BVA members who have recently demonstrated interest in adaptive and recreational rehabilitative sports will be pleased to learn of VA’s announcement last week to award $15.9 million in grants to fund such activities. An October 1 news release revealed the awarding of the funds, which will go toward adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities. The grants will be awarded to 91 national, regional, and community-based programs […]

Three weeks ago, the Northern Hemisphere welcomed both Autumn and Fall. Both words refer, in general, to the more moderate season that follows the heat of the summer and preceeds the cold of winter. Although the terminology is used interchangeably now, such has not always been the case. There was a difference in their original meanings. “Fall” is about leaves descending from trees. The term originated in the 1600s as a shorter way to say […]

Observance of Columbus Day in the United States began in 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 to be a holiday to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus on the American continent, recorded on that day in 1492. The holiday came about as a result of intense lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic fraternal organization. Since 1971, the holiday has been observed on the second Monday in October Indigenous People’s […]

Happy 249th Birthday, United States Navy and a shoutout to Navy veterans of BVA! Although the more majestic milestone of 250 (Semi-Quin Centennial, half of 500) arrives one year from now, the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command is not about to let the 249th pass by unnoticed! With the theme “Warfighting Strength and Readiness, this year’s commemoration will highlight, with a celebratory and commemorative tone, the Navy’s focus through a warfighting lens to deliver […]

U.S. Navy World War II veteran Eugene “Gene” J. Baltes, a member of the Illinois Regional Group, was already the oldest known living male in the United States following the passing of 110-year-old Vincent Dransfield of New Jersey this past June. Later this month, Gene will celebrate with family, friends, and a few fellow veterans his own milestone of 110 years. A resident of River Forest, Illinois, Gene began his military career voluntarily in November […]

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 […]