to participate at a much higher level. He attended his first national convention in August 2022 in […]

Colorectal cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers among veterans, and early detection can save lives. As part of its commitment to supporting veterans’ health, VA’s Veterans Health Administration hopes that every veteran knows about VA’s mailed FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) Program—a convenient way to get screened without needing to visit a VA facility. Each month, more than 25,000 eligible veterans receive a FIT in the mail. It’s a simple, at-home screening process that […]

BVA reported two years ago on an enhanced transportation benefit for disabled veterans. Based on a handful of recent inquiries, many new Association members, and more readers of BVA Happenings than ever before, the topic deserves to be revisited and reemphasized. Prior to early 2023, VA offered a one-time, single-use automobile grant to those who needed to buy a specially adapted vehicle outright, but this all changed with the passage of the Advancing Uniform Transportation […]

Celebrated annually in March, Women’s History Month is a time to commemorate and celebrate the contributions of women to culture, society, and the advances of civilization, recognizing their work on behalf of causes such as BVA. The Association’s members and their families need look no further than Elizabeth “Liz” Carr, a blinded veteran from Glen Oaks, New York, for a model of dedication, grace, and professionalism as she worked in support of her fellow veterans. […]

On March 15-17, 1919, more than a thousand war-weary members of the American Expeditionary Forces gathered in Paris for a “morale conference.” The Paris Caucus would lead to the creation of what would become The American Legion, a national organization that would advocate for veterans and service members of all branches of the military for more than a century. BVA congratulates the American Legion on this milestone accomplishment. The Legion, as it became known, was […]

VA and the Veterans Day National Committee, the latter of which BVA is a longstanding member, are now accepting entries for the 2025 Veterans Day Poster Contest. The competition, conducted annually and open to all, is an opportunity for seasoned or budding artists to use their creative talents to honor veterans. Art should reflect this year’s theme, “Service to our Nation.” All submissions are due by 11:59pm Eastern Time on May 2, 2025. To ensure […]

Rosie the Riveter Day, approved for observance by the United States Senate in 2017, honors the women who became the driving force behind the wartime production lines in factories and shipyards during World War II. Now observed on March 21, the day recognizes their contributions to the war effort and the impact they had on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Behind the Senate action was a two-fold desire to encourage Americans to recognize and honor […]